Going on a fishing vacation with friends or family members can be a great bonding experience. You can relax while spending time on the water and share tricks for reeling in a prized catch. Here are a few tips to make the trip a memorable success.

How to Plan a Great Fishing Vacation

1. Choose Location Carefully

If you choose a fishing spot in a remote location, make sure there is an accessible path for other people to get their vehicles to and from the body of water safely. To ensure everyone remains comfortable overnight, there should also be campgrounds nearby where you can set up tents or park RVs. Showers and bathrooms should be available onsite for convenience, too. 

2. Consider What Type of Fish You Want to Catch

Each person in your group might have their sights set on targeting a specific fish species, so ask each person what they want to catch on the excursion. 

You can use the answers to decide what body of water to fish in and what supplies to bring. For example, largemouth bass swim in the brackish water found in estuaries, which are the points where freshwater and seawater meet. Crappie, trout, and catfish often reside in the rushing waters of rivers and streams.

3. Hire a Local Expert

Getting guidance from an expert fisherman who knows the local area will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. The individual will be familiar with permitting procedures and local regulations, can help inexperienced members of the group bait the hooks and cast fishing lines, and help find areas of fish activity based on the weather conditions and other factors. You can look for fishing charter services online or call local bait and tackle shops for suggestions.

For fishing gear for your upcoming vacation, visit family-owned J&M Tackle in Orange Beach, AL. Located on a sprawling five acres, the tackle shop has been a leading source in the Southeast region for fishing rods and reels, live and frozen bait, clothing, and additional goods since 1988. Shop their fishing equipment online, or call (251) 981-5460 to speak with a team member.