Planning a fly-fishing trip can be a very daunting task, but with the right tools and a few tips in the blog you will be well on your way to a successful trip. I will use my recent trip to New Orleans (NOLA) as an example for all you home bodies afraid to leave the comfort of your favorite fishing hole.
SPECIES
When I begin planning a trip, I like to first decide on the species of fish I want to target. In this case I wanted to target Red drum (aka Red fish). This will aid in narrowing down the location search for where these beautiful creatures inhabit.
Once the species has been selected, I learn everything known to man on the fish along with common tactics used to target them. This can include scouring google, local knowledge on Instagram, videos, blogs, etc.…This will help you in a few ways to include the necessary gear you will need to target the species you’re after and further narrow your search once you are on the water.
LOCATION
For my trip, I spent a ton of time on google maps. Google maps is the best tool for anyone looking for new water and doesn’t have the ability to scout on site. Often times, I will read an article or watch a video that will give me a starting point on maps. On my recent trip, I found a marina about 40 minutes outside New Orleans where I planned to launch the fly craft. This would provide me a quick trip to plenty of skinny water (aka marsh) to chase these elusive Reds.
EQUIPMENT
Once my location was pinned, I began to prep my equipment. Again, doing research online will give insight to what would be an ideal setup for the fish you intend to chase. Does that mean you have to go out and buy a brand-new setup? Unfortunately, it might. Really the only way I can help emphasize this is don’t bring a knife to a gun fight. If you already have something that will suffice for the fish you are chasing, lucky you. If not, see what options you have as far as buying a new setup, booking a guide instead, or postponing your trip unit you have the right gear.
When it comes to fishing, I am patient and inpatient at the same time. I decided to roll the dice and hit the water with what I had. DIY style.
For my trip, I found that an 8wt or 9wt flyrod would be the weapon of choice when going to battle with these fish. However, due to some logistical problems, my new salt water setup wasn’t going to arrive in time. The result being a under gunned 6wt setup that got the call. I elected to build my own saltwater leader using MAXIMA Ultragreen mono. The setup looked something like 40lb, 30lb, 20lb, and 15lb as the tippet section. This aids in the turnover of those massive kitten patterns you intend to toss. Rod, check. Leader, check. Now for reds you want a reel that can put the brakes on a fish if needed. Red fish will typically beat you with their strength vs speed but a solid drag on a large arbor reel will only improve your chances. Again, my new setup wasn’t coming for this trip (poor planning on my end) so I had to settle for the reel on my 6wt. For line, a good all-around floating line with an aggressive front taper will be good. This will allow you to turn over the bushy and likely heavy flies and also give you some leverage when the word we don’t speak of almost blows you off the casting platform.
Flies was another crucial aspect to my success. I had never fished for a saltwater species. I did my homework and selected some go to patterns for Red fish. Crabs, mullet, bait fish imitations loaded in the streamer box and I was ready to roll…
**Regardless of your skill level, all of the information I just talked about can be found online. Don’t let the lack of knowledge stop you from targeting new species or fishing new water.
Packing and weather
Weather is a huge factor for your trip. Monitor the 10-day forecast like you would your Instagram feed after the post of a lifetime. The weather will determine a lot of factors to include the packing list, location of fish, safety considerations, etc...
The forecast projected a ton of rain in and around New Orleans. I packed accordingly and adjusted my plan of attack knowing the storm was going to result in an increase of 1-2’ water in the marsh.
Most guide services in the area you will be fishing have a packing list or must have items located on their website for specific times of year. Don’t re-create the wheel. Work smarter not harder. Just like you double check your knots before you cast to a rising brown trout. I encourage you to do the same for your gear.
You have now decided on a species, location, and equipment.
As for travel, that is on you. Just be smart and plan ahead.
I followed these steps, loaded up the 4 Runner and headed for NOLA!