Why Is Packing So Complicated?
A bit of Advice
I’m preparing for our annual snowbird trip to Florida and am packing my fishing gear. Every year, I’m amazed by how much work it is.
Part of the challenge is adding the right saltwater gear to my standard freshwater gear. But the real challenge is all the equipment I have accumulated, which makes it impossible to decide what to take. For example, I have two 6-weight Orvis rods. I don’t need to pack both, but how do I choose which to take since I like both?
I appreciate that this is a first-world dilemma. I am not seeking sympathy; I am simply highlighting a problem I believe most fly fishermen face but don’t think too deeply about.
In my case, since I am heading to Florida, the following is important.
Rod Size: In the winter, snook and tarpon can be targeted. I haven’t had any luck catching either, but that is why it is called fishing, not catching. A 9-weight rod is a good all-around choice. Of course, I own an 8-weight and a 10-weight, so I must choose one or the other.
Flies: Cabs, poppers, clouser minnows, or any brightly colored, larger-profile fly make sense. The keys are larger flies in cold water and, ideally, flies that mimic common winter bait (pinfish or shrimp). I have tied a lot of bright-colored clouser minnows, so I am in good shape. But I am packing my fly-tying equipment just in case more are needed.
Line: It is time to pack the 30 - 40-pound weight line and include a bite tippet for the tarpon. I have a spool of 0X and 1X tippet, but I will need to order heavier tippet if I want to target saltwater fish. I’ll also need to buy some heavier leaders to tie the tippet to. Once I get to Florida, I’ll go to Bass Pro Shop or place an Amazon order.
Sorting out what I needed to pack got me thinking about whether you could create a checklist on how to pack for a fly fishing trip. As I thought about it, I realized a surprising number of factors impact what you choose to pack. For example, is it a guided trip? Are you wading or drifting? How many days?
So, I did some online research, and here is a general list of things a consensus of writers feel you should consider taking for any fly fishing trip:
Your rod and reel. If you are not using a Guide, I recommend two rods if you break a tip. Also, make sure your line is in good condition. Depending on where you are going, getting a new line spooled on your reel may not be easy.
Appropriate flies and relevant gear (tippet, leaders).
Fanny pack, sling pack, or backpack.
Net unless you are fishing with a Guide.
If you are wading, you should pack your waders. Then, pull them out and check to ensure they were put away cleanly after the last time you used them.
Wading staff and wading boots if you expect to wade. Appropriate boat shoes if you are drifting with a Guide. I just got a pair of Orvis Pro Approach Shoes. They are going with me for freshwater outings. I have a pair of Flats Booties for saltwater wading,
Packaging a rain jacket, just in case, is always a good idea. Even if you are going to a warm climate, getting soaked can be uncomfortable.
You should bring enough clothing for your length of stay. I used to pack extra shirts for dinner, but I have found that most of my colleagues don’t change for dinner. If you go to a fly fishing resort, you may need clean clothes for dinner.
A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses.
Sunscreen. You might also want to bring gloves if the sun is going to be intense
Insect repellent.
Any medicine you take. I always [pack an extra day in case of a travel snafu.
Your bathroom kit. Make sure it is freshly loaded. I hate a dry shave because I forgot the cream, and I hate shaving with a dull blade.
Phone and ideally a waterproof bag to protect it.
Several buff.
Small flashlight.
A roll of traveling toilet paper. It may sound superfluous, but when you need it, you need it.
The above list may not be 100% complete for whatever trip you are packing for, but I think it will be 80% complete for almost any trip you might consider.
I have been leaning into using the Gude’s equipment if they supply it. Guides usually have the rods/reels ideally rigged for the local water, and it eliminates the variable of your equipment, which may not be the best choice. That hurts me to share since I have a couple of Orvis Helios rods that give me great confidence when casting. But I also remember the advice of my first casting instructor, Mike, who said never to blame the equipment for an angler’s lack of skill in casting. So now I blame the fly selection since my fragile ego can’t face reality.
I hope you are planning a trip. We all need something to look forward to. I also hope the above list is helpful to you. You'll thank me if you take nothing away from this post other than remembering to pack a roll of traveling toilet paper when you need it. Happy hunting and tight lines!