The Pros and Cons of Hosted Trips

Hosted Trips: Are They Right for You?

Anglers interested in traveling to new destinations often ask us, “Why go on a hosted trip?” Each year our team hosts groups of clients all around the globe – from faraway atolls in the Indian Ocean, to the Amazonian jungle, to remote rivers in South America. Traveling to these destinations is of course possible without a trip host and intact group, but there are a few factors to consider when determining if a hosted week is the best option for you.

•Before anglers around the world had access to the internet, many relied upon the information, experience, and guidance of trip hosts to introduce them to new locations. One major benefit to traveling with a legitimate and experienced trip host is the insight, fishing knowledge, and direction they provide when exploring new fisheries. Often, hosts are well-versed in the destination, know the guides, and understand the nuances of the fishery: all elements that can increase an angler’s success rate and the overall enjoyment of the experience.

•Pre-trip planning and prep is an entire process that some revel in while others despise. Trip hosts are a great resource pre-trip when it comes to ensuring your gear, travel documents, trip insurance, and itinerary are all in order prior to departure. Showing up to a destination without everything you need can quickly sour a fishing expedition, and a good host will work hard to ensure you are prepared and in the game.

•Hosted trips bring like-minded people together in an intact group, often resulting in new friendships and fishing relationships that can continue well into the future. In general, many of our clients enjoy traveling together as they tend to share interests, travel styles, and fishing abilities. Sometimes single anglers are eager to travel and fish new waters, but finding a companion to join them or step up for a big trip can be difficult. A hosted trip alleviates that issue.

•A final added benefit is the representation the trip host provides when working with the lodge, guides, or during the travel process. If you have any on-location issues or concerns regarding your fishing or lodge experience, the host can often facilitate a fix or immediately improve the situation.

With all of these benefits both obvious and acknowledged, however, we understand that hosted trips may not be for everyone. First, it is wise to speak with the host or program director about the other guests. Are they a wild and rambunctious bunch who might swap fish stories well into the night while you prefer a quiet evening in the room? Is the group made up of other single anglers, or are you joining a larger group of friends or family? Making sure you end up with the right group of anglers is paramount to ensuring a great experience on and off the water.

There can also be issues when it comes to dates, as many hosted weeks are sometimes planned years in advance. While the dates are usually firm, hosted weeks are almost always announced well in advance, giving anglers plenty of time to plan accordingly. And finally, it makes sense to research and ask questions about the actual host. Some trip hosts outside of the Yellow Dog brand utilize client groups as a means of earning a free fishing trip or generating opportunities for self-promotion. A legitimate trip host should be 100% focused on making your trip better, and they should always be available to answer questions, assist you in travel planning, and do what it takes to set you up for success. Yellow Dog has developed a reputation for making sure each and every client we host receives a personalized and well-rounded trip experience – from the very beginning of the booking process to the final cast of the trip.

Yellow Dog regularly organizes and announces new hosted trips with an eye for variety and new adventures. We genuinely feel that with our experienced and personable team – and decades of traveling the world – there is no one better suited in fly fishing travel to share an adventure with.