4 minute read
The Seven-P’s
If you ever spent time in the military (or in corporate America, for that matter) you’ve probably heard of the “Seven P’s” – an anacronym that is often used to talk about the importance of preparation and setting yourself up for success. “Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance” – a concept that absolutely applies to travel, destination angling, and equipment preparation. Whether you are an anadromous fish disciple swinging flies for steelhead, a saltwater junkie chasing tarpon, or an adventurous angler looking to tangle with your first trevally, showing up with the right gear and flies is a big part of any trip. Planning and preparing – ahead of time – by ensuring you have the proper equipment is paramount to a successful adventure. Below, we have outlined a few thoughts and suggestions to better prepare when traveling (and fishing) the world. Plan for the Worst, Pray for the Best
You don’t have to be fishing for huge animals to break a rod or reel. An encounter with structure, a wrong step in the boat, or a momentary lapse of reason can all lead to broken gear. While chances are you won’t need that back-up rod, bringing along extra “emergency” equipment keeps you in the game in the event of misfortune. This is especially applicable in remote locations with little-to-no access to tackle. Always have a “Plan B” when it comes to tackle and gear.
Pick Up a New Fly Line
Starting your trip with a clean and fresh fly line is like slipping into clean sheets at night. In the words of our favorite angler from Kazakhstan, “It’s VERRRRRYYYY NIIIICE.” Showing up with dirty, old, or cracked fly lines (or even worse, with the wrong line altogether) can quickly sour a trip. While you may be able to power through and still launch a sub-standard line, we can’t emphasize enough how much a new line can improve casting and presentation. Fresh leaders and new tippet spools can also mean the difference between a fish brought to hand and sad stories over dinner.
Pre-Trip Materials
It’s imperative that you read and study the pre-trip information and documents prior to your departure. This will ensure that you know what to bring, how to pack, where to go, who will meet you, what to do if you’re delayed ... you get the picture. There is a reason that Yellow Dog provides such detailed travel information, and all materials have been researched and written to be as helpful and relevant as possible. It can be all-too-common for anglers to arrive in a far-off destination unprepared and looking for something they forgot to pack because they failed to read their pre-trip documents.
Polarized Lenses
Packing a couple of pairs of polarized lenses (including a highquality back-up pair) is almost as important as your passport and plane ticket. While that might sound like hyperbole, traveling to a far-off location to fish means very little if you cannot see the fish. Additionally, glare reduction from high-quality polarized lenses can mean safer wading as anglers can actually see underwater structures or potentially dangerous wildlife.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Many saltwater destinations require a quality pair of safe, protective wading boots. Coral, sea urchin spines, and other sharp and nasty objects are a factor on the flats, so footwear that features hard, rigid soles is a must. If you’re heading to a freshwater location, the right pair of wading boots (with the right sole) can also make a difference with traction while wading. And whether you’re in fresh or saltwater, long days of walking and wading mean you need to take care of your feet. (Again … just like the Army.)
Prepare for the Sun
A severe sunburn is the quickest way to ruin a trip – or at the very least, generate ridicule at the lodge bar in the evening. Whether traveling to tropical climates or more polarly latitudes, the sun is always a factor. Good sunscreen, the right clothing, and proper hydration are all key for a successful week of fishing. Always choose function over fashion, and bring long-sleeved fishing shirts, pants, sun gloves, a proper hat, and sun Buffs or hoody-style sun shirts.
(Water)Proof It
No matter where you travel to fish, one constant will always be water. If you’re headed to a comfortable, all-inclusive lodge, at the very least we recommend a waterproof backpack to hold your essentials and to serve as your go-to bag for each day on the water. If you’re traveling to more adventurous and rugged locations, however, then actual waterproof luggage can be key, as you’ll want to protect your belongings and ensure that clothes and other important equipment remain dry. Wet boat rides, luggage piled in a driving rainstorm on the tarmac, open-bed transfer vehicles … think about where you’re headed.
