5 TIPS FOR FISHING TRAVEL ON A BUDGET If you’re looking to plan a fishing adventure in the near future, then your options – both saltwater and fresh – are practically endless. From high-end, all-inclusive packages that offer the very best of everything, to scaleddown, fishing focused trips, the pages of this catalog are full of ideas and possibilities. Regardless of where you want to go or what’s on your angling bucket list, however, there are a few things that you can do to stretch your dollars and get the most bang-for-your buck when it comes to planning and booking a trip.
1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK The internet is full of destinations that offer prices that seem “too good to be true” or promise easy do-it-yourself (DIY) fishing trips. While there are in fact some places where you can fish on your own or on the cheap (certain parts of the Bahamas, the Yucatan of the Florida Keys) the vast majority of quality destinations require a guide or a boat to access the best waters and the best fishing. It is important to remember that your TIME is just as valuable as the money you are spending on a trip. If it takes you the first five days of a six-day trip just to figure out where to fish, is it really a great deal? Don’t be fooled by flashy websites and ads that tell you you’re better off on your own. Do your homework and identify the legitimate operations that fit with your trip goals and expectations. The Yellow Dog program directors can also help you identify good options and stay within your budget.
2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOW-SEASON DEALS AND SPECIALS Several destinations and lodge locations offer steep discounts during the off seasons or shoulder seasons. Taking advantage of these booking incentives and seasonal offers can often-times save anywhere from 25%-40% on fishing packages. For example, summer and fall specials are typically offered at many Caribbean destinations from July through early December, when the fishing is still great, but tourist and traffic numbers are down. (Most people like to stay close to home in the summers, while others incorrectly believe that these fisheries are too “hot” during this timeframe.) In many cases rates are reduced only because overall demand decreases, meaning that you can still enjoy productive fishing (and uncrowded flats) while saving a good chunk of money on a trip. Yellow Dog always posts our seasonal deals and special offers on our website, so be sure to investigate and ask about these deals!
3. ARRIVE WITH THE RIGHT GEAR This one seems obvious, but when it comes to getting the very most out of a destination trip and a far-off fishery, having the right gear is crucial. If you’re fishing with a high-end lodge or a full-service,
professional guide, chances are good there will be equipment available if needed, including flies and back-up rods. If you’re fishing on your own or with a budget-focused guide or lodge, the likelihood of finding the right gear and the right flies when you get there is significantly lower. Bring everything that you could possibly need with you and set yourself up for success.
4. JOIN A HOSTED TRIP If you are a single angler or looking to fish a destination that simply does not work for your regular fishing buddies, solo rates can sting. If you’re looking to book a solo trip and avoid the standard singlesupplement fees that cover your own boat and room, consider joining one of Yellow Dog’s hosted trip. Depending on where you want to travel and fish, we offer a great selection and a regular line-up of hosted trips. This is a great way to save money, enjoy the company of fun people, and take advantage of having a host along: someone who knows the area, the guides, the fishing, and the overall operation.
5. PAY ATTTENTION TO LAST-MINUTE OFFERS Are you in a position where you can drop what you’re doing and head out on a trip at a moment’s notice? The ability to take advantage of last-minute openings and cancellations can definitely save you a boat-load of cash. Yellow Dog and our partner lodges regularly receive last-minute cancellations for a variety of reasons. When this happens, we need to “re-sell” or complete the trip booking for only a portion of the regular retail cost. Pay attention to Yellow Dog’s offers and newsletters if you have the ability to travel on short notice! Remember that in the end, the old adage that “you get what you pay for” usually applies to adventure travel and destination fishing. If you’re a young, twenty-something angler who can spend a month camping in the Yucatan and living on summer tips, then what the hell. Go for it, take a flyer and see what happens! If you’re like most people, however, and have to deal with limited vacation and fishing time, consider doing it right and spending the money for a great guide, a legitimate lodge package and a positive overall experience.
info@yellowdogflyfishing.com • www.yellowdogflyfishing.com 91
