Tips From World Travelers for Preparing for a Successful Fly Fishing Trip

There is no hard-fast rule on how to best prepare for your fly fishing trip, but there are some recommendations based on experience. We asked three of the most experienced travelers on the Yellow Dog Team a series of questions -- Jim Klug, Ian Davis, and Ambassador Jeff Currier -- their processes for ensuring they are dialed in for their trip, prepared to overcome potential hiccups, airport ready, and fully focused on the fishing ahead. Between them, they have multiple millions of air miles, and have fished just about anywhere fish are found. 

 

How far out do you start preparing for and acquiring gear for a week or more of fly fishing abroad?

Jim Klug: "That depends on the destination, but I try and keep my “kit” organized and ready to go on short notice. I actually have a gear room where everything is staged and organized, which allows me to pack and prep for a trip fairly quickly. I am a huge believer in packing lists, so if I am headed out on a trip for Argentina, Christmas Island, or wherever the next adventure is, I simply go down the list and pull everything I need or want to bring.

Once I have everything “stage” in a pile (clothing, rods, flies, all terminal tackle, personal items, etc.) I then pack everything in the most compact and efficient way possible. I usually go with one or two Patagonia Black Hole duffel bags, and one bag is large enough (100L or 110L) to allow me to pack and check rods and reels in a secure manner. No matter where you’re headed, the key is having your gear organized and ready to go at a moment’s notice. I have had opportunities to head out on a trip with literally one or two days’ notice, and if I have my gear ready to go and organized, I can knock out the entire packing process – from A to Z – in less than two hours."

Ian Davis: "Personally, I start my initial planning 18 months prior to potential trip dates. When considering a trip where focusing on a specific saltwater species I focus on the location, destination options, season, tides, moon phase, and guides. While I cannot control the weather I can increase opportunities with tides and moon phase which differ for specific species and locations.

Of course nothing is set in stone but from past experiences I can hedge the odds in my favor. For freshwater destinations, the seasons in relation to how the water moves through the system is my main focus when planning a trip. Whether Bolivia, Alaska, or Chile I’m tracking when and the quantity of moisture entering the system, such as how the snowpack in Montana affects the timing of insect activity and different angling techniques throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Once I have confirmed my trip dates and paid my deposit, the fun begins! Now, I review my applicable gear for this trip and assimilate what new tackle I need. Then I will start gathering fly tying materials, specific tackle and gear and researching the fishery and angling techniques used my past anglers. There is a lot of information on the internet, which a lot of it is dated and presented in a slow, dry manner. So, I tend to seek more recent info and from reliable sources from those who actually revisit destinations on a regular basis. I make sure I have everything I need at least a few months prior to the trip dates and then pack a few weeks out. I had a situation years ago when I had a family emergency and was always from home for a few weeks and had to have my luggage shipped to me for a trip to maximize time and cost of flights."

Jeff Currier: "When I have the good fortune of knowing about upcoming travels far in advance, I usually start preparing about six months ahead. I don’t go overboard and start packing all my things but for certain things its essential to start making sure you’re ready. First and foremost, check the passport. Make sure it’s not expiring within six months after your trip takes place. See if you need a VISA. VISA’s are in a sense, a permission slip from the country your visiting. Not all countries require this but some do and acquiring them can take time. Last, see if you need any special inoculations. For instance in Gabon, you are required to show proof that you have immunization for Yellow Fever."

What are some non-fishing items you DO NOT leave home without when traveling?

Jim Klug: "I always have a good first aid kit and any and all medications and antibiotics I may need for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. This always varies depending on the destination, but I never leave home without first aid supplies.

Other key items for me for all international trips include my sat phone, a good headlamp, plenty of emergency cash (smaller bills and always NEW bills), snacks, a good utility tool, a waterproof backpack, and what I call my “eventually kit”, which is basically a small repair kit full of odds and ends to deal with equipment issues or problems. We actually have some articles and videos about creating your own eventuality kit, and this is something I highly recommend for all fishing travel!"

Ian Davis: "I always like to have some basic writing and drawing tools. A clip on polarizing filter for my iPhone, underwater housing for iPhone, waterproof speaker, a deck of cards, tablet loaded with books and entertainment for travel delays, extra flip flops for warm weather destinations, charging bank, extra charging cords, extra power converters, non melting snacks like beef jerky, hydration tablets, medical kit, rod and reel repair kit, wader patch kit, duct tape, small coil of bailing wire, roll of screen repair tape where there are biting bugs, waterproof matches, Global Rescue card with name and my number displayed

On my carry on waterproof boat bag, extra prescription meds apart from planned out meds for the trip, copies of passport and all travel docs, gifts for locals or guides, and always extra cash."

Jeff Currier: "Non-fishing items I don’t leave home without are phone and charging cord and my laptop computer. I also have meds such as all the basics from Advil, Pepto to allergy pills, band aids, my asthma inhaler etc, but also antibiotics for any bacteria illness I may face. And it never hurts to have emergency cash, small notebook with handwritten important phone numbers and info relevant to my trip, Leatherman Tool, Duct Tape, energy bars, nuts and chocolate."

A week of fishing can be taxing, especially when fishing on foot. How do you recommend traveling anglers prepare to have the best experience possible?

Jim Klug: "Prep work before a trip always pays off when you’re in the field. If you’re headed to a destination where hiking is a factor, then be sure that you get out before the trip and prepare your legs and feet for covering ground! Hike and exercise a bit before you arrive in country. Also, always break in new boots or shoes well ahead of time. The most important thing to prep for however, is casting. Practice before your trip so you’re ready and in the game the moment you arrive! The number one piece of advice for improving any trip is to practice your casting before the trip begins!"

Ian Davis: "I have a regiment of weight training that mimics my casting stroke and fish fighting movements. I do this with both arms. This is important for destinations where you will be prospecting or blind casting, like Bolivia or Alaska. Then I always wear a tennis elbow strap if I know I will be casting big rods and landing powerful fish all day. When tennis elbow sets in, it is too late for ice and ibuprofen.

Always be in shape for any hardcore fishing destination. This will ensure you get the most value out of your trip."

Jeff Currier: "I find it essential to be in my best possible physical shape for all trips. For major expeditions I go hardcore starting about three months out. This includes running and biking along with lifting light weights, strengthening body core and sit ups. If for some reason I don’t have time, I do the best I can to make it. Even just walking every day before a trip helps a little.

And when I’m changing time zones – like 10 hours differences – I often start changing my sleep and wake up times gradually a week before departures. And sleep is so important, I take sleeping pills on every trip."

What sort of packing and luggage system works best for you?

Jim Klug: "Soft side duffels for sure. I love the Patagonia Black Hole duffel bags in the 100L and 70L sizes. You may want the Black Hole that has the wheels, but that is always a personal decision. I always pack my rods and reels inside of my checked luggage, as too many countries these days have security rules that prohibit carrying on fishing equipment. I also love packing cubes inside my checked bags – something that allows me to keep my clothing and gear organized and efficient."

Ian Davis: "I like the Simms rolling duffle compartment locker when my bags will not be subjected to outdoor transfers. It has three separate areas for clothing in packing cubes, wet stuff and fishing tackle. Then I compliment it with the Simms rod bag and G3 waterproof roll top backpack.

I much prefer roll top style bags and packs when traveling to remote and off the beaten path destinations because the opening is large, easy to see inside and won’t fail. I have had too many “waterproof” zippers fail in the field. They also are hard to open fully seal. I use my waterproof backpack as a carry on and boat bag."

Jeff Currier: "For my main bag I like soft waterproof duffels such as the YETI Panga’s and the Simms Zipper duffels. If I don’t have weight restrictions and it’s a cushy trip to a lodge, sometimes I’ll use my roller bag for added convenience. But keep in mind, these bags don’t work well if you have small charter plane trips involved or if your bags might sit out in the rain at some point like on most jungle trips.

My carry on is the exact waterproof pack (Again, YETI or Simms) that I’ll keep with me when I’m fishing during the trip. In it for the flight down are my essentials like phone, chargers, computer, snacks, headphones etc."

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For international travel, how far out do you start looking at booking a flight?

Jim Klug: "I usually start looking about 8-10 months out. Be patient, and shop around. If flights are ridiculously expensive, then check back regularly, as prices always fluctuate. There is one school of thought that says that Sunday morning and Wednesday nights are good times to book flights, but the key is routinely checking and then jumping on a fare and itinerary when it looks good. Don’t be afraid to talk with the Yellow Dog on this, as we usually have good advice on routes, timing and rates depending on the final destination."

Ian Davis: "Six months."

Jeff Currier: "I start watching flight prices six months out. I usually pull the trigger four months out."

The dreaded flight delay, or even worse, a cancellation. How do you navigate these issues, and best make use of that time?

Jim Klug: "Allow a little breathing room when you can – especially if you are traveling during “problem” months where storms or weather can be a factor. Cutting things too close can lead to missed flights and way too much stress. If you have the luxury or padding your fishing itinerary with an extra day on the front end, that can for sure make things much more relaxed and much less stressful.

We all know that airline travel can be problematic, and when there are issues, there is usually nothing that can be done. There are some things that we simply do not control! Allow for some extra time and delay buffers whenever possible."

Ian Davis: "If you are traveling to a remote, hard to access destination do your self a favor and add on travel days to the front end. I have seen too many folks miss an upscale Seychelles trip due to a delayed flight from their hometown. The stress alone is brutal. I would rather arrive to the destination like Mahe, Anchorage, or Nassau a few days early than missing the once a week flight. It also helps with jet lag and you will be well rested to fish!

If delayed, relax and be understanding of the situation. Taking it out on an airline employee will get you no where. Delays happen and take a deep breath and be patient. Having a tablet loaded with reading material and entertainment makes it bearable. Expect delays and manage your itinerary accordingly."

Jeff Currier: "I depart from a remote part of the US. For 34 years it was Jackson Hole, WY, now its Duluth, MN. Both locations require at least one extra flight on a smaller jet. If I can spare a day, I always head to my destination a day earlier than required.

This buffer has saved me more times than once! And when I get to my destination a day early, I enjoy the time to see the city where my trip starts. I get extra rest and also get a jump start on adjusting to my new time zone. When all goes wrong and I get stuck at an airport, I break out my laptop and work on my journal, edit photos and sometimes you have internet so I can work. But I rarely flip out. Theres not much you can do!"

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For your future travels, use the guidance and recommendations of three highly-experienced world travelers to give yourself the best chance of a smooth, enjoyable trip process -- from start to finish!

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