6 Tips for Overnight Fishing Trips

Fishing and camping: two passions often combined to create the ultimate weekend getaway. Spending a few hours out on a fishing day trip is one thing, but a smooth ride on an overnight fishing trip requires a bit more planning. Here are six top fishing tips to consider before you head out on your next fishing adventure.

1. Research the waterway

It’s best to start out with an idea of where you’re going to fish and what you’ll be fishing for—some spots are perfect for an early morning outing, while others are prime for night fishing or even deep sea fishing. Make sure you know what you’re getting into, and find out what fish species are common so you can pack the gear to match, whether it’s a light fishing rod and line or heavier rods with big lures for your baitfish. (Sunscreen is important no matter what.) And know that some waterways have rules that change seasonally. If you’re Hipcamping nearby, your Host may have some guidance for you—a local’s knowledge is hard to beat.

2. Prepare your fish cleaning setup

Beyond the tackle box, it’s important to have a cleaning kit. For a basic one, anglers need a sharp filleting knife, a bucket, and a fish scaler. If you don’t have access to a camp kitchen with bench space, a sink, and running water, you make things work with a makeshift cleaning area. But know that this process gets messy, so come prepared and don’t forget your first-aid kit just in case.

Pack newspaper to lay down for the dirty work—otherwise, paper towels or rags are handy to wipe down your cleaning area. You’ll also want to check in advance to see if you’ll have access to freshwater so you can wash down your tools and yourself when you’re done. If not, pack plenty of extra water for the job.

3. Pack a useful storage solution

Whether you’re baitfishing or trolling for a few days, it’s best to be optimistic and anticipate having plenty of big fish to bring home! Mackerel, marlin, grouper, halibut, snapper, bream, or barramundi, you’ll want to bring sealable storage bags to keep your fish from getting wet on ice, and you’ll definitely need a cooler. But use one separate from where you store your camping food to keep the fish storage container from being opened too often. Ice packs and bricks stay frozen longer than crushed ice, but using a combination of both will give you the best coverage. Check out this video from our friends at BCF to see how you can make your own DIY ice bricks.

4. Don’t forget the accompanying ingredients

A big one never tastes better than when it’s freshly caught and cooked on location, but you can really up your flavor game with a few additional ingredients. The all-time classic fish seasonings are essential: salt, pepper, butter, and lemon. Herbs go well with fish too, whether on top, inside, or infused over coals. Find the perfect campfire fish recipe with a quick Google search—you can go as basic or as upscale as you wish when planning your feast.

5. Bring a selection of cooking tools

It’s important to pack the right cooking tools to get the job done. Foil is a must-have, and foil grill bags make it as easy as it gets to cook fish while maintaining its flavor. Some of the most useful campfire tools include a cast iron skillet, perfect for a campfire beer-battered fish fry, and a campfire fish grill. It may seem like a novelty, but seasoned campers know how handy they can be.

6. Choose the perfect, peaceful spot

Once you know your target waterway, you can begin your search for the perfect campsite. Some Hipcamps offer fishing boats, kayaks, charter boats, or even deep sea fishing trips as add-on experiences for your stay, with some Hipcamp Hosts serving as fishing guides. And if you don’t want to be competing with others for your catch, it’s best to book an isolated campsite where you’ll have your own fishing spot by the open water. Plus, when rods are down, you’ll want to kick back, enjoy the peace, and savor your catch of the day. With good planning and some luck, you’ll be doing just that.

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