Why not turn your fishing trip into a camping trip as well? After all, fishing is an outdoor activity, and so is camping. If this a route you’re willing to take, then you’ll need a short list of camping supplies as well. Tents, rain covers, and sleeping bags are the obvious top 3 to bring on a camping trip.
Tents
If you don’t have a tent for that fishing trip turned camping trip, there are a few things that you need to consider before buying one: Capacity, Comfort, and Budget.
-
Capacity
- Are you the only one sleeping in the tent? If so a 2-3 person may be ideal. Some extra space can be helpful to keep your gear and clothes out of the elements. If you’ve turned it into a party, consider a tent that sleeps 6 or more. For those of you who enjoy privacy while camping, think of a cabin tent. Cabin tents come with dividers to make rooms and come as small as two rooms and as big as 10.
-
Weather, it’s Cold or Hot
Camping trips are just as great a pastime as fishing trips. So why not combine the two? - Be mindful of your camping conditions. If you are in an area that rains a lot, a tent with sufficient rain guards, tent stakes, and guy loops will make a noticeable difference. If you are in a warmer climate, a tent with proper ventilation may be worth the extra coin.
-
Peak Height and Floor-Length
- Short guys probably don’t have to worry about this as much. Us larger guys have to make sure we can lie down straight. Pay attention to dimensions and capacity size for your camping tent if you shop in the Big & Tall section. You might want to sleep diagonally in a 2-3 person tent instead of crammed into a single person half tent.
-
Your Budget
- Like anything else, you can spend as much or as little as you want on a tent. If wallet damage is a factor, look at getting a decent Coleman tent from Walmart. If you are a minimalist, sleep under the stars and bring a cheap tarp for rain cover, if needed.
Sleeping Bags
During the spring, I would recommend one that will keep you warm in temps down to 40 or 50 degrees. In colder areas, you may need one that will keep you warm in 20 to 30 degrees could be ideal. Sleeping bags and tents are similar when it comes down to the price. You can spend $1,000, or you can spend $20; choose one that fits your needs and your budget.
Catch. Cook. Eat
Don’t forget to bring the cooking gear, supplies, and some filet knives. Don’t forget that filet knife! There is no better way to eat fish than freshly caught and cooked on an open flame. Most retail stores sell camping supplies in their outdoor section and a lot of them are in sets. Pans, pots, kettles, and a good sharp filet knife set will hold you over for a long weekend trip. Lastly, don’t forget the first aid kit, just in case that filet knife slips into the wrong meat.
Most of all, cover the basics when you’re camping on your fishing trip. Something to sleep in or on, gear, and supplies to cook that monster catch, and a cooler of beer.
