We have endured the mandatory shutdowns, self-quarantining and a slew of unanticipated challenges of a global pandemic for a few months now. Since it seems the likelihood of this thing disappearing any time soon is rather slim, I think I have finally come to terms with fishing during COVID.
Since May, I have traveled both near and far to chase fish and have learned a thing or two…or five. Here are some of my lessons learned so you can fish more and worry less.
Plan ahead
There are a lot of travel restrictions and face covering orders in place across the country. Do yourself a favor and open up your favorite web browser and research your destination. I’d also encourage calling up local guides and shops to get good beta. And when it comes to gear, restock before you go – whether with your monthly box or other supplies on our site. And if you want to look even better when you get to your destination, pick up one of the Postfly multi-purpose neck gaiters to keep your face covered.
Be self-sufficient
Whether you’re planning to fish on your own or hire a guide, plan to be as self-sufficient as possible. When we drove from Colorado to the east coast to chase warmwater fish, we loaded up our rig with all the food, water, camping and other supplies we would need for multiple days on the road. Hand sanitizer, soap, paper products and bandannas were some of our best friends. We also use the Yeti 6 gallon Silo for all our water and coolers for all the cold goods. By loading up on supplies, we minimized the amount of stops we had to make and maximized the amount of fishing we could do. Win-win in our book.
Go where the crowds aren’t
I know what you’re thinking – that’s Really hard to do. But trust me, it’s not. It just takes a little research. We have two strategies to have the fishing to ourselves. First, when we find a spot to fish, we tend to hit the water as early as possible. In the summer, this is a great option because you’re not stressing the fish in the heat of the day. Second, hire a guide and/or get guide intel. When we fished the Texas coast for the first time, we were complete noobs. Hiring a guide for two days helped us find more fish when we explored alone for a couple days.
Don’t forget the Corona Light
Going thirsty on a fishing trip is a big no-no and if there is one thing this pandemic has taught me it’s to bring along my favorite brews because I might not find them when I get to where I’m going. So, before you go, grab a couple cases, ice them down, and be thankful you planned ahead!
Share your experience
Finally, ‘sharing is caring’, as they say. I find it inspiring to see other people on the water during this crazy time. While I don’t always tag where I fish, I still share the experience on social networks. The mental anguish that comes with global shutdowns and the uncertainty we’re all in right now is real for a lot of anglers out there. Follow Postfly for some inspiration and post your own days on the water to give us all a little hope!
Based in southern Colorado, Ryan is a photographer, outdoorswoman, fish chaser, and proud mama to two wild Outdoors-loving kiddos. When not wrangling little ones or cattle dogs, you’ll find her on the water, on a trail or on the road looking for the next piece of water and (hopefully) high country trout.
Hello Dan Zazworsky,
Thanks for sharing a nice post on fishing tips. I think, This year (2020) will the year of FISHING. Your suggestion on fishing are interesting and charming way to make this year of Fishing.
Good job.
No doubt Covid has put a lot of unnecessary stress on people, but fishing is such a great way to battle that! I think these tips you’ve laid out will help people plan a safe and relaxing fishing trip. Thanks!
– Josh.