Summer is officially here; for many, that means vacation with the family. Over the years, my family and I have traveled to various vacation destinations, but they have all shared a common bond. No matter where we go, I always have a fishing rod in tow and look for an opportunity to check out the local waters.

I always had a rod close by, and I started while serving in the military. As you can imagine, I had the opportunity to travel to exciting places I would never have visited otherwise. This alone created some great memories, but by adding even a quick chance to wet a line, I made memories that any sportsman would envy.

PREPARING FOR

YOUR FISHING ADVENTURE

One of the advantages of fishing while on vacation, as opposed to wherever your ship ends up, is the opportunity to do some planning. Proper planning and research will greatly increase your chances of success.

Local regulations and requirements? The first step in an enjoyable fishing adventure is knowing the local regulations. Do you need a license? Are any special permits required? What areas are off-limits? What species are in season? You get the idea. Nothing ruins an otherwise perfect trip like getting a hefty fine from the local warden.

What will you be fishing for? Research can tell you what species are common in the area and whether they are in season. This can help you narrow your focus.

While I am okay with doing catch & release fishing, if permitted, I do not want to spend my day chasing something that is not there.

What gear will you need? Although many trips will allow you to use the gear you already have, others will require you to do a little shopping. If you are confident in your research and knowledge, ordering what you need beforehand is easy. Otherwise, wait until you arrive at your destination and visit a local tackle shop for advice. If your trip involves a unique type of fishing you do not see yourself ever doing again, such as deep-sea fishing, you may want to investigate renting gear for the day.

DIY or hire a professional? Now comes the big question: will you do it yourself or hire a local guide/captain? While I prefer DIY, I am not against hiring a local professional if it means a better chance of success. Plus, there are times when hiring a guide can be cheaper and easier than going it alone.

Cost? Compare the price of any equipment you need to purchase, licenses, boat rental (if required), and miscellaneous items such as bait to the cost of hiring a guide. If multiple people are fishing together, the price of a guide can be split into multiple ways, making it even more economical.

Local knowledge? Although you have done plenty of research, nothing compares to what is learned by being on the water every day. If your goal is to catch fish, a guide may be the best way to do so. DIY is probably best if you want to explore new waters and enjoy seeing what it brings.

What will you be doing with your catch? This may be as simple as catch & release or throw it in the cooler, but there is more. Do you know how to clean the species you are targeting? How about cooking it for the family? Do you know any good recipes? If you will keep your catch, make sure you have a plan to keep it from going to waste.

DIY TIPS

If you have decided to do it yourself, here are some tips to help you succeed:

Do research before leaving

Check local regulations — the state fish & game department is always your best bet for accurate information.

Get your licenses and permits early — most states offer online purchases, so you do not have to worry about finding a vendor.

Talk to locals — my first stop is always a local tackle shop, whether I need anything. The other customers, staff, and locals who hang around the area have a wealth of up-to-date information, and most are happy to share.

Have more than one spot in mind — all your research may have indicated one particular stretch of beach, a specific pier, or stream x is the place to go, but things can change. Have a backup plan if your go-to spot is unavailable, crowded, or unproductive.

Have fun. Regardless of what you catch, part of the joy of fishing on vacation is exploring new waters, waters you may never see again, and having those memories for years.