My Simple Yet Thorough 20-Step Fishing Trip Planning

1. Decide which species of game fish your party would most like to fish, or, which region / lake your group would like to visit & fish.

 2. Research the area's fishing opportunities, applicable MNR regulations (dates, limits, slot sizes, sanctuaries, hook & release policies, etc.). Contact the MNR and request fishing information, maps. Obtain government and regional tourism fishing guides & publications and begin listing outfitters with packages that might interest you. Purchase a topographic map of the area / site.

3. Attend the sport shows and talk to outfitters on your list (and their competitors). Ask about any concerns you might have. Get brochures, rate sheets and references from clientele in your area.

4. Evaluate options and outfitters using a comparative checklist. Narrow choices down and develop a "short list" (2-3 options).

5. Contact the references by phone. Ask about anything and everything. Would they go back? How was the fishing? Was everything in order? Did the outfitter attend to their needs? What did their trip actually end up costing them?

6. Reach a unanimous group decision based on the facts and opinions available.

7. Contact the outfitter and book the trip (site, arrival & departure dates/times, options, costs, tackle needs, etc.).

8. Mail the deposit check. The balance will be payable before the trip or upon arrival, usually in cash, certified/cashier's check or by credit card, but never with a personal check. Get a confirmation notice (with dates), receipt, maps, etc.

9. Meet and compile lists for tackle, equipment, food (if necessary), personal gear. Assign responsibility for each list or item to individuals.

10. Prepare a travel plan - driver(s), vehicle(s), route, motel and fuel costs. Allow sufficient time for rest stops, meals, overnight stays, and a timely arrival.

11. Double-check the lists and pack up. Travel safely. Leave the outfitter's contact info, a travel route and trip itinerary at home.

12. Check in with the operator, pay the balance of your trip costs. Supervise the weighing and loading of your gear.

13. Inspect the outpost and equipment upon arrival at the fly-in site (before the pilot leaves you on your own) - i.e. boats, motors, operation of appliances, etc.).

14. Unpack and settle in. Ready the boats and motors, set up the cabin, stock the fridge, rig fishing rods, go over the lake map, make a fishing plan, establish the "pool", plan a time to meet for shore lunch or dinner.

15. Go fishing and enjoys the rewards of your meticulous planning. After each outing, discuss in detail the best spots, lures, tactics, depths, etc. Explore each area of the lake systematically. Keep a fishing map and continually update it. Take lots of photos.

16. on the day of your departure, pack up ahead of time. Clean and ready the camp for the next group. Pull the boats. Settle the "pool".

17. Report to the outfitter re: the fishing, complaints, equipment concerns. If everything was to your liking, you may want to book a subsequent trip (often at a discount).

18. Return home refreshed. Immediately make a list of things forgotten, needing improvement, etc. for the next trip.

19. Get the photos developed immediately (if you’re using an old-school camera).

20. Soon afterwards, get together to share photos, have a fish fry and begin planning next year's fly-in angling adventure.