The Joy of Fly Fishing in New Brunswick

Fly fishing for me has been a relaxing way to spend weekends for the past 30 or more years. I’ve always used fishing to clear my mind of the stressful things during the previous week. Works great. The only thing that messes me up on a weekend fishing trip, whether it’s fly fishing or spinner or bait fishing and that’s to forget something important.

I actually left once and forgot my wading boot, fortunately I was only a short distance from home when I clued in and went back. So I know it’s good to have a list of what’s important NOT to forget.

First Aid Kit

Things like a first aid kit can come in quite handy but I didn’t start carrying one until after an angry pickerel twisted in my hand sending my fingers right into his gill plate. I got off quite lucky that day but every time I cast my line after that the line would drag across my wounds and remind how smart it would have been to carry a first aid kit.

Well I now carry a first aid kit in my tackle bag.

Rain Gear Doesn’t Do Much Good In The Closet

Another time I went without my rain gear and had to buy a cheap poncho at a little country store on the way. It lasted about a half hour in the rain and wind. The wind was strong and literally ripped it off me and took it right up into the sky and out of my site.

My fishing buddies of course were all nice and dry. If the fishing that day wasn’t so good I am sure I would have spent most of the day in the truck keeping dry and warm. I am sure I shook all the way home and was so glad to see my nice warm bed.

Now I keep my rain gear with my tackle bag and rods. No more fishing in freezing rain.

Note: I always tease my wife for keeping the TV on the weather channel but I will tell you that she is prepared when she leaves home. I am sure she wanted to say something about the weather channel saying it was going to rain all day but she’s kinder than I am.

Sun Screen Saves The Day

I have been out fishing on days that started cloudy and wet only to clear up part way through the day. This usually ends in me getting a bad sunburn on my neck or arms. All it would have taken was to have a little sunscreen, well live and learn. Now I have sun screen in my tackle bag at all times.

I fish from my float tube a lot and I’m so close to the water I get the sun from above and below, so sun screen is vital to my health and comfort.

Bug Spray or Bug Mesh

I am sure you have been out fishing when the bugs drive you mad or nearly. I can’t stand bugs crawling on me so I always have bug spray and I use it. I don’t like things close to my face either so I have a hard time with those mesh tents you put over your head and body. My wife uses the mesh as she isn’t willing to put poison on her body like I am willing to do.

Either way, spray or mesh, you will have a much better day on the water without the bug bites.