Trip planning (or not) is almost half the fun in making a fly in fishing vacation memorable. Some groups have several “meetings” over the winter to plan and others will leave the fun up to one guy. As I do have a little experience in helping plan fly-in adventures, I will occasionally post a few tid-bits which may be of interest to the planners.
A very serious consideration in planning what to take in the boat for the day hinges on what you may have to do during the day.
Everyone eventually has to go. Of course, number 1 is the easiest for most of the male persuasion. My suggestion, please use the conveniently supplied bailing bucket rather than testing the water depth and temperature. This is more a safety issue than a bragging issue.
Number 2 also happens. Sometimes an oz or 2 of good old TP can be worth a good night’s poker earnings. Considering the alternatives… dry leaves, a pair of donated shorts (as long as you or your boat mate are not already commando) or the sleeves off a lucky fishing shirt, nothing compares to good old two-ply TP.
And then the one every veteran fishing group has a good story about – number 3. Number 3 can be stunningly memorable. My best suggestion here is to just get out of the boat, grabbing the TP (no matter who actually owns it) and galloping a hundred yards or so into the bush. This can sometimes be accomplished without actually getting the boat all the way to shore or getting wet. By the way, it is considerate to gallop downwind if possible. Take the nano-second required to find a place with good handles and a bit of traction – you will thank me for this tid-bit of wisdom. Then be sure to extinguish any flames and gather what you can of your belongings. Don’t be modest about having to leave an article or two of clothing behind. When your boat mate overcomes his disbelief of your spectacular exit and does finally get to the shore to pick you up, give a coy smile and suggest now is a good time to stand and cast for an hour or so.