5 (Mostly) Must Haves For a Fly-in Adventure

These items may or may not be must-haves, but they certainly make the experience a bit better for everyone on the fishing trip.

There is something iconic about a fly-in Northern Ontario fishing adventure. Something that speaks to the essence of the North. And though you can’t pinpoint one exact thing that makes it unique, it is the sum of it all that rings true to adventure seekers. It’s a feeling that has anglers craving more year over year often yearning to return long before they even arrive back home. Being left alone in the north, with zero light pollution, nothing but natural noise and the lure of unpressured giant species of fish has us wanting more, more and more.

There are a few things that often get overlooked when going into a fly-in fishing adventure. These items aren’t “must haves” but make the adventure just a bit better overall for everyone! So maybe consider some of these, or all these items on your next fly-in adventure. 

1. Dry Bag With An Extra Set Of Clothing

It’s going to happen – whether you like it or not, you’re going to either fall in the water or the clouds will drench you when you least expect it. Weather in Ontario’s north can be quite shifty, changing from warm bluebird skies to gale-force winds and torrential rains in a matter of minutes. You’ll want to keep a full set of extra clothes in your boat in a dry bag for any mishaps that might occur on the water. Being dry (and warm) can really make the difference between a great day on the water and a miserable one. 

yeti dry bag

2. Toilet Paper – Bring A Few Extra Rolls

Keeping with the dry bag theme, it pays to have a small bag dedicated to the wonders of TP! Toilet paper is one of the small things that might just be forgotten when packing for a trip. You’re going to want to make sure you have enough to last your vacation plus a roll or 2 more for emergencies. Keeping an extra roll in a dry bag or in your clothing dry bag will get you out of what could be a nasty situation! Oh, and please consider bagging it out or burying it so the next visitor doesn’t get a wee surprise in the bush. 

toilet paper

3. Water Purification System

Water is life and yes, you’re vacationing in a part of the world where in many places, it’s still safe to drink right from the river or lake. But that doesn’t mean you should. There is always the risk of picking up a little bug or parasite when drinking straight from a body of water. Bringing along water purification tablets will help you avoid any nastiness when in the bush. Actually, we like to bring along a Lifestraw water purification system. They are literally filter straws that you can drink right from the river or stream. They are lightweight and designed to be portable. 

lifestraw-1

4. First Aid Kit     

It goes without saying that a basic first aid kit is a must on every fishing trip, be it a fly-in or a walk-and-wade to your local river. Accidents do happen and to be able to handle them in the field is a game changer. Many times, you’ll be able to deal with minor issues without having to leave camp or be flown out. Along with the first aid kit, one could also consider a hook removal tool just in case a wayward cast lands on an arm or the back of one's head. Being able to remove a hook on your own also might prevent a trip to the emergency room. 

First-aid-Kit

5. Your Kids

young child fishing smallmouth bass mother and son fishing trip

Seriously, there's nothing more wonderful for an adult on a fishing trip than to witness the pure excitement of children catching fish. Besides spending quality time together, it’s an opportunity to educate, laugh, explore, and enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of technology. One added benefit is you just may inspire a lifetime love of the outdoors, fishing, and spending time with family! 

About Mark Melnyk

Currently, Mark is the host and producer of The New Fly Show. With a passion of fly fishing, the shows goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. 

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