[theclearspot]

Im taking up Fishing this year; want to ask you guys your thoughts . I want to go Hiking, Fishing and camping in the summer etc. However where I am (Central Europe) there are restrictions on camping out in National Parks. Do you ever face similar restrictions where you are and would you risk a fine to camp out in nature by a stream etc?

Also what would be your normal load on a trip hiking and fishing and camping, what do you bring?

[OGShush]

In the U.S. you can dispersed camp on most public land. Basically you fill out a piece of paper and nail it to a tree. The idea being that if you leave the camp site a mess they send a fine to your name and address.

I'd probably risk the fine and just use leave no trace principals if I were you. Pick a spot with some good tree cover and camp in a hammock if you can. Really easy to conceal and they set up in spots where you could never put a tent. Also a lot lighter and more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.

My injury has prevented me from backpacking in a long time but minimal necessities and try not to overload yourself. Plan out your meals accordingly and choose things that are ready to eat or easily prepared. Bring along some cornmeal in a bag and cooking oil in a nalgene for fish you want to eat.

If you give me an idea of what kind of fish you are looking to go after I can give you a good idea of what kind of equipment you'll need.

[theclearspot]

thanks OG, I have a basic rod and line only used once on holiday in the adriatic.Where i am is mostly lakes (Carp) , I think theres Pike in the rivers...not sure as yet...you need a permit for fishing here and you are restricted to certain lakes and rivers..you cant just go casting your line in the mountains for example. This is why I think the US and Canada are a lot freer than Europe.

[OGShush]

We've still got a lot of restrictions here. In addition to licenses and seasons there are slot limits and gear restrictions on certain streams. For Carp and Pike a good medium action rod over 6 feet should be good. I'd probably spool it with mono between 6 and 10pounds.

For pike you need steel or fluorocarbon leaders because they'll bite right through regular line. Live bait is good and so is anything that makes noise in the water. Pike are ambush predators so look for good cover and slide stuff by it and wait for a strike.

Carp aren't really a big sport fish here, but they put up a hell of a fight. They mostly hang out on the bottom so you'll want a slip sinker set up with a small hook or something similar. From what I understand the most effective way is to chum the water and then cast into the middle of the frenzy and hold on tight!

A good simple place to start for either is a simple hook, worm, and sinker fished under a bobber. The big thing is moving around and looking for good cover. I can't tell you how many times I've rolled up to a pond where no one is catching anything and walked off into the brush and reeled in dozens of fish. 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water.

I bet I may be the only vegetarian that goes fishing.

[armedoldhippy]

carp will feed on the surface if that is where the food is. i catch them regularly in early summer when mulberries are ripe. right below my house there is a line of them along the riverbank. when birds get to eating the berries, some of the berries end up hitting the water. next thing you see will be a giant set of lips sucking them down. any sort of popper or fly that hits the water with a "splat" will get their attention. hooking a 12 to 15 pound carp on a fly rod is a hoot, LOL!

^^^^ yup, I think Carp are fun as hell to catch too, pretty fugly though........We use bread balls in my neck of the woods.

Have fun man, a couple of great hobbies yer getin into for sure!

Danny

^^^^ yup, I think Carp are fun as hell to catch too, pretty fugly though........We use bread balls in my neck of the woods......man, catch'n one on a fly rod would be a good fight I bet!!

Have fun man, a couple of great hobbies yer getin into for sure!

Danny

hi there i luv hiking and wild camping with my bivi bag here in scotland but they are starting here to restrict fires where you camp and its all because off people leaving a mess and leaving there rubbish and beer cans all over the place..as for a fine they can give out all they want i wont pay them...

[theclearspot]

Originally Posted by dank420uk

hi there i luv hiking and wild camping with my bivi bag here in scotland but they are starting here to restrict fires where you camp and its all because off people leaving a mess and leaving there rubbish and beer cans all over the place..as for a fine they can give out all they want i wont pay them...

Interesting I thought you could camp anywhere in Scotland. England is a joke you cant go or camp anywhere all the land owned by 5% of the population ridiculous.....


btw what do you take with you in your bivi bag?