Solo fishing

As already mentioned, a change of clothes can prove to be very important. Fluids, snacks, backup rod, dry box full of joints and a windproof lighter.
About the sat phones - Not sure if it's like this everywhere, but I live in a giant dead zone with almost no coverage for 20 miles in either direction. Within the last year, people with iPhones have started being able to send emergency text messages. I believe it works using the Starlink low orbit satellites, but don't quote me on that. Not sure if this feature is available across the US.
 
Starlink is providing currently satellite service as is Spacemobile. Jeff Besos is entering the market in 2027. Services supported depends on your carrier.

It will become more common place within a year.
 
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I'm 72, in reasonable shape, and still agile so I plan on hiking in where necessary. A wading stick is a great idea, and if my iPhone can double as a satellite phone in an emergency I'm covered. As far as carrying, I'd rather have one and not need it than the reverse. Not for people so much as for wildlife wanting to cause grievous bodily harm.
 
I frequently fish solo. Have a SPOT communicator for cell dead zones, however my iPhone now has satellite connectivity and I’ve started using that instead of SPOT.

I have DeLorme state atlas’ for everywhere I fish. I leave at home and mark the areas I’m going to be fishing. If I head somewhere I haven’t marked then I’ll send a message thru the iPhone satellite connection to let family know where I’m going to be.

I don’t carry, even though I have the appropriate weapons. As a retired biologist, wildlife doesn’t really worry me, but I focus on being aware of what’s around me. If I was going to be in a big bear area then I’d probably carry bear spray.

If I’m in an area with people and feel unsafe I’ll leave.

The big thing for me is making sure that the appropriate people know where I’m going and when I’m going to check-in with family.
 
The only thing I add to the note is the responsible Sherriff Office phone number in case I don't come home.

It is just good manners to include a time for somebody to call for help. Helps remove that stress point from your "savior".

You can always turn on the find my phone feature on your "savior" phone and if your in cell range, it will give your coordinates. Plus if your already heading home, it will show your phone as moving on a roadway.

Oh, if you wear contact lenses I would not carry bear spray. Don't ask how I know. If you do carry bear spray, you need to have lots of water and saline around just in case it goes off. I would also buy a sealed bear spray carrier for transport in a vehicle. There is nothing worse that bear spray going off in a vehicle with you in it.
 
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Merle said:
I remember those!

One of the stories once was about a guy in a float tube who got attacked by a beaver while fishing. It bit him on the calf underwater. I think about that story every time I take the tube out.
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Beaver bite and the subsequent "Beaver Fever" can take a heavy toll on the solo fly angler!
 
First thing on my list if I were in your position (and didn't already have them) would be getting my hands on a rig that I could drive everyplace that I wanted to go in pursuit of fishing and could comfortably camp in the back of for a few days at a time and be comfortable in cold/wet weather. The second thing would be boat/watercraft that I could use on stillwater and rivers.
 
Merle said:
I remember those!

One of the stories once was about a guy in a float tube who got attacked by a beaver while fishing. It bit him on the calf underwater. I think about that story every time I take the tube out.
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The Beaver fought back!! 😆
 
IMG_3762.jpeg

Aloksack

Headlamp (not pictured) I’ve hiked out in the dark too many times without one.
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer

Victorinox Tinker
Whistle (probably should be on my nipper lanyard)
Lip balm
Lighter
Firesteel
TP

Cliff bar or two -


Hike your own hike and carry what you are comfortable and capable with.
 
For lakes of any kind I didn't see any mention of a PFD. Even for a hike-in I'd get it up there. Regardless of # of chambers in any inflatabe I'd still wear one.

Also, someone mentioned weekdays as not always void of crowds. As a retiree I wish this weren't true, but...
 
509 said:
The only thing I add to the note is the responsible Sherriff Office phone number in case I don't come home.

It is just good manners to include a time for somebody to call for help. Helps remove that stress point from your "savior".

You can always turn on the find my phone feature on your "savior" phone and if your in cell range, it will give your coordinates. Plus if your already heading home, it will show your phone as moving on a roadway.

Oh, if you wear contact lenses I would not carry bear spray. Don't ask how I know. If you do carry bear spray, you need to have lots of water and saline around just in case it goes off. I would also buy a sealed bear spray carrier for transport in a vehicle. There is nothing worse that bear spray going off in a vehicle with you in it.
Click to expand...
That's why fly in operators insist it go into the pontoon of the float plane and not in the cabin...
 
509 said:
The only thing I add to the note is the responsible Sherriff Office phone number in case I don't come home.

It is just good manners to include a time for somebody to call for help. Helps remove that stress point from your "savior".

You can always turn on the find my phone feature on your "savior" phone and if your in cell range, it will give your coordinates. Plus if your already heading home, it will show your phone as moving on a roadway.

Oh, if you wear contact lenses I would not carry bear spray. Don't ask how I know. If you do carry bear spray, you need to have lots of water and saline around just in case it goes off. I would also buy a sealed bear spray carrier for transport in a vehicle. There is nothing worse that bear spray going off in a vehicle with you in it.
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Can you recommend a sealed bear spray carrier? My bear spray lives in my car and now I'm worried about it going off.
 
Zak said:
Can you recommend a sealed bear spray carrier? My bear spray lives in my car and now I'm worried about it going off.
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Aerosol Safety Case: UDAP Pepper Power

(Fits #9, #12, #15 & #18 Canisters) Protects against extreme temperatures! Resists Heat! TRANSPORT YOUR UDAP PEPPER SPRAY THE SAFE AND EASY WAY! This case can protect Bear Spray from overheating in vehicles This is the recommended & approved aerosol safety case by U.S. Forest Service. Refer to...
www.udap.com
 
Mossback said:

Aerosol Safety Case: UDAP Pepper Power

(Fits #9, #12, #15 & #18 Canisters) Protects against extreme temperatures! Resists Heat! TRANSPORT YOUR UDAP PEPPER SPRAY THE SAFE AND EASY WAY! This case can protect Bear Spray from overheating in vehicles This is the recommended & approved aerosol safety case by U.S. Forest Service. Refer to...
www.udap.com
Click to expand...
Not a bad idea...mine is stored in a lidded plastic container with all my off road recovery tools...it would contain the spray if it accidentally goes off while driving...
 
Merle said:
I remember those!

One of the stories once was about a guy in a float tube who got attacked by a beaver while fishing. It bit him on the calf underwater. I think about that story every time I take the tube out.
Click to expand...
Graham Greene quote-"I'm gonna debark yer leg"
 
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