Tips from a Pro

Below are some tips from me. These are things that I have learned on my own and from fellow fishermen over the 25 years I have been traveling and fishing. I hope you find them as useful as I have.

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	Leave home without it: I've traveled to some pretty remote spots and while I cannot always phone home I can at least let people know where I am. I leave a copy of my passport, itinerary and local contact, plus a copy of the passenger receipt coupon (the last one) of my air ticket with family and office. This will allow people to find you in case of emergency, or help if documents are misplaced or damaged during travel.
	Wheeled Luggage: Pull don't carry! I've learned this the hard way over 25 years of traveling. Wheeled duffels make it a snap to transfer all your gear through crowded airports. Look for quality water resistant materials, heavy duty wheels and comfortable handles.
	Look Ma, more hands: In today's world, carry-on luggage is more and more critical. My solution is to use a backpack rather than a hand-held bag. Backpacks free up your hands for carrying rod tubes and rolling duffels (see Wheeled Luggage) and distribute the load more evenly. Look for adjustable, padded shoulder straps, water resistant fabrics and easy access outside pockets for storing ticket wallets, and books.
	Rod Tube collapse insurance: If you have a collapsible rod case, purchase a length of 3/4" dowel rod that's slightly longer than you lengthiest rod. Stow it inside your case to make it impossible for the case to collapse and damage your rods. I've seen it happen way too often and this is a cheap and practical way to prevent it.
	Scaled down wallet: I take only what I need when I travel, and leave most of my overstuffed, bulky wallet at home. I always have my driver's license, credit cards and other picture IDs but leave the Sam's Club card in the dresser.
	Knots: For most situations, you only need to know one knot to tie a lure/fly to line (Improved Clinch or Duncan Loop) and perhaps one more to join lines together (Blood knot or Double Surgeon's). Practice them before you travel so you can tie them in your sleep, then move onto more complex riggings as the situations demand. Watch the guide tie knots as well - I've learned quite a few new ones over the years just by careful observation.
	Multi-tools: No matter if it's made by Leatherman, Buck, Gerber, Schrade or any other quality maker (don't buy the cheapies), these are musts for any trip. All have a knife blade, pliers, wire cutters, and an assortment of screwdrivers. Some also offer handy saw blades, files and scissors, among other goodies. For the travels angler (or and travel in general) I think these are one of the great inventions of recent years. Be sure to pack them in check bags, not in carry-ons where they will be most certainly be confiscated.
	Duct Tape: The next best thing to a universal fix all. I spiral rod tubes with brightly colored tape and add swatches to luggage handles as well so both I, and luggage handlers, can easily spot them. On occasion I've used it to fix leaky waders, hold on a loose rod guide in place, identify my rods so they are not confused with identical models carried by fellow anglers. The uses are endless. I leave the roll in my duffel when I get home so I don't forget it the next time.
	Repair Kits: I've learned the hard way to include a small tackle repair kit - a few screw drivers that fit all of your reels, quality lubricant, ferrule cement, for re-gluing a loose tip top, an assortment of guides, some clear nail polish (for re-coating guide wraps) and a tube of quick-drying glue is a good start. Store in a brightly colored lure box through any small plastic utility box is equally good.
	Graphite Rods: Today's graphite rods are an engineering marvel but they have their frailties. Nicks and deeps scratches can lead to breakage when the rod is under pressure. I'm fanatical about packaging rods in cloth sacks and a sturdy case when traveling. I also make sure they are secured when traveling in boats so they don't bounce around and smack sharp edges causing blank and guide damage.
	Extra Reels, not just spools: Fly rodders are always encouraged to buy extra spools to add flexibility to their reels and hold different lines (i.e. sinking, sink tip). Instead, I opt for a second reel. It's worth the investment. That way, if your primary reel becomes inoperable, you have an alternative, not just extra spools with no useable frame.