In the last few years, more people are traveling to more places than ever before. One of the challenges of traveling is enjoying the excitement of the open road while feeling the comforts of home. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to a favorite fishing destination or flying the friendly skies to visit a dream destination, these travel essentials keep you at your best.
9 Travel Essentials for Your Next Fishing Road Trip
1 Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio
MRSP: $180
The Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio keeps me connected with friends on the water. The five-watt, two-way handheld radios have an eight-mile range with a five-day battery life. I use the radio to talk with my fishing buddy and monitor 11 weather channels and NOAA weather alerts. The tough little radio is waterproof with a shatterproof LCD screen.
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2 Yeti Hopper M15 Soft Cooler
MRSP: $300
I use the Hopper M15 as a tote bag or a soft cooler. The tote has a sealed top to lock gear and goodies inside. Like all Yeti coolers, the M15 is overbuilt with heavy vinyl outside and Yeti’s ultra-efficient insulation inside. Molle straps on the sides hold Yeti’s compatible accessories and cases.
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3 Whitewater Prevail Pants
MSRP: $99.99
Whether I’m at the airport, hanging out in town or on the water, the Whitewater Prevail Pants feel like home. The comfy stretch fabric is anti-microbial, stain-resistant and quick-drying. My favorite feature is the zippered side vents that provide direct ventilation to keep my legs cool.
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4 Thule OnShore
MSRP: $499.95
My first roof rack fishing rod carrier was Thule’s iconic clamshell with a hard plastic housing that protected my reels from the elements and offered a moderate level of security. The sturdy new OnShore rod carrier hosts four spinning or baitcasting rods and reels with a reinforced latch, heavier plastic housing, and sturdy lock to protect my combos from theft and damage.
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DICK’S SPORTING GOODS AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP THULE
5 Garmin inReach Mini 2
MSRP: $349.99
When I travel, I want to get lost. But not literally lost. The palm-sized personal locator provides instant access to the Garmin inReach’s emergency response network. With the subscription, I can also use direct messaging and real-time tracking to connect with people at home. The Mini provides weather information and a digital compass with more features, including charts and maps, on the compatible app.
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6 Korkers All Axis Shoe
MSRP: $129.99
The All Axis is an all-terrain sport shoe with interchangeable soles. That’s right, I can use a grippy hiking sole, a felt wading sole or an all-purpose wet shoe depending on the conditions.I like the mesh-covered side vents and internal drainage ports to move water while protecting my foot. The hydrophobic material dries quickly to go from the water to the trail without changing shoes.
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7 OnWater Fishing App
Free to $49.99 per year
The free version of the onWater app provides detailed maps, boating and fishing information, weather and a fishing log. For $49.99 per year, I added downloadable 3D maps, fishing hot spots, and river tidal information, along with fishing reports. Detailed information about access points allows me to plan my trip without scouring the internet for information. The app is easy to use with features that make me feel like a local wherever I travel.
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8 Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve
MSRP: $220
To change from wet clothes to dry clothes in a parking lot or on the side of the road, I hide beneath my dryrobe Advance, an oversized poncho with a terry cloth liner and waterproof outer layer. A full hood and long hem extend the coverage making the dryrobe a versatile poncho for any outdoor activity. The dryrobe is made of 100-percent recycled material so my heart feels warm and fuzzy, too.
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9 Shimano Convergence Travel
MSRP: $79.99
Wherever I travel, there’s a four-piece Convergence travel rod to meet the fish I encounter. Backwater tarpon, coastal stripers, river bass or mountain trout, Convergence has two spinning and two casting travel rods. The premium carbon fiber blank with Fuji reel seat breaks into four pieces and packs in an included case.
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Hit the road with rugged and capable travel accessories. | Feature photo: Patrick Hayes
