Fishing in the South: Gear to Bring

Hello anglers,

Many people ask us what fishing gear they should bring when traveling to the South and wanting to try saltwater fishing during their vacation.

First of all, it’s important to know that saltwater fish are generally stronger and more aggressive fighters than freshwater fish. That’s why it’s essential to have solid, high-quality fishing equipment. When you hook your first tropical fish, you’ll quickly understand the importance of having the right gear.

It’s also important to research the species found in the area, as some fish can be dangerous or cause injuries if they are not handled properly.

The Ideal Travel Fishing Rod

Airline regulations regarding sports equipment and the transport of fishing rods have changed a lot in recent years. Today, you often have to pay additional fees to bring a rod tube.

That's why I bought the Daiwa Ardito Travel Surf rod. It’s an 11-foot surf rod designed specifically for travel. It comes in five pieces, making it easy to transport without sacrificing casting power.

I chose the medium-power model with a fast action, which allows me to use lures from 2 to 6 oz. It is also available in a medium-heavy version capable of casting lures from 3 to 8 oz.

The Reel for Saltwater Fishing

For the reel, my choice was the Daiwa Saltist MQ 5000.

It’s an excellent monocoque reel designed specifically for saltwater fishing. The Saltist MQ offers a 5.7:1 gear ratio along with a powerful drag capable of reaching 26.4 lb. I spool it with 40 lb braided line, which makes it ideal for fishing in the South. This setup will also be useful back home for striped bass fishing in Quebec.

Important tip: never forget that even the best reels should always be rinsed with fresh water after every use in saltwater to prevent corrosion and extend their lifespan.

A Minimalist Travel Tackle Box

When I travel, I bring a compact tray-style tackle box containing the bare minimum:

• Jig heads from ½ oz to 1 oz with very strong hooks
• Snaps and clips to quickly change hard baits
• Strong hooks in various sizes
• A few weights for simple bait rigs (shrimp, small fish, sea worms, etc.)
• Hard baits such as jerkbaits and poppers (Hydro Minnow, Mag Popper, Rapala X-Raps Saltwater, Daiwa SP Minnow)
• A few spooks to try to trigger strikes from larger fish

Essential Gear for Fishing While Traveling

Here are a few must-have accessories when fishing in the South:

• 30 to 40 lb test fluorocarbon leader material
• Scissors for cutting leaders and rigs
• Pliers for unhooking fish
• Polarized sunglasses for better visibility in the water and protection
• Sun shirts and a bandana for protection from the sun
• A few packs of soft lures of your choice to try out

With this basic gear, you’ll be ready to enjoy fishing no matter your tropical destination.

Check Local Fishing Regulations

Before fishing in another country, never forget to check local laws and regulations. Some areas may be protected or closed to fishing.

For example, during my trip to Roatán in Honduras, several zones were closed to fishing in order to protect diving and snorkeling sites.

My Fishing Experience in Roatán, Honduras

Even though I didn't manage to catch any fish this time, the experience was still memorable.

Several of my soft lures were cut, I missed a barracuda that didn't grab my Rapala properly, and I also missed several bites while fishing with fresh shrimp from the buffet that I had asked the chef for.

Despite that, I was very happy to take advantage of my trip to do some fishing while waiting for the summer season in Quebec.

I hope this column helps you prepare your fishing gear for your next trips to the South.

Hope to see you around!

Good fishing and safe travels!