Like many great outdoor activities, fishing and RVing are seemingly made for each other. From getting to cook your catch any way you like that very same day, to sleeping in a real bed, the upside to bringing an RV fishing is limitless. In this helpful guide, we’ll cover everything RVers need to know about taking a fishing trip in their RV including what to bring, where to go, perfect RVs for the outdoors and more!
How to Prep Your RV
Before hitting the road on your next RV fishing trip, make sure your rig is ready for a weekend outdoors. Whether or not your destination has hookups, waste disposal or bathrooms on-site, it’s best practice to make sure your RV is in top shape for all scenarios. If you do need to boondock or are without external hookups, having a viable back up provides added peace of mind. Make sure to check that the following appliances and systems are in working order:
- Refrigerator and Freezer: If you plan on keeping your catch, having a working refrigerator and freezer is key. Fish can be kept in the fridge if you plan on cooking it that night and should be placed in the freezer if you plan on storing it for longer than a night. An external freezer or large cooler could be a worthwhile investment in case you strike it big and catch more than your RV’s fridge/freezer can hold.
- Blackwater, freshwater and plumbing systems: Nothing ends a trip quicker than running out of freshwater or having a full blackwater tank. If you’re taking your RV out for its first trip after the winter, make sure to flush any leftover antifreeze in your plumbing. Even if you are going to a campsite with hookups, make sure to fill your freshwater tank and empty the sewage hold. Things may change where you decide to head to a more remote location or issues arise at the campsite.
- Generator and Interior Electrical Systems: Run a load test on your generator before setting off to make sure it’s in top shape. Check your RV’s interior to spot any dead light bulbs, spot appliances that aren’t running or in need of batteries and ensure that the breaker system is properly set.
- Refill propane tanks: It doesn’t get much better than having freshly caught fish for lunch or dinner. Before heading out, check your propane tanks to determine if you have enough gas for a few meals. Bringing an extra tank or two is never a bad idea as well, so feel free to stop at a gas station or grocery store once you get underway.
- Check your towing hitch: If you own a small boat and plan on bringing it with you, give the hitch on your RV and boat a thorough check.
Accessories
Like with any RV road trip, having the right accessories adds to the adventure and fun of an RV fishing trip. With any fishing trip, the first place to start is having the right reel, bait and other pieces of equipment. Depending on the type of fishing you’ll be doing and where, you’ll need the right reel. Consult with your local fishing store or online to determine what you’ll need. With bait, that depends on both the type of fishing you’re doing and what you’re going after. Different types of fish require different types of hooks, lines and bait, so consulting with a reputable online resource or bait shop is recommended.
When it comes to RV accessories, the Lazydays RV Accessories & More store has you covered! If you’re going on your first RV fishing trip or simply stocking up for the season, several accessories that are great to have on an RV fishing trip include:
- Outdoor living accessories: A fishing trip is all about relaxing and Lazydays RV has the gear you need to do just that! Whether it’s a lawn chair to enjoy the sunset from, a cooler to store your catch or a few beverages, games for the whole family to enjoy or repellents to keep annoying visitors away, we’ve got it all.
- An outdoor grill: If your RV doesn’t come pre-equipped with an outdoor grill, we highly recommend adding one. The pros of having a grill in your RV outweigh the cons (hint: because there aren’t any). We can’t think of a better way to unwind after a great day of fishing than grilling under the stars! Make sure to stock up on grilling utensils like a spatula, tongs or fish grilling basket too.
- Awning accessories: Turn your RV into waterfront property with your own outdoor porch! Lazydays RV Accessories & More carries several awning accessories to help create the perfect place to sit back and unwind. From LED awning lights to sun blockers, make sure you’ve got what you need to enjoy a great time outdoors!
Destinations
Now that you’re all set to hit the road, the only question left is; where to go? Do you want to get away from it all and spend a weekend in the wilderness? Or are you looking for some sun, surf and sand? Check a few of our favorite fishing destinations that are perfect for an RV road trip!
Minnesota
If you’re struggling to choose a destination for your next RV fishing trip, the state affectionately known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is a great place to start. Lake Superior borders most of northeastern Minnesota, where you’ll find everything from bass to catfish along its shores. Lake Mille Lacs is well known for being a prime area for Walleye and Leech Lake, about 3 hours north of Minneapolis, is renowned for its Muskie fishing. If you’re planning on visiting Minnesota, check out some of our favorite RV destinations and make sure to stop by Lazydays RV Minneapolis for all your RV accessory and service needs!
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys have it all. Sun, sand, crystal clear waters and plenty of places for RVers to camp. Whether you want to relax on the shore with a reel in hand or go deep-sea fishing, the Florida Keys is one of the best fishing destinations in the country. Rent a kayak and explore mangrove forests to search for bottom-dwelling fish like pink snapper, grouper, and barracuda. Offshore, larger fish like Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin roam the depths and make for a one in a lifetime opportunity. Charter trips are available all over the Keys and are a great way to spend a day on the water. If you’re heading southbound to the Florida Keys, make sure to visit Lazydays RV Tampa or The Villages to stock up on any last-minute supplies or take care of any service your RV needs!
Colorado
Colorado is the place to visit if you’re looking for a place to get away for a few days and experience a true wilderness fishing trip. The Centennial State has over 6,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams set amongst some of the most stunning scenery in the country. A couple of top fishing locales include Glenwood Springs, which is nationally renowned for its fly fishing on the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers. Durango, in southwest Colorado, is a great launching point for excursions to the Animas River, San Juan River or Vallecito Lake. Lazydays RV has two Colorado locations, in Denver and Loveland, that are great places to stop for any RV accessories or last-minute service. Don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a service appointment today!
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