The technicalities of fishing while on the road seem complex and costly, but are actually simple and economical. As noted by truck driver Dave Lochner in the accompany story, a simple 5- to 6-foot long spinning rod and reel and a handful of generic hooks, weights, jig and spinners convenient to stow in a truck’s sleeper, will catch fish all across the United States and Canada. Total cost: $50 to $75.
Fishing licenses vary from state to state. The website www.takemefishing.org has a “Get a fishing license” button at the top of the homepage. Select a specific state and that button will take you to detailed information about non-resident licensing. Remember that while the license fee may seem steep at first glance, you’re buying the right to hours, if not days, of outdoor entertainment, which lowers the per-use or per-hour cost to pennies.
Finally, a few potential trucker-anglers are concerned with what to do with any fish they catch. Catch-and-release fishing provides entertainment without the drudgery of cleaning the catch. For drivers who like to eat what they catch, microwaves and mini-ovens in modern sleepers make home-cooking an alternative to truckstop meals. For variety, a small gas- or charcoal-powered grill easily stashed in a sleeper can serve up fresh-caught grilled fish on the shores of lakes or rivers.
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I hope everyone enjoys this blog as much as the new magazine, On The Road Sportsman. We've received very good feedback from truckers and hope this blog will provide an avenue for your to chat about the upcoming spring and summer season; fishing, water sports, golfing, etc.
ReplyDeleteHey, Do any Truckers enjoy golfing while on the road. I would like to hear from you. Please hit me back...
I carry a spinning rod and an assorment of "goodies" with me as well.
ReplyDeleteMore than once while at a rest area and seeing a pond or stream and a house nearby, have taken a walk and asked for permission to fish.
Neatly dressed/shaven and with a smile on my face I ask and talk catch and release, I'm a trucker....etc....and my average for acceptance is 2 out of every 3.
I do not carry my fishing equipment with me and you run the risk of dogs and "who is this stranger at my door and what do they want" attitudes but all in all it's worth it to wet a line.
Unless I'm badly mistaken, when a "guest" on private property, you don't need a license either in most states....but be sure to check the state regs if you have questions about that.