How to plan a great fishing trip for your whole family

You cannot beat the idea of going away camping for the weekend and trying to catch that big one that got away last year. You can almost smell the aroma as it sizzles on the barbecue.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have some planning to do before we get that far. First, you have to prepare what you need to take, whether it is for a weekend or a week's trip, the requirements will be the same except you will need more food and clothes.

It is very important to make sure you are correctly prepared. The area you select to picnic or camp depends on how long you are going for. You need to pack equipment, suitable to use for power, gas, or wood for a barbecue. This will depend on where you choose to go. The time of year could affect the restricted use of open fires or barbecues, so be prepared for these changes in your plans.

Next, check the weather. This will make the difference between a great or disastrous outing. If in cooler weather, pack some warm clothing. Throw in a win cheater just in case. If it looks like rain, it may be safer to stay in a caravan park or cabins; on the other hand, if it is sunny, camping out in the open spaces could be great fun for the whole family.

When packing, allow for the unexpected little accidents. Pack a first aid kit. If there are children involved, they could quite easily end up with the odd fishing hook in the wrong place. Beware of the skinned knee, insect, or snakebites. Do not forget the slip-slop-slap sunburn cream. It is far better to be prepared and ready for anything.

Do not forget to take plenty of fresh water, rods, bait, and torches in case of emergency. If the fish are not biting, you might need distractions, so pack the cricket bat, cards, or the bikes. I am sure you will not want to hear; "I am bored, what can I do?" Maybe pack a couple of water pistols, and the basketball just in case.

Remember if the fish are not biting, then you may need a few extra sausages and eggs beside the tinned food. Take some matches and pack the tin opener if taking tinned food.

Check out the rules for catching fish in that area, before you leave home. There may be restrictions on the types of fish you can catch and the size they need to be. Different areas have different rules, regulations, and licenses. The allowed quantity varies, in some areas, you can only catch and release them in some areas.

Remember to check what types of fish you can catch in that area, and what is the best type of hooks, flys and the best bait to use?

Be careful: In South Australia on the Murray River, they tag fish. You may think if you catch an undersized and fillet it, you will be safe. Wrong, they can still detect it by their tiny tag, even if put it in the freezer. A heavy fine will not encourage another relaxed day out fishing in the future.

There is no better way to relax than sitting by the river, on a jetty, or on a boat. In fact, sitting anywhere at all with a fishing rod in hand. I do not know what it is, maybe the calming influence of the ripples on the water stretched out in front of us.

Wake before dawn, so you can see the morning glow of the sunrise in the sky and pack up the fishing and maybe the camping gear for a weekend of relaxation. This is something the whole family can share together.

Now, with everything packed, go and enjoy yourself. Relax with your family and have fun. And do not let that big one get away again.

A Little tip: I kept losing my hook and weight while fishing in the Murray River where I caught this fish.

I was so frustrated that I was determined not to lose any more weights. So I decided to tie rocks onto the line. They came pretty cheap too.

The funny thing was I didn't lose them like I did the more expensive sinkers on snags. See the rock on the fishing line.

Above all have fun while out trying to catch fish, relax and enjoy yourself.

Links for fishing

Fishing: balm for the soul