Traveling tips 2024

Ratherbfishing reply :

Next year I am going to make a concerted effort to do more travelling/fishing and sleeping in the back of my Honda Pilot. I am, however, a bit pensive about leaving my boat/gear "exposed" to the many A-holes out there who would love to reallocate my possessions to their personal collection-even IF I am in the back of my Wagon. Perhaps ESPECIALLY because I'm in the back of my wagon. I've considered training some rattlesnakes to guard my boat but that's tenuous at best.

It might be a pipe dream but I'd like to try. Has anyone else travelled 'round the country and/or region and done anything similar? If so, what advice do you have?

roadwarrior reply :

Camp in a secured area and you should not have any problems.

Jar11591 reply :

State parks are perfect for this. Most are on fishable water, have low nightly cost and are secure.

A-Jay reply :

Perhaps bring along a 'friend".

A-Jay

J Francho reply :

On 12/16/2017 at 1:10 AM, Jar11591 said:

State parks are perfect for this. Most are on fishable water, have low nightly cost and are secure.

I've done this quite a bit, with zero issues. Just get a site with electric, plug the boat in, pitch a tent, and everything will be fine. You might even make friends with neighboring campsites.

Ratherbfishing reply :

On 12/16/2017 at 2:43 AM, J Francho said:

I've done this quite a bit, with zero issues. Just get a site with electric, plug the boat in, pitch a tent, and everything will be fine. You might even make friends with neighboring campsites.

In Southern Illinois I DO plan to do just this (sans the tent). Giant City State Park campgrounds is centrally located around 3 or 3 or 4 respectable lakes. Other places I hope to fish aren't quite so accommodating. : (

J Francho reply :

For my money, a good tent beats sleeping in the car any day. I have a nice Kelty that goes up in about 5 minutes. There's also some cool tents that hook up to the back of a wagon or hatch. It's just easier being able to stand up to get dressed, etc. It also sucks being trapped in a car in the rain. I'm sure you already figured out the pros and cons, just offering my two cents after doing what you plan to do for years. I have slept in my truck a few times. It sucked.

Ratherbfishing reply :

On 12/16/2017 at 4:23 AM, J Francho said:

For my money, a good tent beats sleeping in the car any day. I have a nice Kelty that goes up in about 5 minutes. There's also some cool tents that hook up to the back of a wagon or hatch. It's just easier being able to stand up to get dressed, etc. It also sucks being trapped in a car in the rain. I'm sure you already figured out the pros and cons, just offering my two cents after doing what you plan to do for years. I have slept in my truck a few times. It sucked.

My primary thought with the Pilot is that it IS pretty roomy and the floor lays completely flat-no bumps or awkward pointy things AND, most importantly, I can keep the skeeters and the rain out and run the AC if it gets too hot. I do have an old tent which isn't too difficult to set up. Maybe I'll make it my "dressing room."

I just wish people could just leave other peoples stuff ALONE. I'd sleep at the boat ramp parking lot if I thought it was feasible. The "Cujo" Idea that A-Jay put forward seems awfully tempting.

Al w. reply :

My family and I go camping a few times a year at state parks. I sometimes take my boat. I put valuables in rod lockers, etc. I’ve never had anyone mess with anything. I think most folks that are camping respect each other’s “stuff.” At least around here. Hopefully it’ll stay that way.

soflabasser reply :

Good subject. I have done a good amount of traveling in my state for fishing as well as other states. My best recommendation is to research good fishing spots and good techniques for the area you want to fish in for at least 1 month so you will know the area very well. I cannot emphasize this enough and doing the research I mentioned has helped me catch quality fish that most locals in the area I fished in have not caught. Camping in a state park is a good idea, make sure to have a good tent and bring only what you need to make your trip a success.

Bluebasser86 reply :

I used to do similar, but used a loose fitting tarp anchored over the top of the boat, then slept in the boat. Never had anyone mess with anything.

Oregon Native reply :

A number of years ago I slept at boat ramps "a lot" in my van. Even on off ramps on freeways, back of gas stations and camp grounds etc and never had a problem....seems to me back in those days more garbage happened in hotels/motels. Would be more nervous now days....have heard of motion sensors that one can put in boat that will alert one of @#!$ happening. If I would do it again I would plan around staying at campgrounds on given lake and use those for destinations...good info above. Plannings half the fun....almost like getting tackle ready!!

Good Luck

ClackerBuzz reply :

Rig some kind of portable/hotel door/trip wire alarm on the inside of ur lockers? leave enough slack to get ur hand in/out to arm/disarm but it will still set off if someone opens all them more than 50%.

https://www.amazon.com/Doberman-Security-Portable-Alarm-alarms/dp/B0061YFFI6

I fished some really shady places over the years and could count the problems on one hand. now I just avoid them b/c it's not worth it. i'd rather be on peaceful/safe water with bad fishing than the wrong part of town with good fishing.

N Florida Mike reply :

I used to camp in remote to semi-remote areas with boat and gear and only had one issue I can remember. That was a theft of my cooler and lantern at a campground on a lake . Fishing was good but we never went back there again.

When I camped,

I kept everything I could locked in the truck and slept in a tent with my revolver handy.I dont overly enjoy camping alone , not out of fear but just wanting to enjoy the experience with someone. So I never had any other problem.

I wouldnt let fear stop me from a great experience but I would thorougly research the area and take a friend and you should be fine.

thinkingredneck reply :

Concealed carry permit. Practice shooting and get comfortable wwith a side arm. You never know.

BassNJake reply :

On 12/16/2017 at 4:48 AM, Ratherbfishing said:

My primary thought with the Pilot is that it IS pretty roomy and the floor lays completely flat-no bumps or awkward pointy things AND, most importantly, I can keep the skeeters and the rain out and run the AC if it gets too hot. I do have an old tent which isn't too difficult to set up. Maybe I'll make it my "dressing room."

I just wish people could just leave other peoples stuff ALONE. I'd sleep at the boat ramp parking lot if I thought it was feasible. The "Cujo" Idea that A-Jay put forward seems awfully tempting.

One of those blow up pool floats work great as a bed in the SUV with the seats down.

I also had a solar powered motion light I'd put on the Pathfinder pointed at my boat.

My thoughts were that they light would scare off potential thieves at the boat.

My sidearm would prevent thieves at the SUV.

Mike L reply :

3 months after retiring I bought a motorhome to do the same thing.

Granted We're not sleeping in a car and don't have a boat but I have heard, seen, experienced and learned some things that may help you.

1) Personaly I would not stay at a county or state park if I was gonna sleep in my car.

Too many transient's.

I would look for private rv parks that have long and short term rates, but preferably ones that have permanent residences.

Those folks tend to look out for each other even if they've not met.

The downside is the cost obviously and one may be a little farther away but the security and peace of mind is worth it.

2) If it's not below freezing stay out of the car as long as you can before going to sleep.

Get yourself a battery operated lantern and small table. Read a book, play on your phone etc. You want to be seen for as long as you can be.

3) Introduce yourself to your neighbors within a minimum of 3 sites around you.

Again you want to be seen.

4) Install alarms on you rod lockers.

5) If you have a boat cover use it. Connect Christmas bells to your tie downs.

6) If your boat cover doesn't cover your motor also, get one.

7) Disconnect all electronics and put them in the car with you.

Now, you may laugh and shake your head at some of these and that's ok, but these are what I've seen some people do who fish their way around the country.

Have fun and stay safe

Mike

Angry John reply :

On 12/16/2017 at 2:28 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

I used to do similar, but used a loose fitting tarp anchored over the top of the boat, then slept in the boat. Never had anyone mess with anything.

Slept in the front of the boat once and i was sooooo happy that i had one of the good standing mats to lay on. I had some decent sleep and i knew everything was secure..

Gundog reply :

I think the main things in preventing being a victim of crime, whether its at home or traveling with a boat, is to not make it convenient to steal and not to make it quiet to steal. Remove electronics, lock storage hatches and I like the idea about bells on the boat cover. Even coffee cans with rocks in them can make a racket if attached to the boat cover.

Ratherbfishing reply :

On 12/20/2017 at 1:04 PM, Gundog said:

I think the main things in preventing being a victim of crime, whether its at home or traveling with a boat, is to not make it convenient to steal and not to make it quiet to steal. Remove electronics, lock storage hatches and I like the idea about bells on the boat cover. Even coffee cans with rocks in them can make a racket if attached to the boat cover.

So....claymore mines are not an option? I have a battery powered motion detector/light that will help. Might get several more. I want those who would steal my stuff to know in advance that it's not an easy mark. I don't really want to have to confront anyone if at all avoidable.

Gundog reply :

On 12/20/2017 at 11:06 PM, Ratherbfishing said:

So....claymore mines are not an option?

Have you tried the new claymore mines? They're upgraded with lasers. If that don't scare them, nothing will.

burrows reply :

On 12/16/2017 at 4:48 AM, Ratherbfishing said:

My primary thought with the Pilot is that it IS pretty roomy and the floor lays completely flat-no bumps or awkward pointy things AND, most importantly, I can keep the skeeters and the rain out and run the AC if it gets too hot. I do have an old tent which isn't too difficult to set up. Maybe I'll make it my "dressing room."

I just wish people could just leave other peoples stuff ALONE. I'd sleep at the boat ramp parking lot if I thought it was feasible. The "Cujo" Idea that A-Jay put forward seems awfully tempting.

My parents use to have a pilot and it's very comfortable to sleep in so I understand why you don't mind sleeping in the pilot. I think a dog is a good friend to bring along, don't have a dog?

slonezp reply :

I used to travel to the south/southeast annually every spring to fish. Did it for 10 years or so. Slept in hotels, not my truck. Never had an issue. My boat was only broken into once and that was in a well lit marina parking lot in Wisconsin. That being said, I'm always paranoid about leaving stuff unattended. Everything comes out of the boat and into the hotel room, so I only take what I need when traveling. I fished Anglers Choice tournament of champions about 5 years ago on Guntersville. I'd say about 50% of the guys either brought their gear into the hotel or locked it in their trucks. Everyone else had Lokr Bars or tremendous faith that no one would touch their stuff.

Now, other advice as far as traveling. Make sure your vehicle, trailer, and boat are mechanically sound. Have a lug wrench and bottle jack for changing a tire on the trailer. I had a trailer tire blow out on a return trip from Lake Toho. the truck lug wrench didn't fit the lugs on the trailer. Had to limp my way 20 miles to a tire dealer.

BigAngus752 reply :

@A-Jay and @Gundog are on the right track. Nothing is more deterrent than a dog. Even small dogs bark. People will not come into my yard because of my black German Shepherd Dog is trained to stay in his yard, no fence, no chain. He just sits there and looks scary. And I'm fine with that.

If you don't want to train a dog and take him with you then make your stuff less desirable than other peoples stuff. Remember, if you and I are attacked by a bear, I don't have to outrun the bear. I only have to outrun you. Gundog's suggestion of something noisy on your boat cover is great. You can buy very cheap alarms that are designed to be hung from doorknobs. They are motion sensitive and very loud. Hang four of them from your boat cover (but not when it's windy). If you are camping at sites with electric get a plug in, motion activated light and make sure it is pointed at both your boat AND where you are sleeping so it wakes you up. Thieves don't like attention. Shower them with attention.

Camping at Giant City? Are you going to fish Crab Orchard? I heard great things about Crab Orchard all through 2017. I hope to make it down there in 2018.

Elkins45 reply :

On 12/16/2017 at 1:10 AM, Jar11591 said:

State parks are perfect for this. Most are on fishable water, have low nightly cost and are secure.

Yes, and the internet has made this even easier than it used to be. You can select campsites online and then take a look at them on Google Maps to see how far they are from shore. When I went to Eufaula in November I had a pretty good idea that I was going to be able to tie up my boat beside my lakeside campsite and I wasn't disappointed. A few years ago that wouldn't have been possible but thanks to internet campsite reservations I was able to pick the exact spot that worked best for me.

I'm going to Lake Seminole at the end of January and I already have my campsite picked out and reserved.

The best option are those places the offer primitive camping along the shoreline but unfortunately there's no easy way t find out where they are. When I was teaching I used to take a week every summer to go to Kentucky Lake. The entire eastern shore was in Land Between The Lakes and you could just pull your boat up on the shore at any spot you liked and set up camp. I've done it 10-15 times and never had a problem (well, other than the ticks.)

I wish there was some sort of directory of Florida and Alabama lakes that had publicly owned shorelines. Pitching a tent on some guy's property is probably a good way to absorb a bullet.

papajoe222 reply :

Two things I'd suggest. The first is to cover the boat. Crimes of opportunity are the easiest to deter and an open boat at night is an easy target. You could add some sort of warning device to the cover so if a bad guy does attempt to remove it, he is then giving up the stealth that he was also relying on. Second, either keep your electronics in the Pilot with you, or lock them in one of your lockers. If you don't have lockable storage, put everything inside with you. I hang my rods from the ceiling of my Pilot and there is enough room on the floor and front seats for most of your other gear.

On my Pilot, the rear window can be opened. If yours can be, leave it closed but unlatched. A quick push and you can exit quickly, or just point your Sig and chase the perp away. I wouldn't advise shooting as I don't know many states that would condone it.

scaleface reply :

I've slept in the back of my truck at a boat ramp parking lot several times .

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