Fishing has been one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world, and people can’t get enough of it. When they’re not catching fish, they’re thinking about where to go next, what to use as bait, or how to improve their technique. It’s addictive! If you like to fish, you may want to find new ways to make your trips more exciting or add something extra to your hobby. Here are 10 tips for making your fishing adventure unforgettable.

1) Check your state laws

Before you embark on your fishing trip, check your state’s laws regarding what you can and cannot fish for—and where you can fish. Some states are stricter about which fish are allowed than others, so it’s best to make sure that you know before fishing in those waters.

2) Dress like you are going to work

It is always a good idea to wear clothes that you would wear if you were going to work. Since most of your time will be spent on or around water, it’s best to have some clothes that can withstand wet conditions. This makes it easier when you decide it’s time for a shower and won’t dirty up any other clothing you may be wearing.

3) Get up early enough to be where you need to be before sunrise

The best time to fish is early in the morning when everyone else is still sleeping. Don’t wake up at 4:00 a.m. if you aren’t a morning person, but be sure you don’t get caught snoozing. It may seem like an eternity before sunrise, but it will come and go quickly—and with it, your opportunity for catching your limit of fish. Bring snacks: You never know how long you might have to wait for that big one to take your bait. Be prepared with some healthy snacks so you can stay alert and ready for action all day long.

4) Research your target fish

The first step for an unforgettable fishing trip is knowing where and what you’re going after. A bit of research goes a long way when it comes to successful fishing, whether you’re fly fishing or trolling. You should know where and when fish tend to congregate, how long it takes for them to catch your bait and what types of fish are in your area.

5) Don’t forget about the weather

No one likes fishing in pouring rain. So check a weather app before you go and remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Wearing heavy clothes may seem like it will protect you from extreme temperatures, but it can also cause you to overheat when wearing a fishing vest or harness. Be sure to have some extra layers on hand in case things get colder than expected.

6) Know what kinds of baits or lures are working on a given day

If you’re planning a trip to a new fishery, it can be tough to tell what kind of bait or lure will do best on that specific day. Some days feature sunny skies and lots of bugs flying around, which attracts fish that feed on insects.

7) Learn how fish behave under different weather conditions

Most fish are less active during inclement weather, but you can’t let a little rain or hail stop you from having fun on your next fishing adventure. Use our handy guide below to learn how different weather conditions impact fish activity so you can be prepared for any eventuality.

8) Have backup tackle ready at all times

Many fishermen have found themselves in a situation where they’ve lost or broken tackle that they didn’t know could be repaired. That doesn’t mean you should take an entire tackle box with you on your trip, but bringing along a few spares is always smart.

9) Keep an eye on the level of the water

A good rule of thumb is to check your depth finder at least every 20 minutes. If it’s time to go in, have a backup plan ready. Always know where you’re going and how long it will take you to get there. When possible, go with a partner or as part of a group. Bring plenty of food, water and camping supplies. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

10) Keep in mind that even if you have everything planned out, it doesn’t always go as planned

When everything goes according to plan, that’s when it’s time to start worrying. When you’re hunting and fishing, things will often go awry. You can’t just sit there on your trip and hope that fish or animals show up – they won’t. In order to have a successful outdoor trip you have to be willing and able to adapt – be prepared for whatever comes along with you. You don’t want something as simple as running out of water or getting a flat tire spoiling an entire vacation, right?