Combining Fishing and a Boating Vacation

If you have been thinking of getting a proper boating holiday, but also have been wanting to do some fishing, you can do both at the same time. Some locations are perfect for this, and others can leave you aggrivated. But, here is a list of some locations that work.

Options in the UK That Get It Right

The obvious choice is the Norfolk Broads. You can hire a boat for a week and fish at your leisure. Common fish are pike and perch and you do not need a license for the Broads. You can even troll a lure on the boat while you travel between public houses and order a pint. Just don’t expect to catch really big fish. It is mainly for convenience.

The Scottish Lochs also offer a different experience. You can hire a cottage that includes a boat so you can fish for perch, pike, and trout depending on the loch. Accommodation that includes fishing for both is available on Loch Awe and Loch Lomond. Fishing is even better than the Broads. You don’t live on the boat which is preferred by some people.

You can fish while cruising through the Highlands on the Caledonian Canal. Because the canal flows through multiple lochs, you get different fishing experiences on each. Loch Ness, which is very large, has some pike and trout, and while catching one might be difficult, it’s for sure worth a shot. The lochs along the canal are smaller and likely have a higher catch rate. If you want to fish while on a rented boat, make sure to book with a fishing-allowing company, as not all rentals allow fishing.

European Destinations

If you’re looking to fish and have a relaxing cruise at the same time, the French waterways provide the perfect experience. Canal du Midi has pike, catfish, and carp swimming around, just waiting to be caught. You’re going to need a fishing permit, which costs around €30, but is worth it not to get fined. The fishing can be slow at times, but you can drink the better food and wine, which makes it a better experience overall.

Fishing in the Netherlands is very good with perch, zander, and pike located in just about every body of water. Boat rental companies in Holland and Friesland are accustomed to fishing clientele and so have good boat and fishing supplies. If you’re accustomed to the Scottish countryside, it might be a bit boring, as it’s just flat countryside.

Sweden’s island archipelago rentals are pricey. For those seeking a more concentrated fishing experience, there’s a boat rental company on all islands where you can s… if you can afford it, the fishing is the best. Unfortunately, they’re quite expensive, and fishing poles need to be brought, as rentals don’t stock fishing equipment.

Irish fishing rentals have issues too. Overall, the waters are sound, as is the Shannon, where boat rentals, despite being limited, can offer coarse fishing and pike. Unfortunately, rentals are not very considered towards anglers. Planning the trip can take more time than the other rentals on this list.

Mediterranean yacht charters sound perfect too, but they’re quite challenging. ISrael, for instance, has no fishing regulation but is expensive and the fishing is disencouraged, as charter companies lose money due to hull damages incurred from fishing.

Practical consideration – fishing gear. Be compact. Boats don’t have enough space for all length rods and huge tackle boxes. One has to have travel rods that pack. For instance, a compact tackle box and one travel rod is more than enough.

Check whether you need any licenses before you go. You need an Environment Agency licence for rivers in the UK (except the Norfolk Broads). European countries all have their own regulations, and fines for fishing without the proper permits can be very steep

Don’t expect amazing fishing. Moving about and making noise in the boat limits the area where you can fish, and you often won’t be able to stop at hotspots. Try to consider fishing a bonus rather than the main reason for the holiday.

Pick calm waters for your first time on a boat. Narrowboats on canals are easier than yachts or cruisers on open water, and it gets more complicated with fishing.

The best trips are the ones where both activities complement each other. Try to cruise during the day and fish when you’re moored at dawn and dusk. If you try to do both simultaneously, you’re likely to do neither well.