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Rental Car Trout Bumming
I have used this method a lot over the years because
it's economical, easy and full of adventure for me.
I pick destinations around the nation that I always
wanted to fish and begin a plan.
Planes
For long distance trips I use air travel instead of
driving long distances. This is combined with
renting a vehicle. I search the Internet travel
sites in advance for discount plane tickets. Once
purchased I then schedule a rental vehicle, again
through discount online travel vendors. Then I do
more final research for campgrounds, grocery stores,
fly shops, fishing locations and more. Many times I
do this ahead of time to be sure I want to go there,
and if its economically feasible for me.
Rental Cars
I have used rental cars a bunch for Trout Bumming.
For Trout Bums the off tourist season times are the
best fishing seasons! So the good news here is, one
can get some very good weekly rates on rental cars,
planes and motels during these times!
When choosing a rental car for trout bumming I stay
away from compact vehicles simply for comfort
reasons.
Be aware, although rental vehicles are perfect forms
of transportation into National Parks, most
companies have policies against driving them off
road.
Check with your own insurance company, but I always
decline insurance and fill the auto up with gas at a
pre-scouted location, near the airport upon return.
I use four different methods while Trout Bumming in
rental vehicles listed below
TB Tip... Rental car companies will often upgrade you for no
additional costs during reservation process.
Sleep in the car.
When doing this I’ve found a mini van or small SUV
works perfect. There is plenty of room and I bring
along the same backpacking gear I would normally use
for overnight hiking. With an inflatable mattress
and sleeping bag, I’m comfortable in the car. I
usually sleep on location in forests, parks and
campgrounds. When traveling to locations, if needed,
Ill sleep in a motel or Walmart parking lot.
Sleep in a Tent
If your Trout Bumming adventure takes you to known
camping locations plan for a small car and sleep in
a tent. This method work good combined with
overnight backpacking trips from trail heads that
lead to lakes, rivers and streams.
Tent & Hammock Options for Travel
Tents are personal and subjective. But, consider
small compact tents for airline travel. Look for
tents without frame systems that fit inside
suitcases easily. Frames that break down work also.
I own two types of tents. A super ultra light
system (Bear Paw Designs Lair, with extended beak,
8oz) that I carry when backpacking and a two pound
tent (Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2) that I use for
motorcycle/ATV and Rental Car Trout Bumming.
Hammocks
More and more people are choosing to sleep in a
hammock. If you are planning a trip to forested
locations this may be an option for you. I recommend
only one kind of hammock. Warbonnet Outdoors is a
small cottage company that builds (Black Bird) the
most comfortable hammock out there. See link below
and tell them we sent you over. In the spring and
fall cold can be an issue under your hammock, and
the best way to deal with it is an under quilt made
for the specific hammock you bought. If you will be
encountering bad weather get a hammock tent and I
recommend one with storm doors. If weather persists
consider moving back into the car or motel.
Motels and Hotels
Rarely will I use a motel every night as it usually
takes me far away from locations I plan to fish. But
moteling it is an option for those who don’t like
camping. When I stay in a motel it's usually a nice
middle of the road, known chain motel. I prefer
Holiday Inn Express, Sleep Inn and a couple of
others. I don't like cheap mom and pop motels, just
me. If your OK with less expensive motels you can
save allot of money here.
Here is an example from Field & Stream, of a couple
of guys Trout Bumming across the west on a budget,
and how they did it.
Click here
Plan ahead for motel reservations and use online
travel companies for discounted rates.
I do combine motels during extended trips. I always
plan for a motel the last night near the airport,
before I board a plane for return travel.
TB TIP... If you look for motels 10 miles or more away from
an airport you will save money. Airport motels are
expensive. The same motel away, will be
approximately ½ the cost.
Cabin and Home Rentals
An alternative to staying in a motel is to rent
someones home or cabin. This works well for Trout
Bumming because many of these are located near
fishable waters. This is especially economical when
several people are sharing the trips expenses. Most
of these residences are clean, cozy, comfortable and
often again near famous fly fishing rivers. See
below links for more information.
Other Adventures while Trout Bumming
When rental car Trout Bumming, there are other
things to do. These can be combined throughout the
trip. For me, I always look for parks to visit,
museums, places for nature photography, unusual
restaurants, wildlife agencies, fly shops, and
locations to pursue one of my other passions in
life, Conservation Paleontology.
Lastly I like to participate in the
Tip Your Bill Movement so I plan ahead when eating
out and leave great tips to servers. I encourage you
to also. Click here to visit the
TipYourBill.com website.
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