Community Forums

J&SW · 03-11-2011, 11:15 PM

I recently asked on the RV Events and Gatherings forum whether anyone had heard about any fly fishing specific caravans. No one had, so I started doing a bit of exploration. I called a few RV Caravan companies, and none of them had heard of anything like that. One company said they might be interested in putting something together if there was enough possible interest. My question now is, might there be enough interest?

Sample of what could be offered -

2-3 week caravan of RVs, all classes, guided by a WagonMaster on a planned itinerary through maybe 4 or 5 famous fishing rivers/lakes in, for example, Montana. RV parks would be pre-arranged, fishing guides pre-arranged for one or more days of maybe three days folks would be in any one area. First evening in the area a local guide would present on what the fishing is like in that area, what is biting, what gear to use, flies, etc. A few dinners would be pre-arranged, and other get togethers, etc. Side trips would be planned for non-fishing folks. Some days would be set aside for more traditional sight seeing.

Don't know if it would cost more or less than if someone went on their own to the area, but it would be a lot more social, and if you had never been to the area it would be much better than trial by error.

Does this sound like something folks would be interested in? Any other ideas for what to offer to make it appealing?

Shadowcatche · 03-12-2011, 05:29 AM

I have not voted because I am having a bit of difficulty seeing how you would make a caravan fly fishing specific other than holder for long poles and or decor. Even so far too specialized to justify a dedicated model. Better yet what would you want and how can you make adaptions?

swampdog2 · 03-12-2011, 06:01 AM

wish i had the time But! i still work 12 hour days ,

sounds like too much fun.

Chickadee · 03-12-2011, 07:48 AM

J&SW:

We're not much for the caravan scene, BUT....sure am attracted to the idea of spending time a various "famous" fly fishing venues. We've bounced around the country full time since 05 but haven't dressed the ol dry line for some time. We DID get some great fishing on rivers up in Alaska but have wanted to poke around the Montana area for some time.

Let's see who else might be interested.

Steve & Lynette

J&SW · 03-12-2011, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowcatche

I have not voted because I am having a bit of difficulty seeing how you would make a caravan fly fishing specific other than holder for long poles and or decor. Even so far too specialized to justify a dedicated model. Better yet what would you want and how can you make adaptions?

Shadowcatche,

Sorry, but I am not understanding your questions.

The caravan would be a group of RVers traveling together to pre-planned specific areas. It wouldn't be much different than other like minded folks traveling together, like an RV specific group, say the WIT club (Winnebago/Itasca Travelers). But this caravan would be fly fishing loving folks traveling together to famous fly fishing rivers and lakes.

Larry & Rita · 03-12-2011, 10:03 AM

Great Idea-If you could RV camp on the river and only have to pay for one guide for everyone, for one day,then the guide leaves and you only have to pay the camping charge,
These are generaly very expensive, I went guide fishing in Alaska and it turned out to be the most expensive part of the trip. The guide spent most of the time inturupting what I was thinking to interject his thoughts, I wanted him to leave me alone,after he tried to instruct me.
I would be interested in the outcome of this thread.

Chuck 1935 · 03-12-2011, 11:17 AM

All the fly fishing I have done is a matter of getting away from people so the fishing is good. I wouldn't want a mob. I need peace and quiet.

dancogan · 03-12-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935

All the fly fishing I have done is a matter of getting away from people so the fishing is good. I wouldn't want a mob. I need peace and quiet.

I agree with these sentiments, but would be interested in a caravan to visit some streams and rivers I have never fished before. And I believe a guide is a very worthwhile investment if you've never fished an area before. I have had guides get me into very good fishing and then tell me how to find good fishing the next day on my own.

J&SW · 03-12-2011, 12:34 PM

Larry,

Yes, a bad guide can ruin it. I've had my share of bad ones. I've also had some remarkable guides that made my trip a truly joyous experience. In this way I've learned the local waters and techniques in a way that I would never have been able to do otherwise, or at least it would have taken me a long, long time to discover. I can go back the next year and go it alone with much more confidence and success.

If the caravan was planned right, the really good guides from the area would be discerned and retained. Most guides limit 2 to a float trip, and a few more customers for walk-n-wading. I am guessing folks would be allowed to choose whether to use the guide services or not. And, as you suggest, the guides would be used just one of the several days you'd be in an area, and then folks would be on their own, or could arrange more guide services if that wanted.

Most guides are currently charging about $175-200/person/day. I'm guessing with pre-arranged planning you could get a substantial discount from those fees, and also BTW for the camping fees.

Chuck,

I fully understand that. That was pretty much my style too until recently when I started paying for guides in areas that were new to me. After that, I'd go it alone. Most good guide services in popular destinations have 10-16 customers a day, 2 to a guide. They take their customers to different areas so the water doesn't get too overfished that day. I've also found that the good waters are sooo much more accessible on float trips, so you can cover 6-10 miles of good water in the day. You can get into far more remote and better fishing that way.

Thanks to all for your questions and comments. Keep 'em coming, as I am learning more what I don't know, and what I need to learn to plan the best possible caravan trip, or if it is even worth trying.