Landing Lunkers: A Sportsman’s Guide to Gear Selection
Getting Ready for the Adventure
This has to be my favorite topic. Fishing enthusiasts know there is nothing quite like the thrill of hooking a big one. Combining this with the thrill of riding your Yamaha Tenere to the best fishing spots that no-one else can reach offers a unique experience of the great outdoors with no parallel. You’ll need to prepare by making sure you have all the necessary gear that can be compact and easy to carry on your bike. Also, these recommendations may not be world-class fishing gear, but it sure feels that way when you roll up to your favorite spot with it and limit out.
Choosing the Right Gear
A collapsible fishing pole is essential for this adventure. Not only does it offer the convenience of being able to park in any location and quickly set up for fishing, but it also ensures that you can bring all your gear in small packages without burdening your motorcycle. This makes the collapsible fishing pole a must-have for the modern sportsman looking to combine the best hobbies on earth. The following gear are all items I’ve had extensive use of and will continually take my T7 out with most every weekend.
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod
My friends are probably tired of my going on about this whenever I bring it up, but I don’t care. I love this fishing rod. It’s tough, easy to transport, extremely responsive and carries well on the Tenere. It’s great for hitting the hard-to-reach pockets and casting long distance even in windy weather. It comes in varieties of setups and lengths for spinning or casting reels.
- Graphite
- Solid Glass Tip
- Floating Guides (they don’t get damaged by getting knocked around).
- Portable Case (easy to attach to the bike)
- Extendable to 7 feet!
Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel
This reel has seen a lot of places in the few years I’ve owned it. Some of the more hardcore fishermen smirk when they see any spincast, but the performance of this reel bests some of the spinning reels that coast 4x as much. Not to mention that having a closed-face means keeping foreign objects and materials out of the line and inner-workings while you’re on your ride. It’s a very tough, ultra light and easy reel that happens to also be compact and a superb caster. I liked it so much I bought my fiancé one and it’s now her daily! I recommend Berkley 8lb Fluorocarbon fishing line.
Yakima Bait Rooster Tail Spinner Box Kit
Pretty much everyone who fishes PNW has seen one of these somewhere. I like this pack because it meets local regulations and comes in a convenient case. They also efficiently catch most game fish and just simply work in a number or scenarios for cheap.
RoxStar Fly Strikers
I have had a ton of success with these, especially river fishing. If you live anywhere near the PNW you know that a good number of bodies of water are well regulated. A popular regulation is the ‘unscented, single-hook, barbless lure’ rule. While these lures come with triple treble hooks, two of them are removable and the lower barb is easy to crimp. I haven’t had any problems with catch-and-release with these. Every fish I’ve hooked has been a lower lip and easy to net. Speaking of:
Telescopic Fish Landing Net
Having one of these is a must. I’ll link below the net I personally use. It folds up incredibly small considering how large it expands to. It only takes up a a small corner of the pannier bag and is incredibly tough. Another regulation to consider is the no-knot rule applied to nets in catch-and-release areas (the net abides). It’s very easy to land fish in this net, especially wading. Not to mention- it floats!
KastKing Cutthroat 7 inch Fishing Split Ring Pliers
This pair of work great for just about everything and are one of the best fishing tools to have. They ship with a sheathe, connect to a lanyard and carabineer and host a multitude of functions. I mostly like them because are hard to lose and pack easy.
Finding the Perfect Spots
The Yamaha Tenere is known for its versatility, making it perfect for off-road adventures. Use it to explore hidden lakes, rivers, and remote fishing spots that are often overlooked by those who travel by car. Experiencing the outdoors in the best way possible means seeking out these pristine locations where the fish are plenty and the competition minimal. GPS definitely ensures the fastest route to that experience. Read my best GPS device selection article here: https://t7rider.com/best-navigation-devices-for-your-motorcycle/
Making the Most of Your Experience
Once you’ve reached your destination, set up your collapsible fishing pole and enjoy the serenity of nature. With the right preparation and the ability to bring all your gear in small packages, you’re set for a remarkable fishing expedition. From landing lunkers to enjoying the ride on your Yamaha, this guide ensures you get the most out of your fishing and riding experience.