We as anglers spend an inordinate amount of time obsessing about hooks, lines, leaders, baits, lures, rods, reels, and a whole host of different equipment and gear.
There’s one particular item or group of items that often gets forgotten about. It is unfortunate too, because this can often make or break a day on the water more than you might imagine.
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Of course, I am talking about food.
Having good food or snacks available will allow anglers to stay on the water longer without getting tired and make everybody happy during slow periods that inevitably come along.
A quick Google search comes up with this result:
“A good fishing trip snack mix should include a combination of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and be easy to eat on the go, typically consisting of items like: mixed nuts, dried fruit, seeds, beef jerky, pretzels, whole grain crackers, granola, protein bars, and even some dark chocolate chips.”
Back in my day when I was a full-time fly-fishing guide, a lady who fished with me a couple of times a year always used to bring some Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies. They, along with those fancy soft drinks from Fresh Market, were always a welcome addition to a day on the water. Thank you, Ms. Janet.
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I recently did a very complex scientific survey (I asked a bunch of people I know), about the kind of snacks people bring out with them for a day of fishing and also which things they explicitly avoid. I got some very interesting results.
One of the main things that you’ll find in talking about snacks on boats — and in going fishing — is the displeasure among people about bananas. Bananas are seen as some kind of voodoo and will bring bad luck to all aboard any kind of boat or engaged in fishing or otherwise. I checked a lot of different resources, there is no one source for this belief. Snopes.com literally says nobody knows, so take that as you will.
Another thing that I have found is a strong distaste for things like Vienna sausages and potted meat. Apparently, people were stuck eating these things on fishing trips as a kid, and don’t wish to recreate the situation in any way. I have to say, I agree with them. There is nothing more disgusting than Vienna sausages. Of course, if you like them, there will be no judgment here, but maybe some side-eye. If you offer them to me, I might throw you out of the boat.
Popular choices include things like cereal bars, protein bars and other portable snacks that can be stuffed in a pocket. Once in a while, there are people who will splurge on big-time takeout lunches like fried chicken. Leftover pizza is also a popular choice. But for the most part. you find that easily “hideable” items that are portable and that can be held over time are the most popular choices.
Like anything that we find from individuals, a lot of people have particular choices and even traditions that they follow when it comes to snack time. For instance, Hall of Fame lacrosse coach of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, Mike Curatola, has a tradition that he and his son Jonny get Swedish Fish candy. They are not allowed to eat any of them until after they actually catch a fish for real, and then they have to eat them head first. I mean, traditions are important.
Kesley Gallagher, from Los Angeles, tells me her husband always brings gummy bears on fishing trips, but when they go to the beach in Malibu for surf fishing, she gets the Hostess powdered mini-donuts. Again, tradition counts.
There can be very strong preferences when it comes to boat snacks. Joel Elliott from Durham says that he has become an “accidental connoisseur of mediocre food.” He even has rankings: First would be the chicken tenders from Publix; next, fried chicken from Harris Teeter, and third, wings from Food Lion. He adds that to avoid the sugar of sports drinks, but to replenish on a hot day, he has started bringing packets of powdered electrolytes and adding them to bottles of water on the go.
My good friend Kristi Irvin says that she always tries to have coffee, water, and protein bars. From personal experience in fishing with her, there’s a lot of coffee, and it’s very strong.
She always has sweet and salty snacks available — like a good mom — when you go fishing.
My friends who are fishing guides have interesting responses to this question. Ryan from Pennsylvania says his schedule is not very conducive to getting good food. It’s what you can get at the gas station or a snack bar, late at night or early in the morning.
Some of the younger guys I’m noticing have Red Bulls and Zyns as a big part of their “diet.”
Freshwater fishing guides, who work on rivers and streams, often have packed lunches and streamside or lakeside cookouts. Not often with saltwater guys will you see that!
Let me just say thank you to all those who participated in my “highly scientific” survey. Your effort and input are very much appreciated.
In the end, the choice of food items to bring on a fishing trip is as varied and complicated as each individual fishing person, so don’t read too much into it. However, I still say that Vienna sausages and potted meat are not on my table.
