Mika Lappalainen | Friday, 4 February 2022
I find myself in funny position. I’m normally who answers to all questions about reindeer herding or fishing and what kind of gears you need. Couple of nights ago I woke up in middle of night, and I had lot of questions in my head. And no answers.
When planning and goind fishing in Scandinavia or in Russia, it has been easy. Waters are pretty much similar what we have in here. I have been fishing plenty enough similar waters so I know what gears, rods etc I need when going fishing. Sometimes flies can be small question mark and still I do have idea how approach fishing. In the end by the river you know.
This time I realize that I don’t really have any clue about flies, gears and so on. Well flies I know, something similar that I use with trouts with stronger hooks. Techinques are about same as far I have figured out. Rods I would say HT 6 will do, maybe even 4, still 6 for sure. Then I came up with funny part.
What kind of shoes we will need? Answer was pretty obvious, wading shoes. Of course no waders but with neoprene socks. Now I’m really out of my comfort zone. No waders, but just wading shoes. I do have kind of idea how it will work and then I’m wondering that I need shorts. Something which are light, easy to dry etc. I need neoprene socks also, what kind of socks I will use inside or just neoprene socks on bare feet. How to prevent that small rocks and stones are not going inside of socks?
I have a lot questions to my guide on my fishing trip. Then I realize that it is why you book a guide. He/she will help you to get ready for your fishing trip. You will get answers and when it is time to go you will be ready. They don’t charge extra about these silly questions and giving answers. It is part of the ”job”. On other hand please have a spine, when you make all these questions… Do not underestimate time and work what your guide has been done before. What he have done to be able to give answers and helping you to get ready for your trip. Yes, daily price might sound expensive, think about how much experience and knowledge there is behind.
And how much more you will get out from your trip. It is not just a trip. It is experience to get ready, be ready and fish. You can relax, not getting nervous how to fish, what gears etc. Your guide will give answers and help you with lot things which are even not connected to fishing. It is always more or less companion around passion we all have, fly fishing. Still, please do not think that guides are helping you because of companion, give credit for them. It has been years of hard work and failures, just to make your fishing holiday best possible.
Have a nice weekend and go fishing
Mika the Legend