4 steps to find the perfect outfitter for your angling adventure

#1  THE FISHING

Canada is an angler’s paradise, but there’s no magical destination where you can catch every gamefish, using any angling method. So, you first have to decide what you want to do. That means picking where to go, what you want to catch and, often, whether you want easy fishing for numbers of fish or to pursue an elusive trophy. To narrow your options, decide which of those factors are your highest priority, and let the rest follow. This can be tough, but the good news is that there’s no wrong answer—it’s your trip, so do whatever you want.

If you’re after walleye, for example, there are lakes where you can catch a fish with literally every drop of your jig. But those are usually not the same places you’re likely to catch a 10-pounder. Or, perhaps you’ve always wanted to visit B.C.’s breathtaking Haida Gwaii in June, and you’re happy to fish for whatever’s in season.

If you want variety, many destinations offer multiple species and waters. Just make sure everything you want is available when you’re planning to visit. You also have to decide whether you want a hardcore, dawn-to-dusk fishing trip or if you want additional activities as well, such as sightseeing.

Another crucial—and easy to overlook—consideration is how you want to fish. Do you want to jig, troll, cast or fly fish? Do you want it easy like Sunday morning or do you want to challenge yourself? Some folks want to fish with an expert guide, while others like to do it themselves. Do you crave constant action or can you tolerate fishless days in pursuit of a single wall-hanger? And do you prefer a big comfy boat, chugging around in a six-horse tinner or wading? To refine your search—and avoid disappointment and frustration on the water—you need to decide all this ahead of time.