Bike Fishing: A Complete Guide to This Unique Sport

Bike fishing is a unique sport that combines the best of both worlds – cycling and fishing! This activity can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or experience. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about bike fishing: what it is, who should consider it, the benefits, and what gear is needed. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get started. So if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite hobby, bike fishing might be just the thing for you!

 

What Is Bike Fishing?

As the name suggests, bike fishing is a combination of cycling and fishing. This activity can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys both activities – it’s a great way to get some exercise while also enjoying the peacefulness of nature. Bike fishing is simply utilizing a bike as a means of transportation to fishing spots.

 

Benefits Of Bike Fishing

 

Fish In More Areas

Biking is more efficient than walking. It enables anglers to travel farther and faster, and therefore they can cover and fish more areas of water than they could on foot. It also allows them to access areas that a car or other vehicle may not be able to access.

It’s a great way to get some exercise: Bike fishing is a low-impact activity that is perfect for those who want to get some exercise and avoid taking a vehicle. On a bike, anglers can carry lots of gear across many miles for day trips, or even overnight bikepacking trips.

 

Better For The Environment

Since you’re using your own power to travel as opposed to vehicles that consume fossil fuels.

 

Take More Gear

A bike fitted with bags and racks can help an angler carry a surprisingly large amount of gear into areas that may not be feasible on foot.

 

Selecting A Bike For Your Needs

The type of bike you’ll need will depend on the type of fishing you want to do and the terrain you’ll be riding on. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of off-road biking, then a mountain bike would be a good choice. If you’re mostly going to be riding on paved roads, then a gravel bike a commuter or cruiser bike may work for you.

Bikes with additional capacity to add racks are common among bike fisherman, as well as utilizing mountain bikes to access tougher terrain.

Find a bike suited for your body type and use cases. For instance, bikers can find bikes better suited for heavier and larger males, or elect for a women’s cruiser bike that may be better suited for someone with a smaller frame.

 

What Gear Do You Need For Bike Fishing?

The type of gear you’ll need for bike fishing will vary depending on the type of fishing you want to do. However, there are some essential pieces of gear that every bike fisherman should have:

 

Rod And Reel

A fishing rod and reel: Of course, you’ll need a good quality rod and reel. It can be fly fishing, spin fishing, tenkara, or for whatever type of fishing you plan on doing. The type of fishing rod is completely up to you.

 

Gear Bags

With bike fishing, anglers can easily carry a lot of gear on their backs with a backpack or a fishing sling. This works great for many, and often can be all that is needed. It is worth noting that there are tons of different types of bags that can strap on to your bike to add even more storage. This is essential for anyone that needs more space than just a backpack, fishing vest, or sling.

If an angler needs to carry extra rods, waiters, and more, it is often necessary to have additional bags or racks to carry that gear with.

Here is a great guide to choosing the best bike bags and racks.

 

Rod Holders

Fly fisherman often carry rod tubes to pack down their rods into a tube for transport. There are bike racks meant to hold rod tubes, or even full rods for easy transport.

See Some Examples Here

 

Repair Kits

Bike fishing often takes anglers to more remote areas, so it is always a good idea to have a small repair kit. This can help in the event of a mechanical issue or a flat tire.

See Examples Of Bike Repair Kits

 

First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is always a good idea, no matter where you are fishing or what you’re doing.

See Examples Of Bike First Aid Kits

 

Clothing Options

Biking often means faster speeds and more wind. This can mean you need to dress for both warmer, and colder conditions as you’ll be doing work in the form of exercise which may warm you up, but wind can make it quite cold, even on the same day. On cold days, having gloves and a windbreaker might be absolutely crucial. Sun protection is also a major consideration while biking.

Bring moisture wicking clothing, as well as windproof layers to maximize your versatility.

Some key elements for any biker include:

• Helmet
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Windproof and waterproof layer

 

Packing Your Gear

There really is never a right or wrong way to carry your gear, just do what works best for you. Even though everyone can customize to their own liking, there are a few best practices you should keep in mind.

 

Heavy Items Should Be Stored Behind You

When storing items on a rack behind you, there is less effect on the performance of the bike. It doesn’t affect steering or wind resistance nearly as much as a rack on or in front of the handlebars. For this reason, be sure to pack your heaviest items behind you, and preferably as low to the ground as possible.

 

Items Up Front Cause Wind Resistance and Steering Differences

Any item stored on the front wheel, or up front significantly increases wind resistance. In addition, having weight on the front wheel will make it more difficult to turn, and this can take some getting used to.

 

All Gear Should Be Packed Tightly And Out Of The Way

Bike crashes can be dangerous. It is therefore essential to ensure your items are not hindering your pedaling, your steering, or your eyesight in any way. All gear should be secured tightly so that it can’t come out even if you hit a large, or many bumps. Gear popping out, can also cause some major problems, especially in on the front end of the bike.

Poles or rod tubes may stick out from the bike, particularly above you, and making sure you are always aware of this is key for safety.