Tips for Fishing With Your Dog

Fishing with your dog is like having a fishing buddy who’s always eager for a day out or a weekend fishing trip with you, regardless of the time of day you plan to head to the water, the weather, or anything else happening in their life. Dogs are ready because they are truly a man’s best friend. Plus, they are reliable and can cheer you up, whether the fish are biting or not.

Planning a dog-friendly fishing trip isn’t difficult but there are specific things to consider, pack, and prepare for keeping your dog safe near water, entertaining your dog while fishing, and preventing them from spooking the fish! Check out these tips for how to prepare your dog for a fishing trip. It’s important to note that not all fishing trips are conducive for fishing with your dog and, unless you have one of the best dog breeds for fishing trips or know how to train a dog for outdoor adventures, not all dogs are built mentally and physically to be a fishing dog. That said, with preparation, training, essential gear for fishing with pets, and some basic etiquette, you can enjoy a spring fishing trip with pets in tow!

How to Prepare Your Dog for a Fishing Trip

Understand Your Dog and Train Accordingly

Before going fishing with your dog, you must fully understand your pup, their tendencies, likes, and fears. This is because all dogs are different. While some will easily respond to commands, others simply won’t listen, may run away when off leash, and may react poorly to seeing other dogs. When it comes to how to prepare your dog for a fishing trip, it can be helpful to pretend to cast and fish in your yard or a local park with your dog to get them used to what you’ll be doing by their side.

Spend some time training your dog on the basics:

• Commands: (Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, Drop It, Load Up, and No).

• Establish a radius and recall for your pup. In a lot of areas along a river, for example, you may be able to have them off-leash so make sure your dog is comfortable off-leash and that you have established a recall in case of an emergency.

• Familiarize your dog with your fishing gear. Some simple “leave it” commands will do the trick to prevent them from injecting anything in your tackle box.

Check Local Fishing Regulations

When you are looking for the best fishing spots for dogs, you need to find a watering hole that allows dogs to join in the fun. Some areas prohibit animals to protect wildlife. Check all the regulations of the area you are planning to go fishing with your dog before hitting the road (or water).

Finding The Best Fishing Spots for Dogs

Just as with real estate and when planning to go fishing with your kids, location matters a lot when fishing with your dog.

Here are some helpful tips to make your decision of where to fish easier:

• Choose access points that you may have to hike into. This can be a great way to exercise your dog and get away from the crowds (and other dogs)!

• Avoid areas with difficult river crossings or rocks that may be challenging for your dog

• Choose trails that allow dogs to be off-leash

• Avoid fishing near roads or busy sidewalks and bike trails

• Don’t pick a fishing spot near homes or businesses

Know Proper Fishing Dog Etiquette

Etiquette is important when on a dog-friendly fishing trip. Not every angler on the water is a dog owner and not everyone likes to be around dogs—some are even afraid of dogs, so being considerate is critical. When bank fishing be sure to keep your dog on a leash. If permitted to let your dog off its leash, keep them within earshot and eyeshot so a quick recall can occur. The best fishing safety tips for pet owners are designed to keep everyone safe near the water.

When bringing pets on a fishing adventure, you must teach your pup to not spook the fish. A lot of dogs love jumping in the water to splash and cool off, but the fish will scatter and you’ll be looking at an empty body of water with nothing to catch! Basic training can help prevent your dog from crashing into the undisturbed water, as can keeping your dog on a leash or by your side using commands.

Teach Your Dog About Catch and Release Fishing

The species of fish you’ll likely catch on spring fishing trips will probably look like a tasty treat to a dog, but if you are catching and releasing, that’s a no-no. When you reel in a fish, don’t let your dog get a close look at it because the temptation for even a lick could be too great. Plus, some dogs react aggressively. Make it fun for your furry best friend by showing them the catch at a distance and letting them watch as you release it back into the water. Many dogs will slowly put two and two together and understand how you are fishing. They will still get excited when you catch a fish, but won’t try to gobble it up!

Essential Gear for Fishing with Pets

Having the right gear will help in keeping your dog safe near water and making sure they are entertained and well nourished. This will help your dog-friendly fishing trip go smoothly for them and you!

Here is a basic list of some of the items to bring along when spring fishing trip with pets:

• Animal Life Jacket

• Bowl for water

• Lots of Dog Treats to reward and reinforce commands

• Leash (or long lead) and Poop Bags

• Dog Jacket (if the weather is chilly and your dog is susceptible to the cold)

• First Aid Kit

• Towel

Now you’re ready to go fishing with your dog this spring so consult this spring fishing checklist to make sure you have everything packed to plan the perfect spring fishing trip.