37 WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR OVERSEAS HOLIDAY

Should you be considering your first Continental road trip, or looking to improve your chances having been before, we’ve gathered a number of experienced cross-Channel travellers to offer their tips and advice 

Multiple Line Options
“Make sure you take multiple line types. Have casting line, all-round monofilament, and both sinking and floating braid. Even if you’ve been to a venue before and you’re sure you will need only one type of main line, the fishing environment may have changed since your last visit and you’ll not know it until you arrive.” Henry Lennon

Tape up Your Kit
“If there are a few of you travelling together and everything is thrown in a van, it can be a nightmare sorting each angler’s kit out when you get there. When travelling with Carp Team England, each angler would have electrical tape in an allocated colour, and they would wrap a short length around the handle of each item. It makes finding your stuff amongst that sea of green bags a lot easier on arrival.” Rob Hughes

Two-litre Water Bottles
“In really hot weather, standard ice blocks won’t last long in cool boxes. A much better solution is to freeze a two-litre bottle of still water. It will last a lot longer and can be drunk once it thaws.” Steve Briggs

Go Short
“On a road trip, when you’re constantly loading and unloading a van, 12ft and 13ft rods are a major inconvenience. They take up so much space, and when you’re dropping rigs from a boat rather than casting long-range, they offer no advantage. Years ago, Alan Blair and I made a pact to leave our long rods behind when we head abroad, and we haven’t looked back.” Oli Davies

Get Lost!
“No, I don’t only mean literally. Lose yourself in the experience. I think a lot of anglers miss a trick when travelling to Europe. They want to know what lake they’re driving to, what fish it holds, and in some cases, what swims and areas are supposedly best. If you’re planning on having an adventure, then for me, that is all you plan for. I’m sure there is a ton of practical advice I could have offered, but for most of it, a quick search via Google will tell you what you need to know.” Joe Brazil

Get a Toll Tag
“These little gizmos allow you to breeze through the French toll booths. They save you having to queue at peak times. They are also a must if you are travelling solo in a vehicle that’s right-hand drive. They cut out the awkwardness of swiping a card and grabbing a ticket through your passenger window whilst others wait behind you.” Oli Davies

Embrace the journey
“The long drives, changing terrain, landscapes, weather and culture are very much part of a big road trip. Trying to find places to buy supplies, meeting locals, having random encounters and finding out-of-the-way patisseries are exactly what it’s all about.” Gaz Fareham

Apps
“In advance, always have a look at your journey on something like Google Maps. SatNavs can take you through busy cities, or along expensive toll roads, and if necessary, these can be avoided.” Steve Briggs

Go On Your Own
“Don’t be afraid to go on your own. Some of my favourite fishing trips abroad have been on my lonesome. They’ve allowed me to fish to my selfish maximum, which is often what you need to do to get the best from an angling situation.” Henry Lennon

‘Ticked Off’
“Ticks are nasty little so-and-sos that burrow into your skin and suck your blood. They can cause Lyme disease if they’re left in or are removed badly. Despite being careful, I’ve had two tick bites. I required a course of antibiotics on the second occasion. I always carry a tick tool-removal tool in my tackle box.” Brian Skoyles

Customs
“For the most part, customs are not interested in fishing tackle and bait. Thousands of carp anglers cross the Channel every week. However, by law—which still isn’t being properly enforced—you can’t take certain baits and foodstuffs into the EU. Such items can be confiscated by over-zealous customs officials. I would pack these things so they are not obvious during a cursory check.” Oli Davies

Buy Some Crates
“It’s great having camo, carpy bags everywhere, but crates are stackable and fit better in the van. They’re easier to load and unload, and they’re rodent- and waterproof, so you can leave them outside your bivvy. They’re also great for keeping bait in, sitting on and using as tables.” Rob Hughes 

Several Plans
“Have a plan A, a plan B and a plan C, and don’t trust other people’s dropped pins until you’ve been to the location yourself. So often for me, trips have turned out massively different to what I had originally anticipated.” Henry Lennon

Long Journeys
“There was a time when I would travel through the night, as I wanted to get to the venue as soon as possible. The problem with night driving on the seriously big trips is that whilst you might arrive earlier, you’ll be so tired when you get there that you’ll need a kip. It’s much better to drive into the evening, find a cheap hotel, kip over and then start early the next day. You might arrive a few hours later, but your mind will be more hours ahead.” Rob Hughes

Equipment and Back-ups
“As carp anglers, we may all like to minimise the amount of equipment we carry around as much as possible, and most of us travel on a tight budget. That’s all fine if you’re fishing locally. Once you go on longer journeys, however, your most important companion is your car or van.

“If you’re considering purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, I’d recommend looking at one with a mileage somewhere below 100,000. Also, it’s advisable to have at least a basic knowledge regarding potential running repairs. There’s nothing worse than getting stranded on motorway, many miles from home. Such an experience can ruin an entire trip.

“The same goes for our equipment. While some items are simply too expensive or completely impractical to duplicate, we can brush up on how to repair them. I’m talking about boats and bait boats, for example. I will, though, take spare rods, reels and buzzers. I’ll keep them at my base camp, or at my bed and breakfast nearby. When you go it alone on big trips, you need to be able to manage things and get by yourself.” Philipp Braun 

Fuel Prices
“Prices will vary, but fuel is always more expensive at motorway services, so plan ahead for alternatives if you want to save money when filling up.” Steve Briggs

Accidents
“They can happen. During thirty years or so fishing abroad, either I or friends have suffered broken bones, sprains, cuts, stings, hooks through fingers, etc. I wouldn’t dream of going on a fishing holiday without adequate insurance, a decent first aid kit and basic medications.” Brian Skoyles

Roaming
“Make sure you have plenty of data available and that your roaming option is enabled on your phone. These days, a smartphone is an absolute essential, be it for weather forecasts, navigation, research or staying in touch with others. Brexit has seen the policy of some providers change, so make sure you don’t get caught out.” Oli Davies

Learn the Basics
“I’m referring to the language basics. I like learning a few more words each time I go, and although I’m nowhere near being able to have even the most simple of conversations with a French person, I know more than I did five years ago. I think making the effort to learn how to say simple things in the native tongue is just common courtesy. And who knows? In 10 years’ time, I might actually be able to have that conversation in French. I like the idea of that.” Joe Brazil

Coffee and Sandwiches
“It’s always good to have a flask of coffee and sandwiches at the ready for the Eurotunnel. It takes only 30 minutes, but having something to eat and drink sets you up for the drive ahead.” Steve Briggs

Avoid Being Overweight… and Going too Fast
“If you’re going in a van and have a fair bit of stuff in it, especially bait, be mindful of overloading. The police are really hot on weight, and I’ve been stopped a couple of times. I know of one driver who had to leave his bait in a police station in Germany, drive to Hungary, and then back to Germany again to collect it. The same goes for speeding, especially in the Netherlands and France. The police there are unforgiving.” Rob Hughes

Respect the Locals
“I’ve chatted about this with a good few recently, and it’s nice that this little snippet of advice is being communicated. I really do think it’s common sense, but if I’m heading to someone’s patch merely as a fleeting visitor, then I should be respectful. I see dropped pins traded like Pokémon cards, with little regard to the anglers who live near these locations and are campaigning on the lakes. Honestly, I could write a whole article on it, but have been asked to keep it short… R E S P E C T (as the song goes).” Joe Brazil

Essentials
“Although most items can be acquired en route, it pays to take essentials with you, even if they are provided at the destination. Things like a supply of fresh water, and basic food to last a couple of days, can be lifesavers if you arrive when all the shops are closed, perhaps during a public holiday.” Oli Davies

Do Your Research
“I’m not talking about knowing all the ins and outs of the lake, but the smaller things that can really top you up. Does the venue contain poisson-chats? Are razor mussels a problem? Are there many roach? Is it silly deep? What distance will you need cast? All these little things build a picture, and they’ll ensure you don’t forget something vital.” Rob Hughes 

Waze
“Google Maps is probably the most widely used app. It covers most requirements, but others such as Waze may be more detailed. They can showing speed traps, and alternative routes when roads ahead are congested. There’s one called Radarbot that detects speed cameras, but it’s compatible only with certain phones.” Steve Briggs

Fishing Routines
“For most of us, long sessions of seven days or more are rare. It’s very easy to lose your fishing routine as the days’ progress. It’s my experience that, if you keep to the routines of baiting up, re-casting, etc., then the session will build and sport will improve. If the week has been slow, don’t be tempted to pile any spare bait in towards the end. This will only reduce chances of a pick-up.” Brian Skoyles

Power Up
“Even if there are charging facilities at my destination, I will take plenty of batteries, and have charging options. Multiple leisure batteries and an inverter will ensure that all gadgets and cameras can be kept functioning, even if you’re off-grid for a few days.” Oli Davies

Take in the Sights
“Those reading this piece who are considering travelling to Europe will be going to catch carp, obviously, but there’s so much to see, especially if you’re ‘adventure’ fishing. The last trip I went on with Gaz involved a long drive to the Alps for only four nights’ fishing. One day, though, we still squeezed in having a mooch around a little French village, and a trip to a waterfall that I wanted to photograph. The day finished with a view of Mont Blanc at sunset… we didn’t even wet a line that day. I don’t know when life might take me back to the French Alps. I may never return. For me, not to take in some of the culture and sights whilst there would have felt like wasting an opportunity.” Joe Brazil

Google Translate
“This is a really useful app to have. It can get you out of awkward situations, and will also help you explain what you are trying to buy or ask for.” Steve Briggs

It’s Okay to Pay
“Make sure you have some cash with you. Although most places take cards, don’t risk being caught out if there’s an IT failure or you can’t pay with a card for other reasons. A cash safety net is prudent. If you get stopped for speeding, for instance, some fines are payable on the spot.” Oli Davies

Shelf-Life
“Nowadays, I use ‘stabilised’ or shelf-life baits for 95 per cent of my fishing abroad. They are much better than they used to be. In warm conditions it’s difficult to keep freezer baits fresh for long periods, and I’ve noticed no difference whatsoever in my results. One way of keeping freezer baits fresh on the bank is to use salt. As a rough guide, use a kilo of salt per five kilos of boilies. Snip off the corner of the bag, add the salt, and then shake and turn the bag every day or two to ensure good coverage.” Steve Briggs

Creepy-crawlies
“Over the years I’ve had disagreements with all sorts of creepy-crawlies. Thousands of ants have invaded my bivvy, as have similar numbers of earwigs, mozzies by the million, along with mice, rats… the list goes on. If you’re living in a bivvy for several days, it’s a good idea to protect your food, tackle and bait. I transport most of my gear in strong, clip-lid storage boxes, or lidded buckets. They travel better, make transfer to your swim easier, and will keep everything safe and secure. Have a head torch with a green-light option too, perhaps. Some flying insects are attracted to white, and can be a right pain as your head becomes their target for a snack.” Brian Skoyles

Get your Paperwork in Order
“Check what you need to enter the country you are heading to. Some countries require a visa, while others, such as Bosnia, may require you to carry the logbook of the vehicle you’re travelling in. You could be refused entry if you don’t have the correct documentation.” Steve Briggs

Tidy Van
“Keep your van tidy. This really does make life easier each time you arrive at a venue. By having the right kit readily accessible, you’ll have a head start when time is tight. Usually, being organised and remaining so is just part of the daily routine.” Oli Davies