 Remote Travel Safety: What You Need To Go Remote
Posted by carsandtrucks on Thursday, March 06 @ 13:04:01 PST
A friend asked me for some advice on what equipment he should have should he decide to seek out some of Maine’s more remote trout streams and ponds. My first question was how remote are you talking about? His fishing expeditions generally take him onto unpaved logging roads that he may travel for many miles. In years past, before the logging operations made easy access these roads were nothing short of paths through the forest. In those times if you did not have a 4x4 vehicle you were not getting there. Today’s remote fishing spots are often accessible by
the same vehicle you drive to work each day. The need for four wheel drive has been eliminated through the network of logging roads. That being said, don’t go off unprepared for the unexpected. These are dirt roads and many of them are made from shale stone that is so abundant in the North Maine Woods. This shale tends to be sharp edged and will destroy many tires during the course of a season. So make sure you have a good spare tire and working jack. Add to that list a four way lug wrench to get off those stubborn lug nuts. I also would recommend you pack a battery jump pack. This will be real handy when you come off the water and find you left the dome light on and the battery is dead. Although there is really nothing in the wilds of Maine that would hurt you, a hike of several miles in the black of night is likely to be a little intimidating. Now if you want to go to some of the sweet spots that not many fisherman ever venture to, you need 4 wheel drive. I would also recommend you have a winch or at least a come along. I have been on fishing trips where we literally winched our way into that secret pond that held trout measured in pounds. Make sure you pack a shovel to dig yourself out of the mud that you are surely to incur on these forgotten tote roads. You better have a chain saw, axe or camp saw with you to cut the fallen trees that are blocking your access. There is nothing more frustrating then finding your path blocked and no tools to open up the passage. I also have a tow rope or strap with me on all of these excursions. These come in handy if you are traveling with another vehicle and one of the trucks gets mired. It is nice to know your fly fishing buddy will be there to pull you out. Even though the remote fishing spots are not as remote as they once were, it is important to think ahead and be prepared for trouble. This includes making sure there is enough gas in the tank before you exit that last town you are going to see for several miles. A great day of fishing can be ruined pretty quickly if your means out of that remote spot lets you down.
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