By : Katie Rojas
There's something uniquely satisfying about combining two of the best ways to spend a day outside. Biking gets you off the beaten path and into places most anglers never bother to go — and that's exactly where the good fishing tends to be. Whether you're rolling along a rail trail, cutting through the woods on a mountain bike, or cruising a paved greenway, adding a rod to your ride opens up a whole new world of water to explore. Here's how to make it work.
The biggest challenge is carrying your gear without getting your rod caught in your spokes. For a simple day trip, put a two-piece combo into a Zebco Rod Caddy and strap it to the top tube of your bike so the reel rides under your seat. It keeps the rod secure, out of the way, and ready to go when you get to the water. Pack a small assortment of lures, hooks, and tackle in a backpack or frame bag and you're set. Keep it light — the less you carry, the farther you'll want to ride.
If you're planning longer trips or want to carry more gear, a rear rack with a dry bag or a set of panniers gives you a lot more room to work with. Just make sure everything is secured tightly before you roll out. A shifting load on a bike is no fun, especially on uneven terrain.
Mountain biking and trout streams go together like a chain and sprocket. If that's your setup, Zebco has ultralight spincast combos that pack easily and won't weigh you down on the trail. For anglers who want a little more versatility, spinning gear is hard to beat — easy to cast, adaptable to a wide range of techniques, and available in compact travel-friendly options that fit neatly on a bike. A two-piece rod breaks down small enough to strap to just about any frame, making it easy to bring along without sacrificing performance when you get to the water.
One of the best things about biking to fish is the access it gives you. Trails take you past the crowded, easy-to-reach spots where most anglers set up, and deeper into stretches of water that rarely see a hook. Less pressure almost always means better fishing.
Traillink.com is a great resource for finding bike trails in your area. Search by region, trail surface, and length to find routes that can lead you to rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes worth fishing. Look for trails that run alongside or cross moving water — those are almost always worth exploring. A little planning before you leave the house can turn a good ride into a great fishing trip.
Biking to fish is simple once you've done it a couple of times, but a little preparation goes a long way. Check the trail conditions before you head out, especially after rain. Bring plenty of water — you're exercising before you even wet a line. A small first aid kit is always smart, and don't forget your fishing license. There's nothing worse than finding a perfect stretch of water and realizing you left it at home.
