Few anglers have spent more time traveling in pursuit of fish than Ken Morrish. As the founder of Fly Water Travel and a lifelong explorer of some of the world's most renowned fisheries, Ken has helped anglers plan adventures across the globe while logging countless miles himself. Along the way, he's learned what works, what doesn't, and which details can make or break a trip. From packing rods and navigating airports to balancing family vacations with time on the water, Ken shares some of the lessons he's picked up over decades of travel. Whether you're heading across the world or just a few hours from home, these tips can help you spend less time stressing and more time fishing.

Ken: Over the past 25 years, I've had really good luck checking my bags. Unlike many of our guests, I typically check my rods as well. If my rods are packed in a round rod tube (which I think is a bad design), I'll tape a triangular or square piece of cardboard to the tube so it won't roll off a conveyor belt. It also never hurts to snap a quick photo of the bags you're checking in case one is lost or misplaced.

Ken: Most of the trips I take are at least a week long and involve multiple rods, waders, and camera equipment, so I almost always check at least one bag. As for my carry-on, I try to keep essential items with me that would be difficult to replace if my luggage is delayed or lost. That usually includes sunglasses, important medications, at least one warm layer (planes always seem to be cold), key camera gear, and sometimes a box of flies if I've spent a lot of time tying specifically for the trip. Personally, I don't like carrying rods onto a plane. I have a bad track record of leaving them behind in restaurants, overhead bins, and TSA checkpoints.

Ken: Waterproof SPF 50 sunscreen, sun gloves, a Buff, a spare pair of sunglasses, and electrolytes. Those are a few things I never leave home without. They're lightweight, easy to pack, and can make a big difference when you're spending long days on the water under the summer sun.

Ken: Squeezing fishing time into a family trip is all about planning ahead. Be upfront about your intentions to fish, then work together to figure out what feels fair and appropriate for everyone involved. It also helps to make sure the rest of the family has something equally interesting or enjoyable to do while you're out scratching your fishing itch.

I've found it's usually better to spread your fishing days throughout the trip rather than bunching them all together. After a day or two of everyone being together, the crew may be perfectly happy to see you disappear for a day on the water and, hopefully, return a calmer, better version of yourself.

As for gear, virtually all guides and outfitters have loaner rods and reels available, and most can provide flies as well. Check ahead of time and take advantage of what they offer. If you reel with your right hand, you might consider packing your own reel, as left-hand retrieve has become the universal default.

Ken: I've been asking myself this question for decades, and the answer is different for every family. A lot depends on your family's tolerance for an angler's obsession. I know people (like Landon) who drag their families all over the world in search of fish and don't make it back to camp until well after dark. Personally, I have to tread a little more lightly and keep my fishing sessions respectfully short.

The best strategy, of course, is to convert as many family members as possible into anglers. Once they're excited about the fishing too, you start looking a lot less like a selfish prick and a lot more like a thoughtful trip planner.

Ken: In the era of synthetic sun hoodies, I can usually only wear the same shirt for a day or two, depending on how hot and sweaty the trip gets. Synthetics perform incredibly well, but they tend to develop a smell pretty quickly. The good news is they also bounce back fast with a little soap and a sink wash.

That said, cotton shirts still have plenty of appeal to me. They're comfortable, stay cool, and don't seem to hold odor the same way. Lightweight merino wool deserves a spot in the conversation as well. It regulates temperature well and can often be worn for several days without becoming offensive to your travel companions.

Ken: At Fly Water Travel, we always map out exactly what equipment an outfitter can provide. The answer varies from destination to destination, but it's valuable information if you're trying to travel light. Personally, I always want my own waders and footwear. Beyond that, it's worth asking what gear is available before investing in rods, reels, and lines that may only get used for a single trip.

More and more outfitters and lodges now offer high-quality loaner equipment, either as part of the package or for a rental fee. All of our Sage Experiences Outfitters, for example, provide top-of-the-line Sage rods and reels paired with destination-specific RIO lines at no additional cost. It's a service that more traveling anglers are taking advantage of because it makes packing, planning, and budgeting significantly easier.

Ken: There is no good way!!! It's either wet and breathable or sealed and stinky!