Other considerations include, will any non-fishing companions be joining you, and is this strictly a fishing trip or will other leisure or even business activities be involved?

A final consideration--what is your realistic budget? Let's face it, money is a deciding factor for most of us. You need to be honest about how much you are prepared to spend--and how to spend it. If you have $1,500 to spend on a trip, do you want 3 days at Lodge X with most of comforts of home, or 7 days in a tent camp where you cook your own meals, but have a better shot at a trophy fish?

Once you have established clear priorities about fishing and accommodations, and roughed out a budget, it's time to start looking at what individual venues have to offer. Search Internet to find exciting and affordable locations. State or provincial tourism departments or fish/wildlife agencies are excellent resources to find fishing lodges within specific areas. Even U.S. Forest Service website has valuable and free information about thousands of fishing locales within U.S.

Before you go, you need to check to make certain that all of your equipment is in safe working order. You might be a long ways from nearest tackle shop. First, check your rod and reel. Both of these pieces need to be in top condition. Also check type of line you should be using (you will probably want to take several different types).

Finally, check your tackle box, especially hooks, flies, sinkers and lures depending on species of fish you are after and conditions you expect to encounter.

Best wishes for a great trip, whether it be steelheads in Alaska or giant snakeheads in Thailand, you're ready for ultimate fishing experience!

Your level of fishing experience is also a determining consideration. Choosing right guide to help with equipment choices and techniques is critical. The more experience you have, obviously less advice and help you will need.

Other considerations include, will any non-fishing companions be joining you, and is this strictly a fishing trip or will other leisure or even business activities be involved?

A final consideration--what is your realistic budget? Let's face it, money is a deciding factor for most of us. You need to be honest about how much you are prepared to spend--and how to spend it. If you have $2,000 to spend on a trip, do you want 3 days at Lodge X with all of comforts of home, or 8 days in a tent camp where you cook your own meals, but have a better shot at catching trophy fish?

Finally, check to make certain that all of your equipment--particularly your rod and reel is in safe, working order. You might end up a long way from nearest tackle shop. Check your line carefully, and restock that tackle box, especially hooks, flies, sinkers and lures depending on species of fish you are after and conditions you expect to encounter.

Best wishes for a great trip, whether it be rainbow trout in Montana or giant sea bass in Chile, you've prepared for ultimate fishing journey!