Our longtime friend, photographer, and trip host Dave McCoy of Seattle-based Emerald Water Anglers recently returned from his fourth trip to Soul Fly Lodge — that’s every year since we opened! Dave is a prolific and experienced world traveler and over the course of his decades of angling travel, he’s amassed an incredible perspective when it comes to deciding where to go and how to prepare for the trip. Every year, Dave brings a special group of anglers with him and they all unequivocally become friends with our guides and lodge staff. We’re grateful for Dave’s continued support, wisdom, and friendship and especially fond of the imagery he creates when in the Berry Islands. Keep scrolling for Dave’s thoughts on fly fishing travel as well as some of our favorite shots from his most recent trip.

In Dave’s words:

I wanna let you in on a secret: Any trip you plan is never going to be perfect. Acknowledging that ahead of time makes choosing where to go and why that much more important.

BOOM, there it is!

Knowing this up front, I suggest you take all contingencies into consideration:

people you travel with
where you are headed
YOUR skill set
time of year
travel time
lodging when applicable
alternate activities
cuisine
equipment
expectations

The list can be exhaustive and it;s important to measure the weight of all these. If you’ve spent time on these and other elements, have set your mind to be prepared for any possibilities, then you’ll come out on the other side with fantastic memories of a great trip.

If you can still have the time of your life when fishing gets tough or when a plan turns off course, you have chosen wisely! Much of the time, the balance will hang on the people involved in your experience. People drive the narrative in planning ALL of my trips because I understand the importance of chemistry in travel.

Surround yourself with those you know can take a little adversity on the chin; people who will laugh and make lemonade from lemons when that is what’s presented.

For more great photography from Dave, check out his Instagram page and his photography website. And, click here for more information on his travels and to find out about upcoming trips with Dave.