Outfitters: Just Gear?

These days, the term "outfitters" refers to far more than just trendy clothing. Sure, you can buy matching outfits for the entire family and make sure they match your fishing poles and boots, but now we have full-service fishing outfitters. This means you can be color-coordinated and have someone help you every step of the way.

Fishing trip outfitters across North America

Oh, the choices

Traditionally, when one thinks of fishing outfitters, a name like Cabela's comes to mind. True, the word outfitters does connote gear and clothing associated with the activity, whether fishing or hunting. And, yes, with little effort, you can truly leave the store looking great and fully-equipped. But, now, the notion of "outfitters" encompasses so much more than a storefront or catalog with relevant items. Today, outfitters combine that service with guided trips for hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, or just sightseeing.

There are fishing trip outfitters in all of North America; however, the ice fishing industry is mostly concentrated in Canada and the northern half of the United States. The Internet is the best resource to find out more about individual fishing trip outfitters. There is not one site that will offer information or links on all outfitters, but one can start with a few big ones, such as: http://www.america-outdoors.com, http://www.theoutpostmall.com/outfitters.htm and http://www.orvis.com.

There are far too many fishing trip outfitters across North America to count. And they all offer similar basic services such as guide services, travel and lodging help, clubs, fishing licenses, supplies, gears, resorts, and cabins. Be prepared, however, for the differences between outfitters. Some will provide guides that will help you with every step of the fishing process and then lead you back to a luxurious cabin complete with gourmet meal. Outfitters in the Canadian north will bundle you into a dogsled for a ride to a snug igloo and an exciting afternoon of char-jigging. Others still will provide a snowmobile to cut down on transportation time and effort traversing across the lake. Truly, outfitters have addressed just about every amenity to make a cold day of ice fishing as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. We applaud them for their forethought.