Motorcycle riding started as a new hobby to a lot of us. We would ride after school or on weekends. For some riders this is enough. It was not long until I would rather ride my motorcycle whenever possible. I ride it to work, to the store and pretty much where ever I go, weather permitting. I now go weeks without driving a car at anytime of the year.

I also enjoy fishing. Even before I got my first motorcycle, I would ride my Schwinn Stingray bike to go fishing. The image that sticks in my mind of these early adventures was one particular ride to The Lower Pond in Salem Utah around 1970. I caught my first Large-mouth Bass that day! It was only about 10 inches long. I had accomplished a great feat for my 11 years. As I was riding happily home, a Saint Bernard dog casually walked out into the road and chomped me on my right arm. I did not give up biking or fishing I just changed my route.

40 years later, I was busy working, maintaining my home, planning group rides with my friends, family obligations and all the other stuff I needed to take care of. Fishing fell by the wayside.

I am lucky to live and ride in Utah. I go on many group rides through mountains, canyons and forests. Many places I ride there are streams, ponds or lakes. While riding past I would wonder. Are there fish in there? Memories of riding the Stingray to fish came back. I should go fishing riding my motorcycle I thought. So I did. I now enjoy combining these two activities that I love.

For motorcycle fishing, you will need the right gear. A good pack rod is a must to fit into your saddle bag or tour pack. I use a multiple piece spinning rod over the telescoping kind because it is stronger. I also take at least two fishing reels with me loaded with different test line because I do not know where I will end up and what I will be fishing for. That is the fun. If fish are not biting at your first choice, take a ride and go somewhere else. For tackle I use mostly artificial lures but you can always turn over rocks or logs to find live bait. Don't forget to pack a lunch and take plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated.

A typical day of motorcycle fishing for me starts at Utah Lake. I use jigs for bass and walleye. If I plan on taking some of my catch home I take a collapsible cooler, blue ice, a fillet knife and zip lock bags. Most times I just catch the fish and release them.

If Utah Lake does not produce, I saddle up and ride to either Diamond Fork for some stream fishing for brown trout or I might end up at Deer Creek Reservoir for some trout and small mouth bass fishing. Either way I win. I am out and doing two of the things I love.

Remember to check your local fishing regulations and ride safe my friends.