As passionate anglers, we often find ourselves venturing into the great outdoors to experience the thrilling pursuit of fishing. However, the essence of an angling expedition doesn't stop at reeling in an impressive catch.
In this article, we take a look at essentials for camping and outdoor cooking, offering an immersive encounter with nature. This guide aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge to elevate your outdoor cooking experience on your fishing and camping expeditions.
There's something about food prepared outdoors, under the open sky, that just tastes different. Maybe it's the flavour the wood fire adds to your grub, or perhaps it's the smell of the countryside blending with your cooking, or possibly it's just the thrill of stepping out of your culinary comfort zone. Whatever it is, it's undeniably delightful.
Connection with Nature: Outdoor cooking provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural environment, breathe in fresh air, and experience the sights and sounds of nature.
Social Gathering and Bonding: Whether it's a family gathering, a fishing trip with friends, or a barbecue, outdoor cooking encourages social interaction.
Enhanced Flavors: Outdoor cooking, such as grilling or smoking, adds unique flavours to food that cannot be replicated indoors.
Variety of Cooking Methods: Outdoor cooking allows for a diverse range of cooking methods beyond what is possible indoors.
Adventure and Exploration: Outdoor cooking adds an element of exploration and excitement to activities like camping and fishing, making them more memorable and enjoyable.
Self-Sufficiency and Survival Skills: Learning to cook outdoors equips individuals with valuable self-sufficiency and survival skills.
Health and Well-being: Cooking and eating outdoors provides an opportunity to disconnect from technology, reduce stress, and enjoy a change of scenery.
Understanding the importance of outdoor cooking as part of an angling expedition. We've curated a list of essential camping cooking equipment that will help with preparing meals when at the bankside.
Kettles: A durable, lightweight camping kettle is a must-have in your outdoor cooking gear. Use it to brew up a revitalising cup of tea after a long day's angling or quickly boil water for your culinary endeavours.
Mugs, Cups, and Flasks: What's better than sipping your morning brew whilst waiting for a bite? Look for ones specifically designed for camping or fishing that provide thermal insulation, are light to carry, and are able to withstand outdoor conditions.
Plate and Cutlery Sets: Compact, lightweight plate and cutlery sets designed for fishing and camping. Opt for stainless steel or durable plastic sets, which are easier to clean and more resilient in the outdoors.
Stoves: A reliable camping stove is crucial for warm meals or drinks. Be sure to choose a fishing stove that offers a good balance between power, efficiency, weight, and size, tailored to your cooking needs and camping style. Fishing gas stoves include propane, butane, or multi-fuel types, depending on portability and fuel availability.
Pots and Pans: Look for non-stick, lightweight camping pans with foldable or detachable handles for easy packing.
Gas Canister Covers: These can protect your gas canisters from damage and ensure they operate effectively with your outdoor cooking stove, even in colder conditions.
Cool Bags: Keeping perishable foods fresh can be challenging while fishing or camping. With the right fishing cool bag, you can keep ingredients fresh for longer, expanding your meal options. Be sure to use cool packs for an extra chill.
Water Carrier: Every angler-cum-outdoor chef needs a reliable water carrier. Freshwater is not only vital for drinking but also indispensable for cooking and cleaning purposes. Look for a robust, leak-proof water carrier that's easy to fill, carry, and pour.
Grills & BBQs: Using BBQ for camping or while fishing adds an enjoyable element to the experience. A fishing BBQ or grill allows you to savour meat cooked to perfection in the great outdoors. BBQs and grills have charcoal, gas, or electric options, each with unique advantages.
Camping & Fishing Cook Sets: A camping cooking set can include cooking accessories that help make your backside kitchen better. Check out fishing brew kits for tea lovers or carp fishing cooking sets for bundles of camping cooking utensils.
When using any outdoor cooking equipment, prioritize safety by following instructions, ensuring proper ventilation, and handling fuels carefully. Regular cleaning and maintenance are important.
There's a unique satisfaction that comes from cooking a tasty treat after a battle of PB fish you've just caught. If you are fishing a catch and keep venue or your sea fish capture meets the requirements to keep it, you could even turn your catch into a mouth-watering meal.
First, you need the right fishing equipment - rods, reels, hooks, and baits to catch the fish. Then, the knowledge to clean and prepare the fish for cooking is essential. The type of fish will dictate the cooking method - whether it's grilling, frying, or even smoking.
For those that only fish catch and release venues, you can still integrate outdoor cooking into your angling adventure. From breakfast muffins to meatball subs, you’ll be surprised what you can cook at the bank whilst carp fishing! Be sure to pick up a coolbox to store all your food in and when it comes to making a tasty meal and consider one of our bankside recipes below!
Cooking while camping requires you to be versatile and efficient with your equipment and resources. Using compact, lightweight equipment that can handle multiple cooking methods is a good start. Additionally, here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when outdoor cooking in the UK:
When cooking outdoors, always follow fire safety guidelines. Ensure your cooking area is clear of any flammable materials and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Practice proper fire management techniques and never leave the cooking area unattended.
Depending on where you fish, you may require permission to have specific cooking equipment, especially when concerning fires. Some fisheries and beaches may ban BBQs altogether, so ensure you are not breaking any rules with your outdoor cooking.
Maintaining proper food handling and hygiene practices is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Wash your hands before and after handling food, store raw and cooked foods separately, and ensure that meats are cooked thoroughly to the recommended internal temperatures. Also, remember to pack hand sanitiser, and cleaning supplies for easy cleanup.
When cooking with gas grills or camp stoves, make sure you have proper ventilation in your bivvy to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. Set up your cooking equipment in an open area, away from tents and enclosed spaces. This will ensure the safety of everyone around you.
At Angling Direct, we take pride in offering a wide selection of top-quality cooking utensils and accessories from leading brands in the industry. We stock products from renowned names like Coleman, Trakker, and Fox, ensuring you have access to the best in the market.
Additionally, we carry the full range of RidgeMonkey, a brand known for its innovative tackle items, including its famous sandwich toaster. Cobb also boasts a range of BBQ kits and smokers that take up minimal space when packed down.
Our own brand, Advanta, also provides a comprehensive collection of cooking equipment. Whether you're embarking on a long carp fishing session or any other angling adventure, we are dedicated to equipping you with all the gear necessary to stay warm and well-fed.
While catching a magnificent carp or trout may be the highlight of your angling journey, don't underestimate the joys of cooking amidst the tranquil backdrop of nature. It’s not just about sustaining yourself while you're out enjoying nature. It’s about enhancing the connection with the environment around you, creating memories, and quite literally, adding a little spice to your adventure.
So, gear up, plan your next fishing and camping trip, and look forward to the mouth-watering meals you'll be serving up in the great outdoors. Here's to those memorable moments that await – a line in the water, a stove at the ready, and the promise of great meals and stories shared under the starlight. Happy angling and cooking, everyone!
The five primary outdoor cooking methods are direct heat, boiling, frying, grilling, and roasting. These techniques, which are commonly used in outdoor cooking, can be accomplished with simple and practical cooking equipment, available at Angling Direct.
For a camping BBQ, you'll need a portable grill, fuel (charcoal or propane), BBQ utensils, fire starters, cooking accessories, cleaning supplies, heat-resistant gloves, food and seasonings, cooking surfaces (if needed), and safety essentials like a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Prioritize safety and follow campsite regulations for BBQ usage and fire prevention.
Whether you are staying overnight in a tent or bivvy and the weather is poor, it is ill-advised to cook a BBQ or use gas stoves inside a tent. Ensure you cook under a shelter that is well-ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or inhaling too much smoke. Ideally, the open air is best for BBQs.
When it comes to picking a gas for your camping stove or BBQ, both propane and butane are considered safe and clean-burning fuels. They do not have long-term negative effects on the environment and are non-toxic and can be used as a reliable source of energy for various purposes.