Fishing is a great way to get outdoors, spend time with loved ones, and get a great meal, too! The Lake Shelbyville fishing lodges at Lithia Resort offer a great way to go fishing for a few days and get away from it all. If it's your first time, however, make sure to pack some essentials!

License

The first thing you need to do before coming to our family lake resort is to make sure you're licensed to fish by the state of Illinois if you're above the age of 16. Don't worry, you won't break the bank or need to go to the DMV to get one. You can get one online for only $15 and it'll last the whole year. there are also 24-hour options for even less.

Rod and Reel

Next up is to get yourself a rod and reel. As a beginner, you'll want to opt for a spinning reel and rod combo. Combo means they're sold together and this will save you a lot of hassle. It's not a bad idea to invest in some extra line, too.

Tackle Box

You'll want a good tackle box to keep all your fishing gear in one place and make sure nothing gets damaged as you're driving up to your cabin rental. It's probably best to get a basic box as a beginner. You can always upgrade later as you accumulate more tools for your toolbox.

Hooks, Baits, and Lures

Now you need some equipment to put in the tackle box. Get a few spare hooks for your line, and maybe some lures if you want to step your game up. There are plenty of bait and tackle shops around Lithia for you to purchase live bait and other necessities.

Clothing

Make sure you are outfitted properly for a day in the sun. Lightweight long sleeve shirts are a good option, along with a sun hat and sunglasses. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, too.

With all of this equipment, and maybe a few beers and sandwiches, you're all set to go on your fishing adventure at the Lake Shelbyville fishing lodges. If you aren't a keen fisher, Lithia Resort offers log cabin rentals and other excursions to get you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you're one of the 31% of travelers who brings their pet along, we can make accommodations for them, too!