Gone Off Grid: A Real Weekend of Fishing, and Fireside Living

Sometimes the best plans are the simple ones: grab your gear, hit the water, and disappear for a while. This past weekend, that’s exactly what I did—just me, my jet ski, a rod, and enough supplies to make it from Friday night to Sunday without touching pavement again. Here’s how it went down.

Friday Night: Pack, Fuel, Launch

I got off work and packed fast—dry bags, sleeping bag, stove, a few dehydrated meals, and the fishing essentials. I always double-check the basics: GPS, PLB, anchor line, headlamp, knife. By 6 p.m., I was at the launch ramp, ski fueled, gear strapped, and throttle ready.

The plan was simple: ride into the back of the bay, find a sandbar or shoreline away from the boats, and make camp. The sky was starting to color up, and with barely a ripple on the water, I knew I was in for a good ride.

Saturday Morning: Sunrise Solitude

Woke up to birds and mist on the water—exactly the kind of quiet you don’t get at home. Brewed coffee on the jet boil while standing in shin-deep water, watching the sun rise over the treeline.

By 7:30, I had a line in the water. The bite was slow, but I pulled a decent redfish just before 9. I cleaned it right there on a driftwood log, packed it in ice, and decided to explore more of the shoreline.

Midday: Exploring and Lunch on the Water

I spent the late morning cruising—ducking into coves, chasing bait balls, and just riding. The beauty of being solo on a ski is that you move fast but feel everything. The chop, the wind, the scent of pine and brine—it hits different.

Stopped for lunch on a rocky outcrop, cooked up some ramen and jerky, and laid back for a bit. No phone. No signal. Just wind and water.

Saturday Evening: Fireside Dinner and Starry Skies

Made camp a bit earlier to prep for sunset. Cleared a patch of beach, set a small fire ring, and grilled the redfish over open flame. Just salt, pepper, and flame—it tasted like freedom.

By dark, I was wrapped in my sleeping bag listening to loons and waves lapping the shore. Stars overhead, no light pollution, just raw sky. That kind of night resets your brain.

Sunday: Ride Out, Recharge

Woke up sore but smiling. Broke down camp, packed up, and hit the throttle back toward civilization. Took a longer route through some creeks just to stretch it out. Was back at the ramp by 11 a.m., loaded up and headed home.

Back in traffic, it felt like I’d been gone a week. That’s the thing about going off grid—it doesn’t take long, but it sticks with you.

What I Took Away:

• You don’t need much to disappear—just a plan and a little grit.
• Jet skis are the ultimate tool for reaching remote campsites fast.
• One good meal, one good ride, and one quiet night can reset your whole mindset.

If you’re thinking about doing your own trip like this, stop thinking. Start packing. The grid will still be there when you get back.