While embarking on a new fishing adventure, you need to be extremely cautious and careful, especially if you are alone out there in the middle of nowhere. Fishing is not only fun, but it is an extremely useful and relaxing activity. In itself, fishing isn’t a dangerous activity; however, safety tips and precautionary steps need to be taken into account, just like with any activity held outdoors.Â
Here are some of the most important safety tips to consider before grabbing your fishing rod.
Wear a Life Jacket
If you are taking your boat while fishing, then the first move to make is wearing a life jacket. Unlike jackets in our youth that used to be bulky and restricted movement, you can nowadays find a variety of comfortable jackets that will protect you against the unexpected. If you are alone, your life jacket will help greatly in case you tumbled overboard or ended up in the water. You never know when you will come in contact with any boat mishaps. If your little ones are tagging along, then you will set a great example by sticking to the number one important safety equipment.
Educate Yourself
The first thing you should do before heading out to any new adventure is taking some time to educate yourself. With the endless fishing articles available on the internet today, you have no excuse for neglecting fishing safety basics. Start by learning more about safety tips, then proceed by understanding the ins and outs of fishing first aid such as removing a hook from the skin, treating cuts and bleeding, and understanding more about medical problems that might occur, such as hypothermia. Another thing to pay attention to is to be weather-aware before your fishing trip. The ever-so-changing nature of the climate can be dangerous if you don’t have enough knowledge, especially if you are out there on the water. Besides, different weather elements will affect what will be caught in your hook.
Safety Tackling
Before throwing your fishing rod, you need to take a second look at your surroundings. It is essential to handle your fishing tackle with responsibility. Otherwise, your hook might end up catching a power line, tree, or another human being. Leaving your tackle lying on the ground unattended will only increase the possibility of stepping on it, breaking it, or tripping and falling accidents. If you have decided to move your equipment to another place, you must remove hooks and lures to be stored safely in your box before moving.
Protect Your Skin
One of the most neglected, yet important, safety items during fishing trips is sunscreen. Protecting yourself against the sun’s harmful rays is essential. Being in direct exposure with UVA and UVB rays increases the risk of skin cancer and sunburns. For these reasons, you must pick a high-quality sunscreen with strong SPF that is suitable for your skin. Make sure to cover your face, neck, and arms with the right sunblock.
Dress Appropriately
- Other than wearing your life jacket, small children must wear a well-fitted personal flotation device that has been approved by Coast Guard to ensure their safety.
- It’s better to wear a hat that covers your face. This way, you will be able to keep your head cool and protected against heat strokes while protecting yourself against being suddenly blinded by the sun.
- Sunglasses are also a must when heading out for fishing trips. However, you must pick a pair of shades that have any type of protection against the sun. Some shades, such as polarized glasses, will allow you to see fish and other objects below the water’s surface.
- Whether you are going fishing onshore or taking your boat with you, you must always wear a protective pair of shoes to prevent any sharp object from hurting your feet.
Prepare Your Boat
- Before going fishing, it is essential to make sure that you have everything you might need, from a first-aid fishing box to all the needed fishing equipment and tackle box. This will protect you in any given situation without having to go back to shore in order to get what you forgot.
- Another thing to look out for, if you are taking your boat, is to remain seated as much as possible. This will restrict any chance of losing balance and falling.
- Stats confirm that over half drowning victims were under the influence of drugs. Regardless of your fishing experience or how careful you are, make sure to avoid the consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs.
Fishing offers a myriad of advantages from getting some fresh air and vitamin D, to learning how to have patience and how to depend on yourself completely without any help. It’s a great experience on its own, but you can combine it with a boat, picnic, hiking, camping, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature and magnificent wildlife. To enjoy this unique experience, make sure that you have taken the necessary precautions.
