How to Stay Safe While Fishing

Stay safe when fishing

Ahhh… those relaxing times on the boat — early morning, sitting back in the chair at the bow with your fishing line in the water.  Boating brings great enjoyment and relaxation.  Here is some general advice to help you stay safe while you are out on the water.

Boat Check

Before you actually launch your boat, do a “boat check.”  Make sure you have your onboard safety equipment, enough fuel and life vests. The U.S. Coast Guard provides free vessel safety checks if you would like to take advantage of the service.  (Check back in a couple weeks.  We will post a boating checklist that gives more detailed information.)

Take a Friend

It’s time to go fishing, and you really should take a friend with you. After all, the one thing better than telling your other buddies about “the one that got away” is to have a witness!  Your friend will also make good company in case you fall overboard, are suddenly sick, are incapacitated or in the emergency situations. In short, never fish alone.

Have Two Very Important Devices

Be sure to have a charged and working radio or other communication device in case someone gets hurt or you run out of fuel and get stuck in the middle of the lake.  You should also have a first aid kit with you.  Hooks are sharp, and it is easy to stab yourself and also possible to snag your friend if you don’t pay attention when casting.  (In a couple weeks, we will post a boating checklist that will include items that you should have on your boat.)

Other Items to Bring

There are a few other items that are helpful when fishing.

  • Cold drinks
  • Insect repellent
  • Appropriate Clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Athletic shoes

Regarding clothing, be sure to check our article “Sun Protection and Sunburns.” It has a whole section about how to protect yourself from getting sunburned.

Our hope is that these tips will help you have a fun time on the water and in the sun.  Enjoy your fishing!  Be safe.