Safety tips while fishing

[airborne_angler]

I got to thinking about some safety factors when fishing and am gonna list them here. Could everyone who reads this maybe add one or two tips as some of us are older or more experienced than others. Then maybe this topic can be made into a sticky for everyone to access. Cause fishing is fun but what fun is it if you dont think about safety?

Here are my tips:

1. Wear glasses,sunglasses,or some kind of eye protection. When you run into a snag in the water,basic practice is to put tension on the line to try to remove it from the snag. It can break loose and WHAMO!! End up in your eye. It also is a good safety factor when fishing around others and kids,who without proper training can really whip thier line out there when trying to cast.

2. Always drink water,even if you arent thirsty,have it near by. Cause thirst is a sign of dehydration.

3. Always let someone know where your going and when you expect to return.

4. Wear a hat. For one it will keep the sun off your noggin but it also protects your head from wayward hooks when fishing with others. When I was stationed in Alaska there was a hospital emergency room that had a piece of plywood with lures galore on it.These were all removed from peoples appendages,heads and where ever.Fishing for Salmon in Alaskan rivers is really a contact sport. Look up COMBAT FISHING sometime (SEE #1 ABOVE)

5.Get plenty of rest before heading to your fishing hole.What fun would it be if you wanted to go fishing,and got into an accident while driving due to fatigue on your way to the fishing hole.

6. This is a no brainer.. DONT DRINK AND DRIVE. People like to have a couple of cold ones while at the lake. Know your limit,take someone with you to be a driver for the ride home. Not too fun trying to tell your fishin tale when in the hospital or even DEAD!!!

7.Always wear your seatbelt while driving.

8.Wear sunscreen,even on slightly overcast days the sun can"get you".

Well thats all that comes to my mind at the moment. Please leave your tips and or/stories about safety when fishing. I didnt leave any boat tips cause I fish from the bank,but feel free to chime in with whatever safety tips you can think of

[Deuceu72]

Good post. I will add that a good first aid kit is a must as well.

[LrgMouthCatcha]

Don't mean to be gettin' all technological, but a cell phone is alway a handy tool to keep around! It has saved me more than once!

[Shad_Master]

Always wear your PFD especially when the boat is under power

[Cajun1977]

always keep your  hand on the wheel  when flying down the lake at high speeds

always use your lights  when boating at  low  vis   times

try to bring a protien bar or something to snack on  maybe some jerky

never lip a    pike    musky   or  walleye  lol

[Sam]

Flashlights.

Sounding device such as an air horn.

Matches and/or cigerette lighter in a waterproof container.

List of emergency telephone numbers in a plastic waterproof bag, like a Baggie.

VHF radio if going into open water.

Tools for the boat.

Extra prop with prop wrench.

Extra engine oil.

3-In-One Oil.

Electrical tape and electrical tools for repairs.

Extra fuses.

In cold weather bring an extra set of clothes and a towel if case you go overboard.

Tow rope.

Paddles.

Anchor.

Spotlight.

Binoculars.

Am I missing anything to add to everyone's list?

And of course, if you are from Louisiana, something good to eat!

[bassinsoldier75]

Not really a safety tip but here it is.  Ear protection.  Flying down the lake can get very loud and the constant noise over time can cause permant hearing loss.

[abelfisher]

ALWAYS SNAP ON THE SAFETY LANYARDTO THE CUT OFF SWITHCH TO YOUR PDF.   tWO REASONS, IF YOU GET THROWN FROM HITTING AN UNDERWATER OBSTRUCTION, YOU DONT WANT THE BOAT TO RUN OVER YOU.  2ND REAOSN, IF YOU DO GET THROWN FROM THE BOAT, YOU DONT WANT THE BOAT TO CONTINUE ON DOWN THE LAKE.  lONG SWIM, AND IF IT HITS OR KILLS SOMEONE YOU COULD BE LIABLE.  SORRY ABOUT ALL CAPS, TOO LAZY TO RE DO IT ALL! ;D

[Will]

1) Have a map of the lake if you don't know it very well

2) I would like to mention fishinaz's water again, I have seen alot of people drinking only soda which further dehydrates your body.

3) Jumper Cables (Right Chip )

4) Spare Hat, in case one blows away

5) Another thing is face protection, especially in wet conditions. I was stupid enough to hold off buying a Fish Hedz till last week, but hitting a bird at 60 mph w/o protection will hurt.

6) Extra C02 catridge or spare life jacket if you wear sospenders. Also know how to deflate them, you push on the top of the manual blow up tube (Right Chip)

7) Throw Cushion

8) Fire Extinguisher

9) Flare gun

10) Pliers