One of the most leisurely activities, fishing can be a great way to spend time with your family, friends, or a significant other. Most assume fishing is a pretty boring activity and for the most part, fishing is an uneventful activity. Occasionally, things can turn sour while fishing and we want to ensure you are prepared for any situation you may come across!
Know Before You Go
Before you even get into the boat or sit on the dock, it is important to know what gear you should and should not bring along with you to prevent accidents or to treat accidents if they happen to occur.
- Bring a life jacket or life preserver
- Most states require all boats to have life jackets for the exact number of people on the boat and so do we!
- Bring extra sunscreen
- Even if you apply before you go and bring a hat, the water reflects sunlight and will burn through your sunscreen very quickly.
- Make sure the SPF is high – we promise it will not affect your tan!
- Depending on the season, also bring bug spray and apply regularly
- Ensure you have enough water
- One 40oz water bottle may seem like it is enough and while it may be enough for you for the few hours out on the water, what happens if your boat’s motor suddenly stops working? Or what happens if the truck battery dies and suddenly you are stuck at the lake? Make sure you have enough water and non-perishable food to last you for at least one night!
- Pack a first aid kit
- We highly recommend a waterproof first aid kit or an Angler Aid Kit
- Remember a solid flashlight, like our Road Trip
- Check the weather
- Even if the weather points to blue skies, we highly recommend checking the weather in the event of unexpected summer storms.
- Get a license and check the local regulations
- If your area requires it, obtain a license and know if the area you are in has specific regulations on which fish you are and unable to catch for consumption
- Local regulations also can change based on season. Ensure you are checking your local fish and game .gov site for more information!
- Go with a friend!
- There is safety in numbers
While Out on the Lake
…or the dock, or the beach, or on the bank. No matter where you are, it is important to be aware of some dangers that many first-time fishers do not consider.
- Keep the tackle box closed
- Especially for the clumsy at heart, keeping the tackle box shut can prevent sharp, dirty hooks away from bare feet.
- Look behind you prior to casting a line
- Make sure you are aware who is in your fishing party and their whereabouts so you do not accidentally hook the line on someone!
- Even when fishing alone, be sure a fellow fisher is not walking behind you as you cast the line, especially if you are a fly fisherman.
- Be on the lookout for unwanted guests
- The smell of fish can attract bears, racoons, and other wildlife
- If your area is known for water snakes, do be cautious about water snakes who will be attracted to the bait used or small fish caught
- Be aware of the water temperature
- Even when it is warm outside, the water can still be chilly! Knowing the water temperature will be helpful in case someone falls in
Preparing Fresh Fish
If you are out camping or bring your fish home the same day, we do want to ensure cross-contamination does not happen or the cleaning process does not cause the fish to go bad.
- Use a clean knife
- Make sure the knife if kept clean and ensure it is cleaned with clean water, pre-moistened wipes, or alcohol swabs
- Ensure the knife is cleaned frequently as the fish is cute to prevent bacteria transfers
- Wipe the fish clean with a paper towel or cloth but keep the fish moist after bleeding it and removing the gills and entrails
- Rise the fish thoroughly with cold water and pat dry
- If you are not going to fry it right away, season it and package it tightly
Ensure the area you are fishing in has no contamination warnings as well. You can check with your local Fish & Game department. You may also be able to tell if the fish has any diseases by inspecting if the fish has cloudy eyes, the gills are a dull color as opposed to bright, and the flesh is no longer firm.
Fishing can be an enjoyable, relaxing activity and we know you will be able to keep it that way by following the beginner’s tips above! For more information on the Road Trip and other products, connect with your local Damsel Safety Educator here.
