Whether you are engaging in the exciting sport of ice fishing or fishing for carp in the water on a balmy summer day, fishing is an incredibly enjoyable and relaxing pastime. There can be risks, however, especially if you do not adhere to some basic safety rules. Luckily, if you follow a simple code, then you are much less likely to run into trouble. (article submit by Eve Pearce)
Stay safe with the right kit
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Don’t forget your life jacket: It is called a life jacket because it can save your life. If you are entering deep waters or an area with strong currents then it is particularly imperative that you wear a life jacket. Don’t discount wearing a life jacket even if you are a skilled swimmer. Even an Olympic athlete swimmer cannot fight a strong current and if you are knocked unconscious or injured before being plunged into the water then your swimming skills will count for little. If you wear a life jacket then you are covering every eventuality.
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Come with the right safety equipment: There are a lot of different things that should go on the itinerary list for your fishing trip. It ought to include a full first-aid kit with antiseptic, plasters and bandages as well as small scissors, safety pins and pain killers. If you or anyone you are traveling with has an allergy then make sure that you bring the necessary medical apparatus or medication that you would need to use in a crisis. Also, if you wear contact lenses remember to pack a spare pair or some glasses in case you lose one in the water.
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Wear protective gear: No we’re not talking American Football-style helmets and padding here. A simple baseball hat and pair of sunglasses can offer extra protection against the hooks of other anglers. Don’t skimp on other items like sunblock either as you may find yourself out in the sun for extended periods of time while fishing. You are also potentially fair game for all sorts of bugs when you are near the water so it is also highly advisable to invest in good quality bug spray.
Drunken fishing: a dangerous practice
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Don’t go fishing when under the influence: The idea of sipping a beer while indulging in some fishing is appealing and there is no reason why you can’t indulge yourself while you are doing a relaxing activity like fishing. You should know your limits, however, and not drink beyond the recommended limits for your gender. If you are worried you have, or if you ever have had, a drink problem, then it is highly recommended that you do not take any alcohol with you on a fishing trip. Remember that drinking can have a dehydrating effect, which could take its toll on you if you are fishing in hot, sunny conditions. Like with any water-based activity, an emergency situation would require you to have your wits about you. If you are drunk then you might not have the body coordination skills to swim effectively if you find yourself in deep water because your boat has overturned in bad weather or you have fallen into a drop-off while wading. A nasty accident involving fish hooks is also more likely to occur if you are tipsy or drunk. It is worth remembering that if you are caught boating whilst under the influence in certain states then the penalty can be severe. In Connecticut, as well as being fined you can be sent to jail or lose your boating privileges.
Be careful and alert at all times
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Take special care when you are venturing into new territory: You should avoid going into unchartered territory alone. Try and take a fellow fisher with you or try and arrange a group outing so that you can help each other out if you run into any difficulties. Always to do a thorough check before wading in and be alert and take your time if you do decide to wade in. Go one step at a time to avoid drop-offs that could cause you to fall under water.
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Be careful with hooks. We use them to catch fish for a reason. They are sharp and lethally shaped. You should always always look behind you before you make cast to ensure that nobody is near you. Otherwise you might end up giving one of your companions a very nasty gash or you could even have someone’s eye out! As exciting as catching a fish is, especially when it is a big one you should also never hold the fish close to where you have hooked it as the hook could end up gashing you, especially if the fish moves about in an unfortunate direction.
How to fish responsibly
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If you are also mindful that you want to fish responsibly then there are a few basic rules that you can follow. First of all, you should make sure that you have a fishing license and it is valid. You should also be well read up on the fishing regulations in the specific place that you are fishing. Consider releasing all the fish that you don’t intend on eating. It is recommended to release bigger fish and keep hold of the medium-sized fish to eat instead as bigger fish tend to reproduce more and should therefore be conserved to promote the fish population. Fish like trout and bass do not reproduce as quickly as others so if at all possible you should consider letting them go after catching them and hanging onto your other catch instead.