Entries Tagged as 'Safety'

Don’t Wade out without proper gear

Proper clothing and wading gear is extremely important to successful fishing. Without the proper clothes and gear, a fishing trip can be made less successful or you may become injured during the trip. Here are a few basic tips on what to wear when you go out wade fishing.
1) Species of fish like trout or muskies flee at the slightest movement or flash of color. When wading for these fish, the best thing to do is to blend in with your surroundings by wearing drab colors like blue or light brown.
2) Always remember to dress for the weather. In cold weather dress in synthetic materials or wool. In hot weather wear thin light clothes and bring sunscreen.
3) Polarized sunglasses are a must. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun and the glare of the water, but they also protect your eyes from lose hooks. For an overcast day or later on in the day it is best to use sunglasses with an amber tint. Make sure they also block UV rays so your eyes are extra protected.
4) Make sure you also wear a hat. The most popular are baseball hats but these have no back flap. A back flap will protect your neck from sun and hooks. A full brimmed hat will also protect you from the rain. Having a hat reduces glare and makes it easier to spot fish.
5) Always make sure you carry rain gear on you, especially if the local weather reports are calling for rain. The best materials are lightweight and breathable but are quite expensive. Even rubber rain is suitable enough; it will keep you warm and dry and is inexpensive.
6) A good fishing vest is a must have. Make sure it is lightweight, yet large enough to fit over a sweater and carry an assortment of small gear. Make sure the vest comes with a lot of pockets in small sizes and that these pockets either zip up (preferable) or have Velcro.
Wading Gear tips:
Your actual choice of wading gear depends on how deep you are planning to fish and the temperature of the water you are going to be fishing in. Also, wading gear is dependent on how much traction you need. What ever gear you end up choosing, make sure it fits well, keeps dry and allows you to move comfortably.
Wading gear comes in two basic types: hip boots and chest waders. Hip boots are best for shallow water fishing, anywhere where the water will not reach your mid-thigh. Chest waders are best for deep water fishing where the water will go past your hips. Both come in boot-foot and stocking-foot styles and are available in many different materials.

Safety First

Are you a safe fisher?
Even if you answered yes, there may be a few things you are missing. Sometimes the most experienced anglers can make a mistake. You never know what might happen as you fish. Even though fishing is not a particularly dangerous spot compared to other sports out there, it does have its hazards.
Here are some basic tips that you should know:
•Prepare for the unexpected: bad weather, too much sun, bugs and stray hooks.
•Try to foresee the unexpected by watching weather reports, bringing sunscreen bug spray and a first aid kit.
•Stay with your rod or pole at all times.
•Always wear shoes even when wade fishing.
•Always test your footing before moving forward, be wary of rocks and loose sand.
•Stay away from overhanging power lines (if any).
•Always watch for clearance on your backswing when casting.
•Always wear a life jacket in a boat, especially if you are a weak swimmer.
•When baiting your line, always keep a firm grip on the bait.
•When you land a fish, ease it out of the water slowly. Jerking it out of the water could result in flying hooks if your fish comes loose.
•When fishing with children, always keep an eye on them.

Being prepared for the unexpected means taking a few extra items along with you, besides your gear. These items include: sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, soap, a first aid kit, food and water for longer trips and life jackets for boat outings. Always be prepared for anything that may come your way. A safe fisher is a happy fisher.