FISHING SAFETY

If you are going fishing alone, let someone know where you expect to fish. Tell a family member, or a friend where you are going and when you will return.

When fishing from a bank wear the right shoes for the conditions. On most occasions if an angler slips he/she will hit terra firma. On a few occasions he or she will land in the water. Slipping and landing on the ground should cause nothing more than a few bruises but landing in the water can quickly become a life or death situation. The best way to deal with this is not to let it happen in the first place. Most bank fishing is carried out from a static position. i.e. we choose a likely spot and set up camp for a few hours. If fishing static check the condition of the bank before starting to fish. Take note of any slopes and depths. This only takes a few seconds. If someone was to fall in to the water he/she would need to be near the water in the first place. Eliminate this potential by fishing from a couple of feet (old school) from the bank side. This approach has two benefits, first, if you do slip you will, in all probability, land on the ground and second it will allow fish to follow your flies further into the bank without being spooked.

The possibility of you slipping into the water is at its highest when netting a fish. Most nets have extension handles. Use them. Two benefits again. One is that you will be on the hard stuff and the second is the fish will not be spooked if it cannot see you. Place the net into the water and sink it. Now steer the fish over the net before lifting. Don't over reach, as this will lead to a loss of balance and in all probability a lost fish.

Harry Houdini used to escape from water filled tank with his feet tied together whilst being hung upside down. Next time out fishing have a glance at you feet and the proximity of your line.  If you fall or slip in to the water with the line around your legs or feet you will be in trouble.  Bank fishing is a safe way to fish with few serious accidents but as you can see from above the potential is there.

Modern Carbon rods DO conduct electricity. You DON'T have to touch an overhead cable with your rod to be electrocuted. Electricity WILL arc down to your rod. Don't fish anywhere near to an electric pylon. Don't take the chance.

Mechanics would not think of using a drill or lathe without wearing proper eye protection. They wear eye protection for the unlikely event that a loose piece of metal comes off the lathe or drill and flies towards them. We fishermen and women have pieces of very sharp metal (hooks) whizzing past out faces every couple of minutes yet some don’t see the inherent dangers. Wear glasses. No ifs, buts or two ways about it. Apart from giving you eye protection. Fishing glasses enable you to see into the water for that following fish.

Most if not all of us will have a near miss situation with one of the above examples before we take control of the safety factor. Take control NOW.

Probably the most dangerous thing you could do while fishing is to cast the hook. BE AWARE! Know what is behind you. Watch the hook as it is slung behind you and cast into the water. People like to watch others fish and may walk directly behind your fishing rod.

A de-barbed hook is easy to remove with a set of pliers. De-barbed hooks also help your caught fish get unhooked faster so it can return to the water safely. A barbed hook can be very difficult to remove.

Be aware of whether you or others you're with, are too cold, too wet. Bring extra clothes in the car. Dress in layers so you can add or take off clothes if it gets cool or hot (and it will). Bring along a polar fleece pullover or a sweatshirt in case it gets really cold. Make sure your shoes give solid ankle support and have good grips. Sneakers are fine but if you can afford hiking boots, or even waders, they'll work better. Remember to bring along an extra pair of pants and some thick dry socks. Take insect repellent. It's not fun being attacked by mosquitoes, horseflies, or No-Seeums. Keep wading to a minimum. The more you move around in a stream or lake, the more likely you will find yourself swimming. Fast moving water in streams and rivers can sweep you away and you'll find yourself not able to get up on the slippery stream rocks. I know, it happens to me all the time.

Know how to take care of yourself if you get hurt or ill. Be Prepared! Bring plenty of water and snacks. You'll need it for energy.

Don't fish alone

Until you're older, it's probably best to fish with a friend. They could run for help if you were hurt or you could run for them. Keep your eyes open. When walking along a bank of a stream or lake, keep your eyes open for snakes or other animals. Snakes love to warm themselves on the rocks around streams. They are there. Look for them.