Safe Fishing Tips
Follow these tips to enjoy a safe fishing experience:
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
- If using a boat to fish, wear your life jacket and make sure that your passengers wear theirs, too.
- Inspect waterfronts daily – the natural environment is subject to change without notice.
- Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to fishing to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety. When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.
- Weather is always a factor. Set up a weather committee or rotate weather forecasting responsibilities.
- Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio.
- Always wear footgear appropriate to the conditions.
- Stay dry, warm, and protected from the elements.Wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.Wear thin layers of clothing, and progress outward to include water and wind protection as the final layer.
- Use appropriate insect protection measures, including dressing properly and using repellents.
- Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.
- Handle fish carefully.
- Use safety glasses (sunglasses will do) at all times when casting.