Safety When Fishing From A Boat

Fishing by boat can be one of the most enjoyable ways to catch fish.  Even if you don’t have the best day on the water it is still a chance to relax and unwind.  When fishing from a boat, however, it is important to keep your safety in mind.  For this reason, we take a look at 8 safety tips for fishing from a boat.

1. Pack Correctly for your fishing trip

Ensure that you take all necessary equipment with you. This should include a first-aid box and life jackets for all those in your party.  Bring apply supplies of water as well and a hat and sunscreen if it is going to be nice and sunny.  It is also wise to bring a rain jacket / something warm in case bad weather rolls in.

2. Brief Your Fishing Partners

If you are fishing with friends or other people ensure that they understand the importance of boat safety and that they will not do anything to jeapordise the safety of all on board.

3. Avoid Unbalancing the Boat

If the boat becomes too unbalanced it can tip over and / or sink.  Especially on smaller boats it is important to ensure that your weight is well balanced.  Avoid walking around smaller boats as much as possible and stay seated – especially while the boat is moving.

4. Don’t Pack too Much

Similar to boat unbalancing, adding too much weight to the boat can cause it to sink.  This is especially important when the lake / sea is choppy, causing spray and / or waves to break over the side of the boat.

5. Keep the Beer to a Minimum

It can be dangerous to mix boating with alcohol and drugs.  Avoid overindulging while you are on the boat, particularly if you are the designated driver.  By all means enjoy a few beers with your fish and chips though once on shore!

6. Fish with a friend where possible

It is safer to fish with a friend.  In the event that one person gets into trouble it will be possible for the other to assist and even raise help from shore if required.  If you insist on fishing alone, ensure that you tell someone where you will be and what time you are likely to return.

7. Beware shallow water

Be careful in areas of shallow water, particularly with motorised fishing boats.  The last think you want to do it break a propeller on a rock or get tangled up in weeds or tree roots.  If you know you are going to come across large amounts of shallow water it may be worth considering kayak fishing instead.

8. Check the weather forecast

Ensure that you check the weather forecast before you leave, and take the appropriate clothing.  Be aware that the forecast can often be wrong, however, and ensure that you take supplies to handle any unexpected weather.  On that note, ensure that you keep an eye on the weather while you are out on the water and make your way to shore if you see a storm brewing.

Summary

If you follow these safety tips for fishing from a boat you will be on your way to a safer, (and hopefully successful!), fishing experience.  Above all, use your common sense, and take the cautious route where possible. Done right, boat fishing can be a great stress reliever!

Good luck!