Fishing is one of the greatest experiences on this planet; honing your skills, connecting with Mother Nature and the feeling of accomplishment when you reel in a trophy catch. But, it’s not just a case of heading out on the water and casting your line. You do need to plan your trip, and ensure you take all the essentials on board the boat with you.
To help you out, we’ve outlined some things which you mustn’t forget…
Legalities
Before you leave the harbor, it’s imperative that you take measures to guarantee you’re abiding by the law. If you fail to pay special attention to all the necessary legalities, you could find yourself in serious trouble. So, here are some things to consider:
- Keep your existing, up-to-date boat registration in a safe place on board. Most states now require you to have a boat license.
- Ensure you also have your fishing license. Not having a fishing license available upon request could ruin your day out on the water.
- Fire extinguishers, flares and horns are required by law, and would even save lives should the worst-case scenario occur.
- It goes without saying, every person on board your boat should have a life jacket available to them.
- GPS, nautical charts, VHS radios and cell phones are great for communication and distress calls, but many Coast Guards’ expect you to have them.
Safety
The deep-blue sea can be a dangerous place at times, so it’s crucial that you take safety seriously. Sure, you can have a ton of fun and thoroughly enjoy yourself, but extra caution can prevent any problems from arising. Here are some things to remember:
- Let’s start with the most obvious one… first aid kit. Ensure you have a kit full of medication, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze and hand sanitizer.
- The sun can be a cruel mistress, especially if you don’t protect yourself from its UV rays. So, remember to apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses and put a hat on.
- Whether it’s reeling a fish in, or exploring the rocky shore, non-slip shoes can be a huge help.
- We’ve covered the sun, but what about when it gets cold and the sea breeze picks up? See, you need to pack a coat, sweatshirt or jacket, just to keep you warm.
Fun
So, we’ve covered all of the “boring” yet vital portions of a boating trip, but now it’s time to get excited about your adventure. Here are some things which can enhance your trip, and things that would be silly to forget:
- It may sound strange, but make sure you don’t forget all of your fishing gear. Rods, poles, bait, tackle and hooks are some of the basics.
- Pack some waterproof cameras and Go Pros so you can capture some of the fantastic moments and create some long-lasting memories.
- To ensure you don’t become dehydrated or hungry, it’s a good idea to pack an insulated cooler for your snacks and drinks.
- If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to branch out from just fishing, why don’t you bring along some sports gear such as jet-skis or wake-boards?
