Angling | Attorneys, Lawyers & Legal Resources

Angling

Angling is a fun and relaxing activity that can be shared with friends and family. As with any sport, angling can present dangers and hazardous situations. When you go fishing, it is important to take precautions and plan for a safe outing.

Prepare in advance.

Before you go on any fishing trip, there are a few things you should do.

Learn to swim. Everyone in your fishing party should know how to swim properly, you never know when you might end up in the water.

Find an angling buddy. Don't go on a fishing trip alone, bring at least one other person with you so you can watch out for each other during the trip. If something were to go wrong, your buddy will be right there to help you out.

Notify others. Always tell friends or family where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. That way if you are not back when you should be, someone will know right away, and they can call for help.

Take essential safety items.

You'll need more than your rod, hooks and bait when you go angling. Bring along the following items:

A life vest. Never enter any body of water without a Coast Guard certified vest on. Wearing a vest could be the difference between life and death if you end up in the water.

Suntan lotion. You may be spending time in the sun, so wear plenty of water proof sun screen and don't risk getting a severe burn.

Extra clothing. It's possible that you'll end up in the water, and keeping wet clothes on can make you very cold, and potentially even lead to hypothermia. Always pack extra clothes just in case.

Phone or radio. In case of emergency, you may need to call for help. Make sure you have a cell phone that will have reception wherever you are going, or a radio so you can contact people if necessary.

Compass. Know how to use a compass and keep it with you at all times. It's easy to get lost in an unfamiliar area, and a compass will help guide you back out.

First Aid Kit. Maintain a well stocked kit that will have everything you need for any cuts, burns or other injuries that could occur.

Flares. Always take a few flares with you in case you get lost, or your vehicle breaks down. Then you can call for help and shoot off a flare to make sure others find you.

Pick a safe location.

Find a secure spot for you and your group.

Learn about the area you are going to visit. Talk to the people at a local fishing shop and ask about good spots for angling. Take their advice if they tell you a particular area is dangerous - they will know the best and the worst places to go.

Try to avoid fishing on rocks or other surfaces that are wet. They can be very slippery and lead to a bad fall.

Take extra care with kids.

You may be bringing young kids to teach them the methods of angling or catching and releasing. It is up to you to make sure they are safe.

Teach the children to swim. Make sure they at least know the basic swim strokes before they get near the water.

Find a properly sized life vest. A child's life vest should fit well and be sized for their body. Show each child how to put the vest on and secure it.

Always watch the kids. When kids are involved, you will have to watch them every moment. Keep them near you at all times, and don't risk allowing them to get into dangerous situations.

Angling can be enjoyed by people of most any age. When you are getting ready for a fishing trip, be sure to consider these precautions and plan for safety.