Offshore fishing trips can be an exciting challenge due to ever-changing weather and the many different deep sea sport fish species you may catch throughout the day.
If you plan to book a deep-sea charter, make sure to follow your captain's instructions and rules at all times. He or she is in charge of your safety and well-being for the duration of the trip, so make sure to do as they say to ensure everyone has a safe but enjoyable trip!
Here are a few examples of deep sea fishing safety tips you and your crew should follow.
- Frequently check the weather for updates. When fishing offshore, weather can change on a dime. Stay alert and monitor weather conditions on your marine radio or through satellite data provided by your boat's electronics.
- Devise a safety plan and share it with a loved one or friend. A safety plan will provide accurate and useful information on your boat's whereabouts in case of an emergency.
- Be sure that you and all other anglers or boat passengers know where the safety equipment is stored. Everyone on board should know where and how to access the safety equipment. It does your crew no good if they don't know where and how to use it properly.
- Check your boat first aid kid is dry and accessible before each trip. Let anyone on board know its location. Replace any used items before and after a trip.
- Be sure your clothes and gear are suitable for offshore conditions and the type of fishing you plan to do. For example: Bring your rain gear, wear shoes that can get wet and that have traction, wear polarized sunglasses, wear a hat for protection from the sun, and it's never a bad idea to have an extra, dry shirt.
- Take a couple of minutes to make sure fishing gear, tackle, and personal belongings, are safely stowed and locked in a boat compartment. The last thing you want or need is your keys to bounce over the boat side.
- Bring plenty of food, water, and supplies onboard in the event you are miles offshore longer than intended.
- Be aware - A lot is happening onboard during a deep sea fishing trip. Be wary of other anglers, as there will be many hooks, baits, and lines trying to make their way to the water.
This list only provides eight examples of deep sea fishing safety tips to keep in mind when you're heading offshore. If you decide to book a charter, follow the rules the captain has set for his boat.
See you on the water!
1 comment
You made a good point when you mentioned that it is a good idea to wear a hat for protection from the sun when you are going deep-sea fishing. In addition to wearing a hat, I would think that it would be a good idea to wear a shirt with long sleeves. As far as I know, you are exposed to the sun for a long amount of time when you are deep-sea fishing so you would want to limit sun exposure as much as possible. https://www.capttonys.com/dolphin-site-seeing