Fishing Safety

Watch the weather — In a storm, seek shelter on shore in a building or vehicle. In an electrical storm, get off the lake and out of your boat. Always follow the golden safety rule of fishing:

Don't abandon ship — If your boat gets swamped, stay with it. Most people overestimate their swimming ability. Boats usually stay afloat and drift to shore.

Have a first aid kit — Be prepared for cuts, sprains, bites, strains, stings and, yes, embedded hooks (get help from a doctor for those). If you're allergic to insect stings, stock a kit containing epinephrine (adrenaline).

Protect yourself from sunburn — Wear a hat and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor rating of at least 15.