A Few Tips On Fishing Safety
May 6, 2009 by Tim Stokes · Leave a Comment
It’s the beginning of summer and I have started seeing a lot of snakes and other animals coming out of their winter hibernation. Since summer and fishing go hand and hand, I thought I would talk a little about fishing safety and what you can do to protect yourself.
A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine got bit by a snake while reaching under a dumpster for some trash. Luckily it was just a gopher snake protecting his hiding spot. Last week another friend caught a rather large king snake trying to crawl into the jacket he had laid on a loading dock. In both instances a non venomous snake was the culprit but it could very easily have been a poisonous species.
You can protect yourself from snakebites if you wear some simple protective clothing. If you are going through some heavy vegetation on your way to your favorite fishing spot, you might want to consider getting a good pair of snake boots. I never go out into the woods during summer time without mine on.
Treating a snake bite has come a long way since the days of the old snake bite kits with the razor, tourniquet and suction cup. If you head out to your favorite fishing spot and find yourself or a friend the victim of a snake bite the first thing you need to do is try and remain calm. The last thing you want to do is increase your heart rate allowing the venom to circulate through your body faster.
Remove all constricting objects from around the bite area and keep the limb lower than the heart. Apply a light constricting band, not a tourniquet, about 2″ above and below the bite, however never place the bands on either side of a joint (such as above and below the knee or elbow). This band should be made up of wide, soft material, which could be a handkerchief or shredded clothing.
Get the victim to the hospital as soon as possible. If you are able to identify the species of snake or can take a picture of it, this information will help doctors in the case anti venom is required. If this action will place you in any kind of danger just get out of the area and get medical help ASAP.
Here in the south we have an animal that likes the water and claims a few victims every year. The American Alligator is normally a reclusive animal but like most predators it is an opportunist and will attack if it sees an easy meal waiting for it. Be wary of your surroundings while at the waters edge. The alligator is an ambush predator and has a remarkable ability to hide along the waters edge ready to take down an unsuspecting victim.
And now here are some boating safety tips. These tips are really a no brainer but because there are so many boaters out there without brains I thought I would share them with you anyhow.
You maybe the safest boater on the water, wearing your life vest, never exceeding a safe speed for conditions and never drinking alcohol while driving. But just like driving your car, it’s the idiot that doesn’t have any common sense that you have to worry about. So look out for the guy that may have had a few too many, because he isn’t looking out for you. Be the safe boater like I described. The last thing you want is a tragic fishing trip rather than a productive one.
I hope these tips on fishing safety will have you ready for a safe and productive trip to the lake. As you can see by reading this article, a lot of unpleasant occurrences can be avoided by having a good situational awareness of your surroundings. Good luck on your next fishing trip, Tim Stokes.
When To Go Fishing
April 18, 2009 by Tim Stokes · Leave a Comment
A common question among fishermen is how do I decide when to go fishing? Some say early morning is the best time and some say early evening. Actually both times are great but let’s take a look at how to make an informative decision about when to go.
One thing to consider is when the fish are going to be feeding. Many fishermen live by the moon charts that can be found in fishing magazines. Fish and game feed in cycles that are determined by the moon’s location relative to the earth.
A moon chart shows the best time to go fishing based upon the moon’s location and your location. To read these charts you just need to find your location on the map and add or subtract minutes from the nearest bold lines that are shown. This will give you your prime fishing times as listed on the chart. These charts are usually prepared in a two to three month forecast.
As you read these charts you will see that some of the best times are going to be in the afternoon as well as morning or evening. So keep your schedule open to take advantage of some of these prime fishing times.
As for me, I don’t spend a lot of time looking at charts to determine my best time when to go fishing. A quick look at the weather the night before and I’m set. As long as a hurricane is not in the forecast I’m hitting the lake or beach for some peaceful and hopefully productive fishing.
Another thing to consider is the crowds that may have taken over your favorite fishing spot. If you have a boat or know a special secluded spot that nobody else knows about then you don’t really have to worry too much about this.
But for you bank fishermen this can be a real pain. I have found that if I want to go to a popular fishing area that it is best to go during the middle of the week. Most people are at work or have other duties that won’t allow them to get out for the day.
I have a particular place here in South Carolina on the Santee River that I like to go to but there is only enough bank space for about six people. So I like to go during the week and real early to secure my spot for the day.
I hope you have enjoyed today’s blog about when to go fishing. As you can see available time and the phases of the moon are important considerations for your fishing trip. I hope to see you on the water real soon, Tim Stokes.
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