Winter Fishing Safety

Fishing is a rewarding and satisfying pastime no matter what the season is or where you do it. From angling in a river on a warm summer day to ice fishing on a frozen lake, you can enjoy fishing all year round. Winter fishing can be particularly rewarding because it allows you to get out into nature and experience all the winter beauty around you, along with plenty of peace and quiet. If you plan on taking your fishing boat out when it’s cold, though, you will need to make sure that you’ve adequately prepared and equipped yourself to deal with below-freezing temperatures. This guide to winter fishing safety by L&M Marine LLC should help you to stay safe when you’re out on the water and it’s cold outside.

Check The Forecast

You would want to check the weather in advance of any time you plan to spend outside during the winter to make sure that you’re prepared for the temperatures, but this is particularly important when you’re heading out on the water. You don’t want to go out in temperatures that are so cold that you suffer frostbite within minutes, especially since temperatures on the water can be several degrees colder than those on land. You also want to avoid boating when storms are blowing in or winds are very high.

Let A Friend Know Where You’re Going

Another essential step to winter fishing safety is to alert someone to your departure and tell them where you’re going. This could be any family member, neighbor or friend who isn’t accompanying you on your fishing trip. Tell them where you’re going and when you plan to be back so that if you fail to return at the appointed time, they can let rescuers and authorities know where to start looking for you. Check in via text when you have service to let them know you’re okay.

Don’t Go Out Alone

While it might be tempting to some of the more introverted people out there to go on a solo fishing excursion, it’s not the safest thing to do. Taking at least one other person along with you will be a good safeguard should anything happen. You could become ill or injured or suffer a breakdown on your boat, and these emergencies will be much easier to handle if you have someone at your side to assist you. Plus, it’s just nice to have friends along to talk to!

Pack Sufficient Equipment

Your fishing boat may not be very large, but you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed everything you may need in an emergency along with your usual fishing gear. You need to have plenty of water on hand, possibly in a thermos to keep it from freezing, so you can stay hydrated, and high-energy, high-protein snacks to keep you fueled up since your body will burn more calories trying to stay warm. Bring a fully-charged phone with a backup battery so you can contact others, but also carry an emergency hand-crank radio in case you can’t get phone service where you are. You’ll want to have a first aid kit with medicines and wound treatment supplies for minor illnesses or injuries, an emergency blanket, hand warmers, extra clothes in case yours get wet, a map and compass. Store all your supplies in a dry bag so they don’t get soaked if they fall overboard.

If you want to upgrade your current fishing boat or purchase your very first one, look no further than L&M Marine LLC. Our dealership is located in Stapleton, AL, so pay us a visit when you want to see our selection of new and used fishing boats for sale! L&M Marine LLC also proudly serves Mobile, AL; Pensacola, FL; and Biloxi, MS.