This is a fishing tips article on fishing safety and may be a little basic for your more advanced anglers but they may learn something as well...
Fishing is a wholesome activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family, both young and old. However, while perfectly safe most of the time, there are some situations that anglers may occasionally get into that can present some safety concerns. They are rare occasions, but they do happen nonetheless, and you should be aware of some basic fishing safety tips when you go out.
- Fishing involves hooks, knives and other sharp implements, so the hazard of being impaled, or cut should be self-evident. Store your hooks, lures and cutlery properly to minimize the danger. If you do get a hook in you past the barb, don't cut it out. Make a loop of heavy fishing line, and pass it around the hook shank, holding both ends of the loop on your finger, or fingers. Now, gently press down on the end of the hook-shank, near the hook-eye to get a straight pull, the exact way the hook went in. Now, when you and the victim are ready, make one fast hard pull and the hook will come out the same way it went in, with minimal pain and far less tissue damage than with cutting. For stubborn hooks, go the the E.R. ASAP. If you don't have a current tetanus vaccination, get one.
- Most snakes try to avoid humans whenever possible, but sometimes, incidents are unavoidable. If you, or your partner get bit by a poisonous snake, forget all that junk you've heard in the media and from Hollywood. You've got plenty of time to get medical help so don't panic. That will just spread the venom faster. First, remove any jewelry, or restricted clothing or items in case you start to swell up. Did I mention don't panic. Panic has resulted in more injuries and deaths from snakebites than the venom itself. You have several hours before you even have to worry much, in most cases, and less than 5% of U.S. poisonous snakebites are fatal. Next, clean out the wound, but don't use water. Moist towelettes are great for this. If the bite is on an appendage, like a leg (where most bites usually are), you can lightly splint it to immobilize it. Try to keep the bitten area above the heart as much as possible. Regardless of what you have heard, do not cut the wound and try to suck out the poison with those worthless snakebite kit suction cups, and especially not with your mouth. Few things have more microbes in them than a human mouth. Also, even the tiniest cut in your mouth or tongue can allow the venom into your bloodstream. Just get the victim to a medical facility as soon as you can. If you are a long ways away, it's a good idea to call and have an ambulance meet you halfway. Do not try to catch the snake. This will result in two victims, instead of just one. Just make a note of the color of the snake and the shape of it's head. And stay calm......
- Bees, spiders, scorpions and wasps are usually nothing more than a nuisance, but some people are allergic. If you are, or think you may be, be sure to carry an epi pen (if you need one, you know what it is....) with you at all times. Baking soda and water will relieve the pain and swelling of most insect stings. If it is a honey bee sting, be sure to carefully remove the stinger and venom sac from the wound with forceps, or hemostats (which you should never be without). The exception is a Brown Recluse or Black Widow spider bite. If you suspect one of these, then get to a medical facility as soon as you can. In some people, they can be serious.
- Bears, wolves, and other woodland inhabitants seldom bother humans. If one begins to act aggressive towards you, just keep facing them, back away and leave. Fish somewhere else. It's their home. You are just visiting. Never, never, never feed any possibly dangerous wild animal. They will start associating humans with food...not a good thing. If any mammal bites you, you may need rabies shots. It's best just to take them, and be more careful next time. Don't try to catch the animal (you'll just get bit again). If shooting it is possible, and safe, then that's OK. Bring the deceased animal to the medical facility with you so it can be tested.
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Fishing
can be safe, if you remember these fishing safety tips.
Happy
fishing.
Fishing Safety Tips
