Safety Tips

Fly fishing is such fun that it is easy to overlook some common sense things that could ruin your fishing trip or worse. Most outdoor activities have the same safety concerns but being around water adds some hazards. We call your attention to the following thoughts:

• Solitude is one of the best reasons to fly fish. If you are going to fish alone and want the freedom of fishing several rivers, tell someone where you might be and when you will be back. Often a hatch will come off and make you stay longer than you intended so allow for this possibility in your information. If you are unfamiliar with the area you will be fishing, try to fish with a buddy or plan to leave in daylight.
• Keep a change of dry clothes in the car.
• Protect your eyes. Some form of eye cover should always be used. Sun glasses that are polarized and designed to filter out ultra violet rays are best. They will permit you to see into the water better and at the same time keep hooks, brush and insects out of your eyes. People often remove their sunglasses in the low light at the end of the day for the walk back to the car with their eyes unprotected. A clear pair of glasses could be carried or at least pull down the rim of your hat to help protect your eyes. Do not follow the person in front of you so close that the branches they move will snap back at you.
• Fish barbless. Remove or pinch down all the barbs on your hooks. It is easier to get them out of fish and yourself.
• Use your instincts. You are probably safer in the wilderness than in your own home but if you arrive in an area where you are uncomfortable for some inexplicable reason, leave. Always park your vehicle where you cannot be blocked in by other vehicles. Hide a key on your vehicle in the event you lose yours. Have your engine and battery facing where you can easily get a jump start if needed.
• Sunscreen is a must. Water compounds the damaging effects of the sun. Waterproof sunscreen won't run into your eyes on very hot days.
• Do not wet the knots you are tying with saliva. Use water from the lake or river or use some fly floatant. Microorganisms can invade your intestines and spoil your trip or a longer period of time.
• Do not step out of a boat on the downstream side of the boat. The current may push it over you.
• If your fly is caught in a snag, let out enough slack to grasp the line itself to break off. Turn your face away as you pull and beware that the line can cut you. When landing a fish beware that the fly can pull out of the fish and into you.
• A large fish making a speedy run can pull the line through your fingers fast enough to cut or burn your skin. The reel's winding knob can spin fast enough to break a finger.
• Good foot cover and ankle support of your waders prevents damage from underwater hazards. Don't wade barefoot.
• Gear, nets and objects tied to yourself can become lethal if you fall in. Keep these items to a minimum or tie them with line that will break easily if needed. Nets on elastic are particularly troublesome. A net clip on the back of your vest or pack strap is a better answer.
• Be aware of other people around you in relation to your back casts and presentations. Also, in fighting a fish they may be in line for the hook if it pulls free.
• Know the capabilities of your cell phone. Some do not work well in a marine environment or remote mountain valleys.
• Carry a whistle. If you need to call for help, your voice may give out. Three blasts is a universal distress signal.