Hundreds of people are caught up in boating accidents each year; as a result of alcohol use, overload, faulty personal floatation devices which lead to drowning and other serious injuries and at times fatal accidents. Here in comes the task of educating the recreational boaters about boating safety.

It is important to stay safe on water. You might have been fishing for what seems like forever, and so far you have managed to stay safe while on fishing trips! So why do you suddenly need to be aware of the safety precautions?

Safety is something none of us would like to compromise on. No matter what, it is imperative to keep yourself safe while you are out there in the water. There is no harm in having fun responsibly. Here are some simple safety tips when you are boating and fishing-

• Wearing a life jacket or a personal floatation device when fishing from a boat is absolutely necessary. Even if you are an excellent swimmer, you need to put on a life jacket.
• If you are fishing in water with strong currents, a life jacket is a must. Be careful before going wading in the water.
• Take a partner along with you when you are going fishing. Along with a companion, you have each other in case something goes wrong.
• Wearing a sun block, carrying a bug spray is important. You don’t want to get all sun burnt while you are sitting for hours waiting for a fish to hook. You need to be comfortable.
• The hooks at the end of the line are very sharp, be careful to handle them with caution. Make sure there is no one behind you when you are casting. Avoid holding the fish you have caught near where it is hooked; you could get hurt if the fish wriggles the wrong way.
• Hats and sunglasses will not only help you see in the water, spot fish and protect you from the sun, but keep you safe from other angler’s hooks.
• Keep a first aid in the boat. Bandages, antiseptic crèmes or lotion, pain reliever, anti-inflammatory medication.
• You don’t drink and drive, then why drink and drive your boat? Alcohol strengthens the effects of sun, wind fatigue, and affects balance, reaction time and judgments.
• Always keep a check on the weather before going out boating or fishing. Check for radio and TV forecasts for the latest info. If there is a sudden change in the weather, it is better to stay off water.
• Do not overload your boat. This not only includes the number of passengers, but also the weight of the fishing gear.
• It is a good idea to take some boating safety course. This will not only help you if your boat capsizes but in case you need to rescue some one else. Being prepared, aware and educated for every circumstance that might arise.
• Obey all the boating rules. There would be other boaters and swimmers around; be watchful of them.

Yes, most of us aware of these fishing and boating safety tips but how many of us honestly follow these? We have assumed that since we are fishing for so long, and never have we been in any unpleasant situations, nothing will happen in the future as well. But no fish is worth your life.

Technorati Tags: Boating, fishing, Fishing safety tips

A collection of videos and stills from a recent fishing trip to Teemburra Dam in QLD. Watch the Skinman and Towball wrestle with Australia’s iconic chrome powerhouse – the Barramundi!

Duration : 0:5:35

[youtube zz1s6899XW4]

Technorati Tags: barramundi, fishing, skinflix

i took my son barramundi fishing at lake awoonga for a week and this is the footage

Duration : 0:5:21

[youtube L4c3lS1uw_A]

Technorati Tags: awoonga, barramundi, fish, fishing, lake