Let’s face it! Being a fisherman is a dangerous hobby! Yes, you’ve read it right. You surely are exposed to risks while you’re into fishing. Especially when you’re a novice angler, chances are higher. If you have some safety tips, that is fine. But I swear those are never enough to avoid fishing injuries.
It definitely feels great when we set out for fishing, but the sea is no kids’ playground. It gets rough every now and then. So you’ve to take some extra precautions and pay proper attention. Hopefully, only then you’ll be ensuring a safe, sound and haunting journey.
Now what kind of fishing injuries you’re thinking of? Well, depending on your exposure, fishing injuries can show a discrepancy. So we have gathered the most common fishing injuries one can get. Let’s get straight into the points.
Fishes Show No Mercy
Watch out every time you catch a fish! Don’t let your fingers reach close to the mouth of the fish. The fish may be small and may seem drained of energy, fighting your hook and reel. They start fighting even out of water at times. Stay alert, while handling a fish which is yet to be dead. They are good actors in cases of taking revenge. So you may get unkind bites. Obviously not entertaining at all.
Careful with the Hooks
Hooking yourself can never be amusing. But this is one of the most common fishing injuries you will see amongst anglers. Keep your hooks organized. So that you won’t be spiking your fingers finding the sharpest hook inside the tackle box. A crooked cast can also get pierced in the arm or legs.
Ask your fellow fishermen if they have experienced hook related injuries or not. It makes you feel the pain for real. LoL. And yes, don’t you forget to wear safety goggles. Because fish hooks not only spear into your hand or leg. The situation can be worse if it gets into your eyes. Horrific, right? You can even lose your vision for good. So better act accordingly.
Drowning and Slipping
Do you have any idea on how many anglers die every year? The number is not much but enough to scare the shit out of you. At least a dozen of anglers drown each year while fishing. In Australia, this drowning death rate is higher. This may sound stupid, but everyone who goes fishing should learn to swim.
Why are we saying that? Guess yourself.
The death toll of Kayakers, Scuba Divers, Canoeists and Power Boaters altogether is lesser than the death toll of fishers. This information is from the Globe and Mail. So you shouldn’t neglect the authenticity. If you compare fishers to swimmers then fishers die more than swimmers each year.
Always stay calm in the boat. If you feel weakness in your physics, avoid sailing with the boat that day. Mastering skills to conserve your stamina and swim safely to your place is a big plus for you. Wear slip-proof footgear as slipping on boats are common.
The worst case scenario is head injuries. Many experiences falling from motion sickness. So take prophylactic drugs to escape this feeling. Though fishing is not amongst those sports that beget breaking bones. But muscle or bone harm is average when you fall, maybe you are on a boat or a wet dock.
The dock could be dry, what if your shoes got wet? It always has the exposure to slipping hazard. You need to wear proper socks along with safety fishing shoes. Depending on your fall, tissue injuries, dislocations, bone fractures are the norm of traumatic injuries. Sprains and strains can be other results of a fall. Be cautious all the time. Keep first aid kits in your boat.
Protect Your Skin
The sun is rude with its ultraviolet rays; UVA, UVB, and UVC. You know what these lights can do to your skin, right? UV rays can cause extreme damage to your skin; from premature aging to skin cancer. Frightening, isn’t it? Keep the track of time and wear proper skin protection to avoid disturbing irritation.
I recommend applying sunscreen on your exposed skin areas. Buy greater SPF sunscreen, greater is always better. The sun is crazy between 10 AM to 4 PM, so watch out. When you get back home, wash yourself properly. We have talked about fish bites and hook injuries earlier.
Fish teeth and dirty hooks can source a wide range of skin infections to you. If you ever get hooked(lol) with such dirty hooks, disinfect your wounds in no time, or else nasty skin rashes await you.
Accidental Bleeding
Another norm in anglers’ day to day activity is to cut their own skin. (Consider getting a pair of gloves for this) This happens with lack of precautions while handling fishing equipments that are sharp. I’m bored but I have to state it here too. That the most common cause of bleeding is getting stuck with a hook.
Bleeding is significant as a problem, no matter what you’re doing. It needs extra care and a decent set of skills in handling tools. Fishing injuries include getting banged with the propeller. It’s no joke. The bleeding is much worse in this case and the result can be a critical one.
Got a Pet?
We see many anglers bringing their shiny gorgeous dogs along in fishing trips. If you are someone like those, be aware. Your dog can be lured to your baits and lures too. This is absolutely natural. But your concern should be keeping your dog away from hooking itself.
Once your pet gets hooked, it will be desperate to remove the hook. Sadly, this will rather get your dog tangled in the fishing lines. So pay attention, as the worst fishing injuries happen to pets, not humans.
Overdo Injuries
Overdo injuries in fishing are exclusive to regular fishers and professional anglers only. Injuries caused by repetitive movements in the arm while reeling in a fish; is an easy example of overdo fishing injuries here. Tennis elbow and rotator cuff tendinitis or ligament tears are not familiar to those who fish occasionally.
Is It Worth Investing in Fishing Apparel & Gear from Salty Scales to Prevent Common Fishing Injuries?
Investing in fishing apparel and gear from Salty Scales can indeed prevent common fishing injuries. A fishing apparel and gear review suggests that their high-quality products offer excellent protection and functionality. Whether it’s gloves, hats, or specially designed fishing shoes, Salty Scales ensures that anglers have the right gear to stay safe while enjoying their favorite activity.
What Are Some of the Most Common Fishing Injuries That Can Be Avoided?
When it comes to fishing, there are a few common fishing mistakes to avoid in order to prevent injuries. One is not wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eyewear, which can shield you from hooks and flying debris. Another is mishandling fish, like using improper techniques to handle or release them, which can lead to cuts or puncture wounds. By being aware of these common mistakes and taking proper precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of fishing-related injuries.
Tips for Fishing Injuries
- Even if you take all the precautions you know, accidents can surely happen. So bring your bud there every time you set out for fishing. A helping hand is essential in cases of injuries.
- Don’t get out of the network. Take your cell phone with you. You can use walkie talkies if you have your friends in the same radio frequency nearby. Make sure that you can contact for an emergency if it needs.
- Suit up with proper clothing and shoes. Wear safety glasses and non-slippery shoes, keep a lifebuoy in the boat. Minimize the risks of drowning and fall, getting struck by hooks as well.
- Keep yourself in sound shape for trips. Physical fitness along with flexibility will assist to survive and boost your fishing routine.
- Stay cautious near the boat propellers. Keep your knives covered. Avoid spreading your fish hooks or fishing tackle here and there.
Even though fishing typically is a tranquil and sturdy activity, you ought to cling to the safety precautions. After all, none of us wants to return with injuries, or do we?
Let us know if we have missed any cringe-worthy injury that should be pointed out. We really love to read your comments. Ever heard of Fishing Etiquette? Well, we have an article on that too.
