Fishing Safety Tips: Stay Safe on the Water

Fishing is one of the safest outdoor activities you can enjoy. But like any time spent on or near water, things can go wrong if you're not prepared. A little knowledge and a few pieces of gear can make the difference between a great day on the water and a trip to the emergency room.

This guide covers the most common fishing safety risks and how to handle them.

1. Weather Awareness

Weather is the single biggest safety factor for anglers. Conditions can change rapidly, especially on large bodies of water.

Before You Go

• Check the marine forecast, not just the general weather app
• Look at wind speed and direction — anything over 20 km/h (12 mph) creates dangerous conditions for small boats
• Check lightning forecast for the entire time you'll be on the water
• Tell someone your trip plan: where you're launching, where you're going, and when you'll return

On the Water

• Watch for darkening skies, increasing wind, and distant thunder — these are your cues to head in
• If wind picks up suddenly, head for the nearest shore, even if it's not your launch point
• Fog can roll in fast — carry a compass or GPS and know how to use it

2. Lightning Safety

Lightning is the most dangerous weather threat to anglers. Fishing rods are excellent lightning rods.

• The 30-30 rule: If time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, get off the water immediately. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming.
• If you can't get off the water: lay your rods flat, stay low in the centre of the boat, and avoid touching metal objects (including your rod handles).
• If on shore: avoid tall trees, isolated structures, and open fields. Crouch low, don't lie flat.
• Waders with metal studs, graphite rods, and metal tackle boxes all attract lightning.

3. Boat & Kayak Safety

• Always wear your PFD — not sitting on it, wearing it. Most boating fatalities involve people not wearing life jackets.
• Carry a whistle or air horn — legally required on most waterways and essential for getting attention.
• Know the navigation rules — who has right of way, what buoys mean, and how to safely cross channels.
• Don't overload your boat — every boat has a capacity plate. Don't exceed it.
• Alcohol and boating don't mix — most drowning victims had alcohol in their system. Save it for after you're done fishing.
• For kayak anglers specifically: practice self-rescue in shallow water before your first real trip. Learn how to re-enter your kayak.

4. Hook Removal & First Aid

Getting hooked is a matter of when, not if. Here's what to do:

If the hook is barbed and shallow (in skin, not eye or face):

1. Push the hook point through the skin until it emerges
2. Cut off the barb with wire cutters
3. Back the hook out the way it went in
4. Clean thoroughly with soap and water, apply antiseptic, cover with bandage

If the hook is deep, in the eye, face, or a joint:

• Do not remove it — you can cause more damage
• Cut the line and leave the hook in place
• Seek medical attention immediately

Basic first aid kit for fishing:

• Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
• Assorted bandages and gauze
• Wire cutters (for hooks)
• Tweezers (for splinters and small hooks)
• Pain reliever
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Antihistamine (for allergic reactions to insect stings or bait)

5. Sun Protection

Water reflects UV rays, effectively doubling your exposure. You can burn much faster on the water than on land.

• Sunscreen: SPF 30+, broad spectrum, water resistant. Reapply every 2 hours.
• UPF clothing: long-sleeved fishing shirts with UPF 50+ are more comfortable than sunscreen alone.
• Hat: wide-brimmed or baseball cap with neck flap
• Sunglasses: polarized lenses reduce glare and protect your eyes from UV
• Lip balm with SPF — lips burn too, and it's very uncomfortable

6. Cold Water Safety

In water below 15°C (60°F), cold water incapacitation can occur within minutes:

• 0-2 minutes: Cold shock — gasping, hyperventilation, panic
• 2-15 minutes: Loss of fine motor control — you can't grip or swim effectively
• 15-30 minutes: Hypothermia sets in, loss of consciousness
• After 30 minutes: Risk of drowning increases dramatically

Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. In cold conditions, wear a wetsuit or drysuit. Avoid cotton (it's cold when wet) — wear wool or synthetics. Carry a dry bag with warm clothes.

7. Emergency Procedures

If something goes wrong, every second counts. Follow these steps:

1. Stay calm — panic is your biggest enemy. Stop, breathe, assess.
2. Call for help — dial 911 or marine radio channel 16. Know your location (GPS coordinates if possible).
3. If someone goes overboard: throw, don't go. Throw a PFD, throw rope, or anything that floats. Only enter the water as a last resort.
4. If your boat capsizes: stay with the boat. A boat floats better than a person and is easier for rescuers to spot.
5. In lightning: get low, away from metal, and wait 30 minutes after the last strike.

8. Fishing-Specific Risks

• Casting in wind: check behind you before every cast. Hooks travel fast and can cause serious eye injuries.
• Treble hooks: cover the points with a piece of cork or rubber when not in use. They're the most common source of fishing injuries.
• Fish handling: use pliers for hook removal. Some species (catfish, muskie) have sharp spines that can cause painful wounds.
• Lead weights: wash hands after handling lead sinkers. Consider switching to non-toxic alternatives (tungsten, steel, bismuth).

Safety Gear Checklist

Tape this to your tackle box or save it in the CatchTales app:

• PFD (wear it!)
• Whistle or air horn
• First aid kit with wire cutters
• Sunscreen and UPF clothing
• Polarized sunglasses
• Fully charged phone in waterproof case
• Throw rope
• Navigation lights (if fishing after dark)
• Extra warm layers in dry bag
• Headlamp or flashlight

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.