Safety issues - big water fishing

[Spanky P]

Guys, I'm changing up my fishing this year to do some tidal water also. *note* I have never fished tidal before. I've been doing my homework as far as marinas, charts, maps etc.. I have visited these areas over the winter to try to eliminate some hastles and the dumb bull$%^& which goes along with roadtrips to new areas.



Anyway, I don't own a 2-way radio. Do you guys who fish these larger bodies of fresh and brackish water keep them on your rigs? I've always have a good compass with me and know how to use it. I like to think I have a pretty safe rig outside of a 2-way radio of some type. Most of the time I figure to be by myself (different issue for later). What would you guys recomend? What other safety issues do you consern yourself with on these larger bodies of water? Thank for the help. I just trying to get off on the right foot. The bay is a bit overwhelming compared to the river or near by lakes I fish.

 

[JEFF WHITE]

i fish lake ontario out of mexico bay/salmon river area,and it is not unusual to go out 10-15 miles from shore in search for the salmon.the main things to be concerned about is finding your way home!



safety concerns should be 1st.a good gps is a must,a compass as a backup navigational aid,a chart of the water youre fishing,a radio tuned to the local channel,with a good antenna,a backup source of propulsion,just in case,and a good eye on the weather!ive seen storms come up on lake ontario that were not forcasted,but came up quick enough to run full throttle to the launch.



learn how to poerate your boat in rough seas,running with and against the waves so you dont get swamped.we have been out in 8 ft waves on the lake,and came back in dry,but a little tired from fighting the waves.



oh also forgot,keep your life jackets on for those who cant swim well,and very handy for thise who can,or wear them if you are unsure of your boat handling ability.keep a throwable and rope handy for those who accidently fall overboard.



leave a float plan with someone you trust,where youre launching,how long youre going to be out,when youre returning,who will be with you,and so on.this way if you dont return they have a starting point for a search.



did i forget anything?

 

[Russ Charles]

If you're alone or with someone who doesn't know how to operate your boat, wear your life jacket at ALL times. If you fall overboard in rough or windy weather, the boat can drift faster than you can swim. If comfort is an issue, invest in Sospenders. You may never need them, but it's a lot better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.



Russ

 

[Russ Charles]

For interesting reading on this subject go to my library and look at Survival.doc. I fished that tournament and will never forget that day.



Russ

 

[Russ Charles]

Forgot, for those that don't have Word, I also uploaded Survival.htm



Russ

 

[TrepMan]

are you planning to do this bay fishing with your 175 or a different boat? If it's with your 175, do a search on the site for "saltwater" and read all the info about suggestions and things to do to keep that new boat NEW, especially if you do NOT have the galvanized trailer. I'm planning to take my 175 to the Ga Coast in a few years, when my extended warranty runs out, so let me know how she does.