Safety Tips for Night Fishing

Go to Areas You’ve Been to Before 

If you’re going night fishing, make sure that you stick to areas you’ve been in during the daylight hours. Ideally, you’ll only be night fishing in areas you know well and have seen during the daylight. Depending on where you go, the darkness can be extremely thick. There are some parts of the country that are so dark at night that you can barely see your hand in front of your face. A lot of these areas are rural and have little to no lighting. This can pose a safety concern if you are not familiar enough with the area. There are other reasons that sticking to a well known area may offer additional safety. For example, you may be more likely to stay safe if you know an area well enough to anticipate where the protected areas are and where the boaters are more likely to be. This way, you can stay out of the way of other boaters who may be out on the water but unable—or simply not paying enough attention—to see you.

Have Good Lighting 

If you’re going on a fishing expedition in the wee hours, it’s important to bring adequate lighting with you. While you’ll want to be able to see where you’re going and effectively navigate your boat, you’ll also want to be able to be seen by others. As previously mentioned, boaters may have a difficult time seeing you, especially if they’re not paying attention. You should also have adequate lighting to increase your chances of being seen in the event that you’re stranded and/or in need of emergency assistance. This doesn’t mean that you carry one of those measly flashlights they give away at conventions. You should consider investing in the appropriate lighting if you’re going to be night fishing. Not only should you have multiple light sources, you should also have navigation lights, and possibly even emergency strobe lights. 

Watch Out for Boaters 

Most people don’t go boating in the middle of the night, but some people certainly do. If you’re going night fishing, look out for boaters. While they should be looking out for you too, remember that they might not be. They might not be able to hear you or see you, and they might not be paying enough attention to see or hear you either. Another thing to keep in mind: many people do operate boats while under the influence of alcohol. Boating under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal. Unfortunately, the laws don’t stop everyone. Many people do get behind the wheel while intoxicated. This can lead them to avoid looking out for others on the water, drift into restricted areas, and more. Therefore, if you’re going night fishing, it’s important to look out for boaters. 

Don’t Go Alone 

Do not go boating alone. Going boating alone can pose serious risks when you’re alone at night. For starters, if you need emergency assistance, there will be nobody to help you get the assistance you need. Also, you may cross paths with some less than desirable characters while stranded in the middle of nowhere. These people may be looking to take your boating gear, burglarize your vehicle, or otherwise cause you harm. While women tend to be more vulnerable than men due to their smaller stature, men can certainly be the victims of violence. Although men may be more capable of fighting back due to their larger stature, those looking to burglarize or otherwise harm people who are out at night may have weapons that would render fighting back a useless endeavor. 

Bring the Right Safety Gear 

You need a first aid kit for your boat. Depending on your boat, location, and situation, you may need some items more than others. While the first aid kit that goes in your car is probably pretty great, you should keep in mind that it may not have been designed with boaters or night fishermen in mind. Therefore, make sure you do some research on which first aid items you’re going to need for your night fishing first aid kit. You may need additional items that car first aid kits simply don’t have have. 

Check the Weather 

Fall is coming, so it’s important to check the weather before you go night fishing. Most people go night fishing in the summer and fall. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anyone who goes during the spring and even during the winter. If you’re going night fishing, you need to check the weather. Even if you live in a location that’s usually clement this time of year. It will be important to ensure that you have the right gear for the adventure, as well as ensuring that it’s safe to be on the water during that time.  

Stay Safe out There

If you have been in a boating accident and you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, Moxie Law Group is here for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.