By Andrew A. Cox:
An earlier article provided some thoughts on the importance of angling and safety. There are many potential dangers that can ruin a day on the water. Now that warm weather is here, more people are out on the water fishing, boating and enjoying other water sports. With these more crowded waters, there are more opportunities for accidents and other hazards.
On a recent saltwater fishing trip, a longtime fishing friend of mine cut off the tip of his index finger while attempting to hook up a boat trailer to the truck. This unfortunate accident was partly due to not paying attention, being in a hurry and not anticipating potential danger. On another saltwater trip, a brisk wind change coupled with a strong outgoing tide whipped up waves in the mouth of the river estuary from which we had launched our boat. These events resulted in large waves that could have potentially swamped a small craft.
There are numerous potential accidents waiting to happen while fishing. Snagged lures are like bullets ricocheting off water objects that can impale your face, head or eyes. My son once was attempting to unsnag a Rapala lure, which whipped back and lodged in his eyelid, luckily not resulting in serious injury. I have lost count of the number of times I have had hooks impale my hands, arms and neck. These required emergency room visits to dislodge them. Thank goodness for health insurance, though the deductible cost me money.
Cutting one’s hands or fingers with line or being finned by hooked fish can result in an infection hazard. I recall being finned by a catfish while removing hooks. The finger became seriously infected and required emergency room treatment. The emergency room physician informed me that a few more hours of non-treatment would have resulted in the loss of my finger.
The summer months, including Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day holidays, are time periods with large numbers of travelers. The traveling angler encounters hazards while traveling to and from fishing destinations as more people are on roads and highways with more potential for automobile accidents. As many travelers are hauling travel campers or boats, the potential for accidents is substantially increased. With more people on the water, more potential for boating accidents is present.
Other hazards the angler should watch for include falling out of a boat, falling or slipping in water while wading and fishing, tipping the boat over in rough water or shoals, the potential for being struck by lightning and snakebite injuries. The angler needs to be aware of insect stings and bites or contact with poisonous plants, particularly if you are subject to allergies. If you fish with children and young people, you have to be vigilant for their actions that may pose danger.
Other people are also enjoying out-of-doors activities. Unfortunately, we also have to anticipate the actions and lack of care imposed by others that may potentially endanger us. Though there are many potential dangers while enjoying outdoor activities and fishing, these should not keep you from enjoying these pursuits. The angler should be aware of one’s surroundings and plan ahead to anticipate and minimize potential hazards and dangers.
Enjoy fishing and the outdoors, but be careful for both yourself and others that are enjoying the sport with you.
Dr. Andrew Cox has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama and north Florida for more than 40 years. Using various fishing techniques, he enjoys fresh and saltwater fishing for bass, bream, crappie, trout, redfish and speckled trout. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as a Professor at Troy University, in Phenix City, Ala. He also serves as associate editor of the Atlanta Flyfishing Club’s newsletter. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.