Charter Fishing Boats and Some Important Safety Tips

Charter fishing boats are fun for the whole family, but when safety precautions aren’t emphasized, accidents can happen. In order to ensure that you enjoy your time on one of the best Cabo fishing charters, it is important to be familiar with fishing boat safety tips.

Dress Appropriately

When on a fishing charter you will be exposed to the elements, so it is important to wear layered clothing, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Even being in the sun for a short period of time can result in painful and damaging sunburns. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses to reduce the glare from the water, and they will also serve a dual purpose of protecting your eyes from hooks. Avoid flip flops and open-toed sandals, and wear shoes that will give you the best traction on a potentially slippery boat.

Avoid Alcohol

The Coast Guard recommends that alcohol be left off a fishing boat completely, even if the person who is consuming the alcoholic beverage is not responsible for driving the boat. This is because intoxicated passengers are more likely to be injured while on board and are more likely to fall off of the boat. While it is important to stay hydrated when out in the hot sun during a fishing excursion, choose water and non-alcoholic beverages until you get back to the dock.

Use Caution When Handling Tackle

When handling fishing tackle, it is important to remember that many of these items are sharp, and when in use, they will travel at a high rate of speed. Before you cast, look over your shoulder to ensure that you won’t hook an object or another person. Never leave your tackle on the ground, as this can be a tripping hazard. Additionally, always use pliers to remove a deeply-embedded fish hook and not your fingers.

Fish with an Experienced Crew

The captain of your charter fishing boat and the crew are extremely important to your safety while on the water. A good crew will alert passengers to potential safety issues before fishing begins in order to keep them safe, and they will also explain protocol for an emergency situation. To better determine the competence of your charter captain and crew, take a look at the state of the boat. A good captain will refuse to pilot anything less than a completely safe vessel.