Deep Sea Fishing: Safety Tips for Family Fun

Everyone loves a trip to the seaside with lots of sunshine, the crashing waves and lots of hands on activities. However, as summer months carry on, it’s easy especially for children to get bored. Why not consider a deep sea fishing adventure? It is not only educational, but exciting and can be a family affair.

We have comprised a checklist for you to run through before boarding any chartered vessel. Be prepared and take the time to make sure all is ready ensuring that your family trip on the deep blue sea is a success and something everyone will remember.

The number one thing to remember is safety. Before you and your family embark upon your day at sea, be sure to ask the captain about the following items:

· Life Preservers – Life preservers should be current issue and be in a variety of sizes to fit both adults and children. They should be in reach and everyone should be wearing one, before they leave the.

· Coast Guard Inspection – Your fishing vessel should be big enough for everyone and seaworthy. Make sure you inquire about the latest US Coast Guard inspection. Ask to see the inspection sticker, as well as radio and emergency beacons.

· CPR – The crew aboard should be certified in CPR and first aid training.

· Sun Protection – With the reflection from the water, sun exposure gets very intense increasing from 100% on land to 180% on water. Pack hats, sun glasses and make sure your sun screen is efficient in blocking the sun at that exposure rate.

Your trip will vary depending on where in the US you will be deep sea fishing.

While certain elements like water temperature, local weather and surface temperatures may be out of your control they do play a part in whether your trip is successful or not. Elements that are in your control and should be verified prior to casting off are as follows:

· Experience – The captain and crew should be very knowledgeable about fishing in the local waters and be at ease navigating the area. They should also be able to show you the best spots where the fish gather.

· Equipment – The vessel should be equipped with the latest electronics for finding the fish making sure you achieve or get what you came after.

· Bait – Fish are finicky and so the bait you use should be natural prey for the fish you are after. Using bait that is not common to the area could be costly and make your trip unsuccessful.

· Unwanted Transfer – After applying sunscreen, aftershave or any other scented lotions, be sure everyone washes their hand. It can be transferred to the bait and the fish will stop biting.

If you are planning a deep sea fishing adventure with young children special considerations may need to be made. Before chartering or boarding a vessel, ask the captain and crew about the following:

· Family Oriented Ship Friendly – Is smoking or alcohol allowed on board? Is language controlled? If the answer is no to either question you might need to find a different vessel or crew.

· Quiet Time – If the fish stop biting or there is a lull, what kind of educational information is available? Is there a story time? Knot Tying lessons? Or are children allowed to steer the boat?

· Naps – For small or very young children, is there a place where they can rest or nap?

And last but not least, to make sure every family member has a good time, you need to make sure to do the following:

· Snacks and Drinks – The boat may provide some nourishment and drinks, but it could be limited. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and juices that are preferred by your child. Being in the sun all day, there is a chance of dehydration.

· A Good Night of Sleep – Be sure that everyone has a good night of sleep prior to the day of fishing. It is a lot of fun but can be tiring, especially for our wee ship mates.

· Seasickness – If you easily succumb to seasickness, or don’t know if you get seasick, take Dramamine or Bonine before your trip to be on the safe side. You can also purchase those wrist bands these days that are suppose to keep seasickness at bay.

· Don’t Forget The Camera! – Film and extra batteries are a must. The day will be filled with fun times and lots of memories and you will want to share those memories for years to come.

When your checklist has been completed and with the captain at the wheel and the crew ready to cast off, you and your family are in for a trip of a lifetime, filled with fun and adventure! A family tradition you can look forward to for years to come.