Self-Isolation Tips for Fishermen: Only You and Your Fishing Rod

If you’re one to just sit by the water with a cold drink in one hand and your rod in the other, you would agree that it’s one of the best feelings in the world.

This is what makes it one of the few activities that are still pretty safe to indulge in despite the pandemic. It’s a great way to get some fresh air outdoors with just the smell and sounds of the water around you.

Now most fishermen like yourself are outdoors people, so the lockdown is probably making you feel like you would go bonkers anytime.

Well, it needn’t necessarily be that way, so, here are some tips for you to self-isolate just right:

Fish Alone!

Now is not the time to link up with your fishing buddies and go for a whirl. This period calls for you to do most if not everything on your own.

One of the channels by which the virus spreads is from person to person, hence the reason why you should fish alone. Fishing alone also offers you the opportunity to meditate without disturbance and just have the natural elements around you.

The calm is a much-needed therapy at the moment given the amount of chaos in the world right now. While fishing alone is not a very ideal choice, it is necessary, just pick up your rod and go. And you should keep your equipment top-notch as well.

If you’re an avid bass fisherman, now is not the time to save on the right equipment. Make your fishing as efficient as can be.

Ensure Safe Fishing Practices

Since you would be doing all the fishing on your own, ensuring your own safety is paramount. First off, consuming alcohol or drugs when you’re fishing alone is a very bad idea.

When you consume a significant quantity, it would most likely make your instincts dull and you might need your wits around you. Also, carrying a fully charged mobile with you is advisable in case you need to contact someone for emergencies.

Wearing a PFD is advised too. Most people prefer to just leave it by the side and expect that they would grab it if they ever need it.

However, this doesn’t always work out as planned. Therefore, keeping it on at all times, despite the discomfort might just be your saving grace.

Keep Everything Sanitized

With pathogens flying almost everywhere, keeping clean constantly is a necessity. So you would need to clean your hands as often as possible, washing your hands with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds.

You’re unlikely to have access to amenities like this at your fishing spot, therefore, preparing ahead is important. Taking along an alcohol-based hand sanitizer would also do the trick in place of soap and water.

Since the virus also adheres to surfaces, you should sterilize your fishing equipment too. Similarly, be cautious of commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs or handrails in the event that they have been touched by an infected individual.

Also, keeping your hands away from your face is essential. If you come in contact with any surfaces, remember to sanitize your hands frequently.

Watch The Weather

Particularly in a time like this, you don’t want to be caught unawares in adverse weather conditions. Therefore, it is essential that you plan your fishing in line with forecasts and prevailing weather conditions.

If the forecast isn’t looking pretty, it isn’t a good idea to risk a fishing trip. Also, if the weather starts to change all of a sudden, pack up your stuff and leave if you can.

In the event that you cannot, find a place to shelter until the worst is over. You should always have an escape plan in the works.

What to do or where to hold up if the weather turns bad is something that you should have explicitly planned out.

Carry a First Aid Kit

The major percentage of medical personnel is channeling all their efforts into combatting the virus and that is the priority at the moment. Protecting yourself however you can is a very important part of your fishing.

If you’re only a rookie fisherman, you should study up on all the safety tips that you need to know about. For experienced fishermen, you know how to take care of yourself, so you shouldn’t take anything that you know for granted.

The most common fishing injuries are piercings and cuts and a first aid kit would come in very handy for taking care of minor injuries like that. If you feel like your injury is quite major, you should abandon fishing and seek medical attention immediately.

For minor injuries, going home is advised as well because a little injury can lead to more injuries.

Self-isolating as a fisherman with just your rod doesn’t have to be drab like you’ve anticipated. There are ways to spice it up, but remember to stay safe!