It wasn’t so long ago when people were disallowed from leaving their homes for reasons other than grocery runs and medical emergencies. Others in the medical field and other vital industries were also allowed to go to work. The lockdown took a toll on many, especially those who love to spend most of their time outdoors. Take the people who enjoy fishing, for example. It’s probably been a while since they last cast a line. Fortunately, most states have already lifted the lockdown and fishing is one of the outdoor activities that are allowed provided you practice safety protocols. It’s great timing really since June 18 is National Go Fishing Day. So what’s the best way to celebrate this holiday? Pack up your fishing equipment and safety fear then go out and fish!
National Go Fishing Day Safety Tips
Before embarking on a fishing adventure, there are a few things you need to take care of first. Make sure you check out everything in this list and the some to avoid any problems that’ll ruin your trip.
Are You Fit Enough to Go Out?
Before anything else, you need to answer a few questions. Are you sick? Are you too old or too young to be out and about? Is fishing more important than your safety?
If you answered “yes” to the first two questions, you should stay at home. Don’t go out if you fever, cough, or other coronavirus symptoms. People aged 65 and older and those with poor immunity should also refrain from going out. Forget about National Fishing Day for this year and stay in the safety of your home. There’s always next year. You can also go fishing once you’re healthy.
For the third question, just don’t go out if you don’t want to take risks. Find ways to celebrate the holiday without actually going to fish. Watch fishing channels on YouTube or see if your favorite outdoor channel on cable is showing an episode on fishing.
Keep Your Distance
Social or physical distancing is the norm nowadays though you can still see people breaking this rule. Avoid mass gatherings at all times. There’s no exception for this. If there are too many people fishing in your spot, just go find another place. Look for a spot with less to zero people other than you and your family. If there are other fishers or anglers, maintain at least six feet of space between you and the next person.
Wear A Face Mask
Face masks have become a necessity nowadays. Most medical masks will help you avoid contamination and spreading COVID-19 in case you have it. Cloth masks, meanwhile, will only keep you from spreading the coronavirus.
The Pirates Will Be Pirates Mask, available on Redbubble, is made of two layers of soft 100% brushed polyester. It comes in adult size, particularly 7.25 x 4.6 inches. It has a pair of over-ear elastic straps for that comfy and snug fit over.
Wash or Sanitize Hands
The World Health Organization has been going on and on about the importance of washing hands with soap and water. This is the simplest yet most effective way of battling the coronavirus. It’s definitely better than having to fight the virus when you already have it.
Scrub your hands with soap for at least twenty seconds then wash thoroughly with clean water. This has been taught for decades and should be part of your routine already.
One dilemma most people encounter when they’re out is that a lot of hands have touched public faucets. So how do you wash your hands safely? Just avoid touching the faucet directly with your hands. Use a piece of paper towel or anything that can act as a barrier between your hands and the faucet. Once you’re done washing, don’t touch the faucet to shut it off. Again, use a barrier.
A good alternative is to use a hand sanitizer. The Suave Hand Sanitizer Spray is alcohol based so it can kill up to 99.9% of germs. Bring one wherever you so you can always disinfect your hands even without soap and water.
Avoid Touching Your Face
You get sweaty when you’re out fishing. Be careful when sweat trickles down your face. If you touched something that has the virus and then you wipe your sweat with your hands, the chances of getting infected are pretty high. It’s difficult not to touch your face. It’s like human nature but the current crisis should be enough reason why you should break the habit.
Make Preparations
Now that you’re reminded of the COVID-19 safety tips, it’s time to plan your trip and pack your stuff. Remember, the more prepared you are, the safer your fishing trip will be.
Find A Safe Fishing Spot
Veteran fishers already know where to go but they may still need to check beforehand to see if it’s safe to celebrate National Go Fishing Day or any day for that matter at their favorite spot. If you get to your spot and it’s crowded, move to another location. Look for a place with less people around. Once you find one, make sure you keep your distance from the next person. Don’t hesitate to ask other anglers to move if they get too close to you. Steer clear of people on your way to your spot, too. Also, avoid touching things that may have been touched by other people.
Don’t Go Too Far
The problem with driving miles to find your preferred fishing spot is that you may need to gas up. When you do, you’ll be forced to touch the gas pump which dozens of people may have touched before you. If you don’t have that such gas to start with, at least make sure to avoid touching your face and anything else after gassing up. Wash your hands or spray them with alcohol immediately afterwards and again before getting in your car.
Long drives may also force you to stop and use a public restroom. You may also get hungry and stop for a snack. These will increase the risk of exposure and should be avoided as much as possible.
Bring Everything You Need
Fishing Gear
You’re going fishing so you need your fishing gear, obviously. Make a list of everything you have to pack so you don’t forget anything. You don’t want your National Go Fishing Day trip ruined just because you left your fishing pole or forgot the sunscreen.
Related: Bargain Fishing Gear Guaranteed To Make Your First Outdoor Adventure An Awesome One
Fishing Pole
Unless you plan on going primitive and use a spear to catch fish, you’ll want to bring the right fishing pole. As far as telescoping fishing rods go, Plusinno is one brand newbies should definitely take a look at. The Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo include the telescopic rod, reel, fishing line, and hooks. If you’re just starting out, you’ll be thankful this kit has almost everything you need for your first taste of fishing.
The fishing rod is made of high-density carbon fiber and fiber glass which makes it light yet strong enough to handle the big fish. The reel is rust and corrosion proof while the guides are made of aluminum oxide. The kit also includes six fishing lures and hooks each along with four sinkers.
Extra Line
There’s always the chance that your line will break or get tangled up. Always bring an extra fishing line so you can continue enjoying the day even if that happens. There are three types of fishing lines for every occasion. You’ll need the more durable ones if you’re fishing in rough conditions or if you’re aiming to catch the tougher kinds of fish. A thin, clear fishing line is better suited for calmer waters such as a clear lake.
If flexibility is your thing, you need a monofilament fishing line. The Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Custom Spool is known for its strength and stretching ability. The fishing line is resistant to shock and abrasion.
Extra Hooks
Bring as many extra fish hooks as you can. You’ll never how many may be needed in one fishing trip so might as well be well stocked. The Damidel fishing hooks set includes 50 strong high carbon steel hooks. They come in different sizes to cater to your different needs.
Bobbers
You need bobbers or floats to keep your baits suspended where the fish are so you have a better chance of catching one. They also tell you if you caught something. Many anglers also use floats to call in fish.
Coopay Fishing Bobbers sets are available in lots of 30 and 50 pieces. These floaters are made of hard ABS plastic that should last a long time. The release buttons are easy to use while the heavy-duty springs guarantee strong line grip. They come in five different sizes. You’ll have ten of each size if you get the 50-piece set.
Fishing Lures
Bring artificial lures on your fishing trip. Live baits are great fishing lures have their own advantages. For one, you can catch larger fish. If you just want the experience of catching fish, live baits will do. For those who want the challenge of catching bigger fish, artificial lures tend to be more effective.
Live Bait
Speaking of live baits, the most popular are worms but you can also use leeches, crickets, crayfish, and small fishes like minnows and shads. One advantage of using live baits is that they attract fish more compared to artificial lures. Fish are drawn to their scent and the fact that they’re food. The problem with live baits is that they’re messy. You also have to keep them alive.
Sinkers
A sinker is used to sink the hook and bait as deep down as necessary. Without sinkers, these two will be too light. It’s quite easy to lose a sinker so make sure you bring enough in your tackle box.
Needle Nose Pliers/Multi-tool
Once you catch a fish, you must take the hook out. That’s what needle nose pliers are for. The Irwin Vise-Grip Long Nose Pliers is made of nickel chromium steel with machined jaws for maximum gripping strength. The cutting edge is hardened through induction to keep it sharp. It also features the ProTouch grips that lessens hand fatigue.
Tackle Box
A tackle box will help keep things organized. Get something like the Flambeau Outdoors Tackle Box and never fret over misplacing your fishing gear, especially the small items. The said tackle box has eight tray compartments and six removable dividers allowing you to adjust according to what you have. Aside from those already mentioned, you also need swivels a line cutter and a small first aid kit in your tackle box.
Other Items To Bring
Food and Water
Bring enough food and water to last your fishing trip. If you take the kids along, make sure they have enough snacks so you don’t end up stopping at a gas station to buy more chips. Pack a portable stove if there will be cooking involved. Make sure you have an ice chest not only for your drinks but also to keep your food fresh.
GoSun has exactly what you need for this fishing adventure. Their solar ovens, such as the GoSun Fusion Hybrid Solar Oven
The GoSun Chill Solar Fridge is an innovative cooler that doesn’t require ice to keep things cold. The package includes the SolarPanel 30+ Charger and the Powerbank+ along with bungee cords, AC adapters, a 12V power cord, and DC coaxial cable among others.
Sunscreen
You’ll be spending lots of time under the sun so sunscreen is a must-have. The Neutrogena Sport Face SPF70+ Oil-Free Sunscreen is specially formulated to protect the face from the sun.
More Sun Protection
Aside from using sunscreen, you should also use other ways to keep the skin safe from the negative effects of sun exposure. Start with the clothes you wear. The head is easily exposed when you’re out. Wear a hat to protect it. A pair of polarized sunglasses is also necessary to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
A long-sleeved shirt and pants will protect the arms and legs, respectively, from direct sunlight. Most anglers wear a thin shirt for their first layer a long-sleeved jacket over it. An alternative is to wear a long-sleeved shirt like this Not All Treasure Is Silver And Gold Pullover Sweatshirt. It’s made of pre-shrunk cotton rich fleece, which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester.
A tent will give you a place to lie down and stay protected from the sun when you get tired of standing or sitting while waiting for a catch. It’s also useful when you brought the family with you.
More Fishing Safety Tips
Go with Immediate Family Only
As much as you miss your fishing buddies, you should avoid each other a little while more. It’s more for everyone’s safety than anything else. Take someone who lives with you in the same house.
No Sharing
I know you’re a nice person but this is not the time to share your stuff. You should be the only one to touch your fishing gear. Don’t let anyone borrow even touch them. You’re just being on the side of caution. Other people shouldn’t take this as you being rude. In the same way, you should touch other people’s gear.
Just Eat Fish Instead
If it’s the taste of fish you miss, you really don’t have to go out and catch one. You can still celebrate National Go Fishing Day by indulging on some glorious seafood at home. Buy fish on your next grocery run or have them delivered to your home so you don’t have to go out and risk getting infected or getting caught in the riots if that’s your worry.
When you think about it, fishing definitely seems like a safe sport or activity to do during the coronavirus crisis. You’re in a place that generally has less people compared to cities. And as long as you practice social distancing and other safety protocols, you should be okay to celebrate National Go Fishing Day. Follow Gentleman Pirate Club for more tips on how to safely enjoy the outdoors during the pandemic crisis.
