Be Safe Out There!

By: Terry Dodge 

 

It’s time to hit the water and the one thing you don’t want is for the water to hit you back. By hitting back, I mean that you don’t want any accidents to happen that may result in injury, or even worse, death. The outside world can be a dangerous place.

One thing I have learned to do over the years is to carry a whistle on me. Whether it is on my lanyard, or in my vest, or attached somehow to my PFD. If you are out and about on a solo wade, or float, a whistle can come in very handy if you find yourself in a tough spot and need assistance. Thankfully I have never needed to use my whistle but there have been times that I have gotten myself into some hairy situations and was glad to know that I had a whistle on me. It's a good idea to carry one, believe me.

​

When floating it cannot be stressed enough to always be sure to have your PFD with you. “On you” would be a better term, especially if you're floating unfamiliar waters. It's also the law to have one within reach while boating, kayaking, canoeing, in the state of Illinois.

When wading, be sure to closely inspect your wading boots before stepping foot in water. Check to be sure the soles are not showing signs of coming unglued and peeling away from the shoe. I have had a soles completely come off on me while wading in rocky areas, which made the wade back a real pain in the ass (foot). If wearing waders, the wade belt can save your life by keeping water from filling your waders if you should happen to stumble and take a swim. When wet wading, do yourself a favor and invest in a pair, or two, of convertible guide pants. The legs can zip on and off for hot Summer days or for the times when bush whacking may be necessary. You never know when you might have to take to land. Convertible Cargo pants will protect you from poison ivy, ticks, and other such things. Better safe than sorry. 

If for whatever reason you do have to take to the bushes, be sure to check yourself over thoroughly for ticks. Have your spouse, offspring, or fishing buddy take a look and check you over. 

You should also let your spouse, family member, or friend know which stretch of river you plan to fish that day. 

​

If you are out solo, don’t take chances. Side on the side of caution. Take to land to walk around a log jam instead of trying to climbing over it. Allow yourself time. Don’t try to rush, that’s when a lot of the things mentioned above can happen. Know your boundaries with the time you have. 

Probably one of the safest things you can do is to fish with a buddy.

Have a safe and successful smallmouth season.

​

See you in/on the river. ~ Terry 

​

​