Ready to cast your line and reel in some big catches? Before you embark on your fishing adventure, remember some safety tips on the water. By following our simple tips, you can ensure a fun and unforgettable experience without compromising your well-being. 

Watch the weather, keep lines of communication open and make sure everyone on board has access to a personal lifejacket or flotation device.

If you find yourself floating on a boat in the middle of open water — be it lake, channel or sea — chances are you’ve needed a bit of an escape. But try not to let your sense of adventure fool you! While boating carries a familiar feeling of freedom, it’s also an activity that requires preparation and planning to make sure you and everyone else on board is safe from harm.

“People often think boating safety is not a big deal because they’re just going out for the day,” says family medicine doctor Neha Vyas, MD. “But you forget that when you’re out in the water, you’re away from civilization — there are no cell phone towers and the weather is unpredictable.

“So, while you may have certain expectations on how things will go while you’re on land, out at sea or on the water, the reality you face can be completely different.”

Tips to stay safe on a boat

Before you set sail for the horizon, think about what you’ll need to have on board and any potential problems you might face. From the foods you eat and drink, to recognizing signs of bad weather, to making sure you have all the right safety gear and having a way to contact authorities in case of emergencies, there are plenty of things you can do to maximize your boat safety.

“The most important thing is to take every excursion seriously enough to go through all of your safety measures, regardless of if you’re on a boat for an hour or two or a whole day,” advises Dr. Vyas.

Here are some common safety considerations.

Stay hydrated

Everyone should be drinking water on a daily basis. But when you’re stuck on a boat with the sun beating down on you, having fresh drinking water on hand for the entirety of your journey is especially important to avoid dehydration.

“The combination of open air and sun makes it so that you get dehydrated quicker,” says Dr. Vyas. “Plain water is the best thing for you, but some people prefer seltzer waters, club soda-flavored filtered water or caffeinated water. Fruits like watermelon have lots of water in them, too.”

Practice food safety

Avoid the spread of bacteria by keeping utensils, plates and food preparation surfaces sanitized and clean. That means you also have to make sure that any meats or prepared foods are cooked properly and stored when not in use to avoid foodborne illnesses. In fact, perishable foods like meats, dairy and mayo-based products shouldn’t be left out in the open for more than an hour or two.

“Meats should be cooked to the correct temperature,” stresses Dr. Vyas. “You also want to keep your food in a refrigerated state or in coolers and not leave them out in the sun where they can spoil faster.”

If the weather turns cold or choppy, a warm beverage or health bar can offer a quick nutritional fix until you’re back on land or able to cook up something of sustenance.

Limit your alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol in the sun can give you a false sense of hydration. But alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can lead to increased urination and loss of fluid. If you’re sweating it out on deck and not drinking enough water, even as you consume alcohol, you could run the risk of dehydration. You can also find yourself getting inebriated at a much faster rate than you’d expect in other environments.

“You want to temper your alcohol and just be aware of how much alcohol people are consuming,” advises Dr. Vyas.

Protect yourself from the sun

Long-term exposure to the sun — even just a few hours — can not only increase your risk for sunburn, but it can also lead to more serious illness and injury including:

• -Heat exhaustion.
• -Heatstroke.
• -Sun poisoning or sun sickness.

“When it comes to the sun, you want to think about sunscreen, shade and water,” stresses Dr. Vyas. “Apply sunscreen liberally, let it have a chance to work and keep applying it throughout the day.”

Wearing a hat, bathing suit cover or other sun-protective clothing can also be helpful in making sure you’re protected from the sun’s rays.

“You don’t want to wear those cute little cover-ups that have a whole bunch of holes in them,” she warns. “They’re awfully adorable at a resort but may not be the best when it comes to the intense heat you’ll experience while on a boat.”

Erecting an umbrella or having a place on board where there’s shade is also a good idea, particularly for younger children and anyone who’s sensitive to the sun.

“If someone is really struggling, you want them to sit in the shade and try to cool them down as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Vyas. “Make sure there’s plenty of ice water and extra ice. If they’re having heat symptoms, put ice to their neck and armpits to try and bring their temperature down.”

Know your state and regional boating laws

Depending on where you’re boating, laws may be in place that require certain individuals under a specific age to wear a lifejacket or other flotation device while on board.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) offers several dashboards that you can use to check the requirements for lifejackets, flotation devices, education and registration in your state. Knowing the federal regulations provided by the U.S. Coast Guard may also be helpful when boating outside of state jurisdiction.

“Everybody needs access to a life vest and flotation device,” states Dr. Vyas. “Whether they wear one or not, there should be a life vest for every single occupant on a boat.”

Purchase boat safety gear

 

In addition to personal flotation devices, you’ll want to consider grabbing gear that keeps you and your passengers safe, including:

• -First aid kits that have bandages, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, and hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel for sunburns.
• -A working fire extinguisher.
• -A toolbox with a screwdriver, boating knife and other essential tools.
• -Flashlights.
• -High-frequency radio.
• -GPS-enabled locator beacon.
• -Carbon monoxide monitor.
• -Extra clothing.

“Your cell phones will stop working at some point the farther out you go, so you want to make sure you have a high-frequency radio that works on the water in case you need to contact anyone for help or in the case of emergencies,” recommends Dr. Vyas.

“You also want to dress for the water temperature and not the air temperature. If you jump into the water and it’s cold, you don’t want to come out of the water and sit in wet clothing or run the risk of hypothermia.”

Recognize signs of bad weather

Boating safety and education courses are often required in order to get a boating license. Many of these courses will offer an explanation on how to read and use nautical flags to communicate your needs with other ships, and which flags to look for that signal bad weather is on its way.

Other physical signs of bad weather to look for include:

• -Shifting winds.
• -Dark clouds or gray skies.
• -Thunder and/or lighting.
• -Rough water patches.

“Bad weather coming from the west is generally worse, and a shift in barometric pressure is also a good sign of really bad weather,” shares Dr. Vyas.

Know when it’s safe to swim

“You should always swim when the boat is off and anchored safely in the water — never while it’s running,” stresses Dr. Vyas. “You only want to swim in idle water, not in a channel, and never swim under a boat or around the exhaust. When you’re swimming, make sure there’s a ladder in the water to help you get back up into the boat and tie a personal flotation device to the side of the boat for extra safety.”

Reduce your risk of drowning

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death related to boating accidents. To reduce your risk of drowning, always have three points of contact on the boat at all times (like two feet on the floor and one hand on a railing) and practice safety drills ahead of sailing.

“You should know where the lifesaving gear is on a boat and that should be the first thing you address,” emphasizes Dr. Vyas. “Sometimes, when someone is overboard, people panic. So, knowing what to do when that happens and practicing those drills or talking about safety precautions before you set sail is really important.”

Batten down those hatches

At the end of the day, fun in the sun is possible as long as you really take the time to set yourself up for success with the right safety measures. Like any other trip, the more prepared you are, the more easily you can rest knowing you’ve done everything you can to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

“Prepare for boating the same way you would prepare for a camping trip in the wilderness,” advises Dr. Vyas. “What do you and your passengers need in order to make it through the day without running the risk of dehydration? What do you need to have on hand to help with crisis management if an emergency comes up? What will benefit you when you’re alone by yourself at sea? These are all important things to think about before setting sail.”

Cast your line with confidence. Our well-maintained boats and experienced crew will provide a safe and enjoyable fishing experience. Call us today at 772-834-7661 and create lasting memories. Dive deeper into our Instagram here.

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Reference: [https://health.clevelandclinic.org/boat-safety]

 

A well-stocked tackle box is essential for any successful fishing trip, but don’t forget about your own needs! Fueling your body with the right snacks is crucial for maintaining energy and focus on the water. We bring you some tasty treat tips that will keep you going strong.

 

Once the waders are fastened on, the rod is rigged, and the boots have touched the water; there isn’t much that can distract an angler in pursuit of some hungry trout…that is until their own belly starts rumbling. Fly fishing can be a physically demanding hobby, whether you’re fishing from gravel put in, or spending your nights in a tent in the high Sierras: your engine needs fuel. Instead of wasting time off the water finding a meal, or simply procuring one from your adventure mobile, pack one of the snacks we’ve listed below in order to get the calories you need to stay focused and haul in that once in a lifetime fish.

 

1.The Protein-Packed-classic: Nature Valley Protein Chewy Granola Bar

 

With 5 grams of Protein packed into every bar, whether you’re heading out from base camp or driving up the street, this snack is essential in every anglers’ pack. With energy crammed into every bite: this snack is easily transportable, lightweight, and most importantly TASTY. Grab a couple of these guys before a day on the water and you’re sure to beat the mid-day hunger wherever your trip takes you.

 

2. The Meat Lovers Heavy Hitter: Chomps Beef Jerky

 

Grass-Fed Chomps Beef Jerky is a step above the rest when it comes to an on the go meaty snack. Not only does Chomps provide a large variety of flavors such as jalapeno beef to Salt & Pepper Venison, but they contain no added hormones, no sugars, and are made from 100% grass fed Livestock. Chomps has it all for the hungry carnivore looking for a protein boost to keep them tossing heat cast after cast.

 

3. The Nutty-Nature Power Pack: Power Up Trail Mix

 

Because what’s better than sticking to your crunchy roots? Power up Trail mix is a specially crafted mix designed to provide a late afternoon boost and kick fatigue in the butt. Made from 100% all-natural ingredients, Power up trail mix has mixes to cater to any dietary restrictions including gluten-free, and vegan options: all still made with fresh delicious ingredients. We recommend packing a baggie of these in the top of your waders and saving the rest for a job well-done treat on the way back to home base.

 

4. The Sweet Tooth’s Guilty Secret: Gummy Worms

 

Just because you’re not throwing worms to fish doesn’t mean you can’t have some for yourself! Yes, while we don’t recommend substituting a meal for a sugar-filled treat, we know there’s no way ALL those vest pockets are filled with gear. Why not indulge your guilty pleasure and pack a sugary snack to brighten up a fishless day, or even put down with some water to keep that blood sugar steady? However you choose to enjoy these tasty worms, it’ll put a smile on your face and always manage to calm down that insatiable craving that manages to strike at the worst times.

 

5. The Long Tripper’s Fatigue Fighter: GreenBelly Meal 2 Go

 

While this isn’t technically just a snack, it sure can be eaten like one. Greenbelly is a meal sup. for hikers, made by hikers. Containing 1/3 of your daily value of fats, proteins, and fiber; this supplement is perfect to throw next to your reel in the day pack and head off the beaten path. Whether your hiking through the rugged mountain terrain or sloshing around a salty cove, this portable meal guarantees you’ll have the power to focus on your mission—not your hunger.

6. Natures Candy Flavored Cravings Killer: Dried Fruit

 

 

 

Embark on an unforgettable Florida fishing adventure! Experience the thrill of the open water with Stuart Sports Fishing Charters. Call us today at (772) 202-0623 and create lasting memories. Dive deeper into our Instagram here.

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Reference: [https://flylordsmag.com/the-10-best-snacks-fly-fishing/]

Florida’s waters teem with hidden treasures – and none more exhilarating to chase than the swordfish. These magnificent predators put up a fight unlike any other. Here you can read more about these gladiators of the deep sea, and let’s turn your dream Florida fishing trip into a reality.

Day or night, a swordfish is a great catch when you’re fishing in Florida.

Once thought to bite only in the dark, Florida swordfish have proven themselves to be a formidable gamefish day or night. Known for its deep and rapid dives, a hooked swordfish puts up a spectacular fight.

Also prized for its meat—most often served as thick, grilled steaks—swordfish once faced the threat of overfishing through the use of long lining, but are now a fisheries management success story. Conservation efforts enacted in the late 1990s have yielded positive results and swordfish stock seems to be at or above the target level in many areas, though there is still some concern in areas like the Indian Ocean among others. For this reason, many people consider swordfish fishing recreational and often practice catch and release.

Known to live for nine years or longer, swordfish can grow up to 14 feet. The International Game Fish Association’s angling record for a swordfish is a 1,182-pound fish caught off Chile in 1953. Like many fish, females tend to outweigh males significantly, with male swordfish rarely exceeding 200 pounds.

Swordfish in Florida are not schooling fish and tend to feed at night as they rise to the surface or near-surface waters in search of smaller fish. Daytime sword fishing often involves dropping rigged or live baits straight to the ocean bottom where larger fish are known to range.

Regardless of when they’re caught, a hooked swordfish means an incredible fight. Known to dive so fast and furious when hooked that they’ve impaled themselves on the ocean floor, swordfish remain one of the most impressive gamefish around. It’s worth getting your lines ready to catch one of these “gladiators of the deep.

Reel in the adventure of a lifetime! Book your Florida swordfish fishing trip and battle the gladiators of the deep with Stuart Sports Fishing. Call us today at (772) 202-0623. Dive deeper into our Instagram here.

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Reference: [https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/swordfish-fishing-florida/#:~:text=Swordfish%20in%20Florida%20are%20not,fish%20are%20known%20to%20range.]

The salty spray on your face, the rhythmic crash of waves against the hull – there’s something undeniably captivating about the ocean. Ocean fishing blends the peacefulness of nature with the competitive spirit, offering a truly immersive experience. Is that why you love it too?

I’ve been asked, more than once, what it is about fishing that makes me love it so much? I can be on a large boat on the open ocean pursuing tuna that will take 30 minutes or more to land, or I could be standing knee deep in a tiny stream, pursuing trout that wouldn’t be big enough to be used as bait. It doesn’t matter to me. I love it. The question remains. I have struggled to answer.

A lot of my reading over the years has attempted to put focus to these questions. I challenge you to read “A River Runs Through It” and not feel in your guts that Mclean loves fishing as much as he loves his family, and that it united them throughout their lives (and continues to unite his descendants). Thomas Mcguane, an author of numerous books and screenplays, writes about fishing with a sense of longing. You can feel that as he is writing, he wishes he were out there right now. Roderick Haig-Brown famously said you can never step into the same river twice. Was he really talking about the river or saying something about himself? John Gierach has made a career of writing books filled with essays about fishing and it’s obvious he loves it. But still the question is the same. Why do we love it? Maybe we should start with the “what?” What are the things we love so much about it? Maybe that will lead us to the “why?” I love the anticipation of going. I love the making plans with friends and the back-and-forth texts that start a few days before, the planning out meeting places and times. The bigger the trip the more planning that has to go in.

If you’re going to your usual place, it might be nothing more than, “Meet you at the usual place at the usual time.” If you’re traveling, there’s even more. Plane tickets? Car rentals? Hotel rooms? Guides? New rods, reels, lures, whatever? Even a short trip of an hour’s drive or so carries commitment that requires a certain level of preparedness that leads to anticipation. You hope that the weather is good that day and that the conditions are favorable for what you want to do. You would certainly hope that the fish will be where you expect them to be and that they will be doing the thing you hope that they will be doing. Is your tackle in order? I’ve spent many a night at the kitchen table tying knots, rigging tackle, fixing rods, and pretty much making sure everything is right before I even leave the house.

I prefer to have all my gear in order the moment I arrive. Nothing is worse, in my mind, than having to rig up at the boat ramp or standing on the beach, while the fish are snapping and we are wasting time.

Then we get to the spot, and the fish are there, and it all comes together. All the planning has paid off and all the equipment is right, and all the lures, baits, or flies are right. Then, if the anticipation and preparation come together, a perfect soufflé, right from the oven, isn’t as satisfying.

I love standing in the water. There’s a certain uneasiness that comes with entering an environment in which we are not suited. It creates uncertainty and therefore you’re not quite sure what the outcome will be.

I get in the water when I am in a situation where the fish are just too far to reach from the shore and a boat would only mess things up. In trout streams you need to be right at the same level as the fish. You need to see where the fish are going to be and what they are eating. Be close. Wading on bonefish flats actually offers the opportunity to get closer to the fish than you can in a boat. These fish are super wary, always on guard for unwelcome sounds, and being on foot is quieter.

If you go surf fishing you are exposed to elements that can actually hurt you. If that random wave catches you just right, you can find yourself underwater. Constant vigilance is required. I love these kinds of fishing more than most. Being in the same element as the fish puts you on a more even keel — you seem to lose some of the advantage we have otherwise — and I appreciate the challenge. It’s just a lot of fun too.

I love that instant where the fish makes the decision to bite what you are showing. It’s the culmination of all I’ve worked for up to that point. To cast a fly to a fish I can see, I first need to find it and then determine its direction of travel. It’s helpful to have foreknowledge of the types of things it likes to eat in that situation, in that case I will have also created an imitation. I have to make my cast and, in so doing, determine how the wind is blowing and how it might affect me. Then I have to land the fly in the spot that is closest enough to the fish so it will be seen but not so close as to cause it to spook. When the fish turns toward the fly, I have to fight with my emotions and not get overly excited and mess up by pulling the fly away too quickly or even falling out of the boat (Yes, I’ve seen it happen). In the exact moment the fish takes the fly, I have to set the hook in just the right manner so I don’t pull the fly out of its mouth before it had a chance to get the hook inside or break the line. There’s a lot that can go wrong here!

So, it appears that what I really love about fishing is the anticipation. The waiting. The hoping. Simply being in that place I need to be in. A moment. The feeling that you get when you are about to put it all together and have a great day with your friends in a nice place, far from the world and full of potential for memories.

Imagine the bragging rights, the delicious meals, and the stories you’ll tell! Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Stuart Sports Fishing Charters and turn your fishing dreams into reality. Call us today at (772) 202-0623. Dive deeper into our Instagram here.

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Reference: [https://coastalreview.org/2022/02/answering-the-question-what-do-we-love-about-fishing/]

 

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a child’s first fishing trip! But before you cast off, it’s crucial to ensure your little angler is comfortable and safe. Here is your complete checklist for outfitting your child for a successful and enjoyable fishing adventure.

 

When it comes to what should kids wear fishing, here’s the proper fishing attire for children to stay safe, dry, comfortable, and happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Stuart Sport Fishing charters and turn your fishing dreams into reality. Call us today at (772) 202-0623. Dive deeper into our Instagram here.

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Reference: [https://www.takemefishing.org/blog/march-2024/what-should-kids-wear-fishing/]