Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Get A Fishing License
Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.
Register A Boat
Register your boat today. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more.
Home > Take Me Fishing Blog > June 2021 > Safe Outdoor Activities for Recreating Responsibly
Participating in safe outdoor activities is more important than ever for our mental and physical health. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or plan to head out to your local park for the first time, continue to recreate responsibly by focusing on activities that are closer to home. Stay healthy while spending time in our treasured natural spaces by following these sensible suggestions for outdoor safety this summer.
Look for places to fish and boat that are close to home. In other words, limit your long distance travel this summer and spend time learning about less pressured local spots. You can use the places to fish and boat map, check Facebook fishing groups, find books on local outdoor resources, or contact local stewardship groups. Be sure to confirm beforehand that the spot you want to visit is open to the public by checking with your state fish and wildlife agency or state natural resources agency for updates on COVID-19 restrictions. If possible, plan to fish or boat on weekdays when there are fewer people on the waterways to reduce the impact on our ecosystems.
In addition to local fishing and boating trips, you can find nearby hiking trails to explore while keeping outdoor safety in mind. This might mean a short trip to a public, state or national park, or just spending time on a trail in your own neighborhood. Always practice social distancing when on the trails and follow the guidelines of your local government or the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Sign up to take a recreational boating safety course. There are organizations and companies that offer socially distanced recreational water safety classes at a low cost or even free of charge. You can also check with your state fish and wildlife agency to see if they have a list of approved courses. Even if you’ve been boating for years, a refresher course is a good idea. Be sure you know and understand the navigational rules of the road before leaving the dock for your first summer boating trip.
There are plenty of safe outdoor activities that you can participate in while sticking closer to home this summer. Take advantage of this time to become better acquainted with the natural hidden gems right in your own backyard.
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing adventure.
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing and boating adventure.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more.
Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter.
SUBSCRIBERS PREFERENCES
What information would you like?