10 Tackle Tips for Safe Fishing

There are some basic tips for safe fishing that are a given, such as always wearing a life jacket or other types of Personal Flotation Device when around the water. In addition to basic fishing safety guidelines, there are some helpful tips for safe fishing you should remember when using your fishing tackle. Read these tackle safety tips and apply them when you go fishing.

Tackle Safety Tips

1. Before you pick up your fishing rod to make a cast, look behind you to make sure that everyone and everything is safely out of the way. This is one of the most important tips for safe fishing to remember.
2. If you are fishing with young children, crimp down the barbs on your fishing hooks. Not only is this a good idea in case an angler is hooked, but it's better for the fish too!
3. When transporting your fishing rods, remove your lures and fishing hooks from your fishing line. It will only take you a few seconds to tie your lures or hooks back on, and will help prevent anything or anyone from getting snagged by a dangling hook.
4. Always walk when carrying or holding your fishing rod. Even if you get excited and see a fish farther down the shoreline, remember to walk -- not run.
5. Once you catch a fish, don't grab or hold the fish where it's hooked. The fish will wiggle around with the hook in its mouth. To avoid an accident, use a de-hooking device or hook remover. In most cases, hook removal tools make possible to remove the hook from the fish without even having to hold it.
6. If a fish is hooked deeply, remember that in most cases it's best to cut the line as close to the hook as possible to avoid injury to the fish or yourself. Some fish species have sharp teeth, so use a hook remover or hemostats to remove the hook if it's not too deep. Otherwise, cut the line close to the hook, and follow proper catch and release practices.
7. Always keep your fishing tackle stored in a tackle box. Even when you're in a hurry, it's important to put all of your lures, hooks, fishing line, and other types of tackle back into your tackle box. Keep hooks and all other types of fishing tackle off of the ground so there is no chance that someone might step on them.
8. Put your scissors, pliers, and any other sharp fishing tools in a sheath before storing them in your tackle box or bag. This will help prevent pokes or pricks.
9. Another good tackle tip for safe fishing is to check your gear for wear and tear before each trip. Lines can get frayed, hooks can get rusty, fishing rods can get worn out, and reels can lock up. By keeping your gear in good shape, you can avoid tackle mishaps.
10. Always wear sunglasses or protective eyewear. Sunglasses will not only help protect your eyes from the sun, they will protect your eyes from stray casts and bugs.

Now that you know how to be super safe while using fishing tackle, go purchase your fishing license online and head to a fishing hole near you!

Debbie Hanson

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.