| Fishing is a relaxing sport to enjoy with you family | | | | accidentally swallow it-and ruin your fishing trip! |
| and friends on a "get-away-from-it-all" weekend. | | | | Be careful with those sharp fishing hooks-handle |
| Of course, it is more desirable to do it safely and | | | | with extreme care! They are sharp, dangerous |
| be aware of safety rules for everyone's benefit. | | | | and could cause serious injury. You really don't |
| It is important to start off a young angler with | | | | want to wind up in the local emergency room to |
| appropriate fishing gear for their age and size. | | | | have a hook removed from your hand! Been |
| Most young fishermen find it comfortable to use | | | | there, done that...and don't want to do that again!! |
| a 5' or 5 ½' light action fishing rod with a | | | | Take care with fillet and pocket knives as they |
| spin-cast reel. A 4 or 6 pound test strength line | | | | can be more dangerous than hooks. Keep them |
| will work well with a small or medium sized | | | | out of reach around young children (and some |
| bobber. Dad, Mom or Grandparents should stay | | | | adults!) |
| close by to supervise and help when needed. It | | | | Other equipment to consider, especially if you are |
| has been our experience that they really enjoy | | | | fishing from a boat is a personal flotation device |
| "doing it themselves", until they get tangled up in a | | | | (life jacket). Do not fish in rivers or streams when |
| line that went the wrong way! | | | | they become flooded. Shore fisherman should also |
| Here are some tips for the young and the more | | | | wear life jackets in case they should accidentally |
| experienced anglers to remember. Be careful how | | | | fall in. |
| you carry and cast your fishing pole. Sometimes | | | | Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from |
| one forgets the fishing pole is longer than you | | | | harmful UV rays. Wear protective clothing and |
| think and can easily strike someone in the face or | | | | limit exposure to direct sunlight. Also wear |
| elsewhere! Be sure you have plenty of open | | | | sunglasses to protect your eyes. |
| space around you so you can cast safely. | | | | Use insect repellant to reduce problems with bugs |
| Be sure to throw any tangled or unused fishing | | | | and insects. Carry a first-aid kit well stocked with |
| line in the trash. Loose line can be dangerous for | | | | items for cuts and other medical needs. |
| the water fowl or other wild animals. | | | | After all of this, remember to have some fun |
| Set a good example for the children and DON'T | | | | fishing among remembering all of these safety |
| use your mouth to tie a knot around a sinker or | | | | rules!! We want to remind everyone that you can |
| to place a split shot on fishing line. You might | | | | have fun and be safe at the same time! |