Fly Fishing

Boz · Location: Portland

Had some good discussions last week with members of fliesandfins about what happens when things go wrong on the water, or even on the way to and from fishing. And it left one big question...Are you prepared?

Here are some scenarios with suggestions on how to be better prepared:

The three most common first aid situations most folks deal with on the water are:

1. Hook injuries - For small hook injuries I like to use the string yank trick.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010601/2231.html
For larger saltwater hooks having a leatherman handy is a good bet. So you can use the pliers and if need be cut the hook point off.
A current tetanus shot should be obvious after the fact.
Any hook in close proximity to someones eye, I would seek professional medical help. Which is also why it is key to always wear glasses!

2. Hypothermia - Even though it is sometimes funny watching a buddy swim while out chasing fish, maybe even multiple times...(Alex)
The situation can get serious if you don't pay attention. Know the simptoms of hypothermia, and how to treat a victim. I have seen cases of hypothermia on 70+ degree days... If the water is below 60 it can happen.

3. Sprained or broken ankles - Fly fisherman walk on slick irregular surfaces to get to fish. Ankle injuries are common. Do you, carry the gear to treat this common injury? And do you have a way to safely get the afflicted off the water on on to help?

Those are only three first aid scenarios, there are obviously many more.
For folks who spend alot of time on the water I highly recommend having Basic First Aid and CPR training. You never know when you'll need it and you'll be happy you know how to react.

The next three topics are general, but worth mentioning.

1. Wading in heavy river flows - Use the buddy system it is way easier to cross fast moving water by locking arms with a friend and slowly making your way. If you are rolling solo, find a sturdy stick to probe ahead of you and avoid stepping into a deep hole. When making a crossing try to start higher up river as you will lose some ground downstream as you cross.

2. Travel on logging (or remote) roads - Do you have enough gas to make it in and out with extra for missed turns etc? Good tires are essential when going deep into the back country. Make sure you have a good spare (or even multiple spares or patch kits/plugs) for those "way out' excursions.

3. Know the water I see more people get into trouble on the water because they never researched where they are. Ignorance often equals disaster. This summer I witnessed a guy preparing to launch an inflatable kayak above some very big whitewater. I asked "have you scouted the rapids downstream?" He said "no, I don't really like to look at it before I paddle" ??? I Strongly suggested he take a peak, he didn't. He ran the rapid flipped within seconds, lost his paddle and boat, and bag of cold Busch Beer. Later that day I spoke with him downriver desperately trying to find all his gear, he was only bummed he lost his gear...could've ended much worse.

This leads me to the number one reason many people put themselves in bad situations.
Ego.

It's good to be up for any challenge, and have a gung-ho attitude but just remember there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity.

Please add other stories/scearios/ and suggestions on how you stay prepared out there.

Have a safe and productive 2009 Season! You can't post fish pics if you never come back.

Greg B

joey · Location: Colorado

Good stuff boz Here are a few that i alway tell people when we are float fishing.

- always wear sunglasses the last thing you want is a hook in the eye
- fish on the same side of the boat to avoid tangles and hooks in the flesh
- if you fall out of the boat assume lazyboy position and back stroke
- if you are head for a rock or tree in the water swim away from it, essentially the best rescue is self rescue.
- if we hit a rock and get stuck go to the highside of the boat this will prevent (not always) the boat from flipping over.
I am sure that you could ass to this boz but those are some of the basics I like to go through.

On another note I think that having food and water with you during the day plays a major role in keeping ou safe. Not eating all day makes me weak and often gives me headaches. I know that sometimes we are in a hurry to get on the water and go without eating but this can make a good day turn horrible. In my opinion. Nothing worse than having to leave a killer hatch beacuse you feel weak, faint, dehydrated or ill due to lack of nutrition. Pack a candy bar or something light. Anything is bettern than nothing.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

waterwhippa · Location: Upstate, NY

I am a big fan of the power shot type carb gels and such. A quick boost of carbs can make all the difference in the world. and WATER...WATER and more WATER. Like Joey stated dehydration is an outdoorsmans worst enemy.

striper69 · Location: woonsocket RI

mikey d's works too Shocked