4 Important Safety Gear items for your next fishing trip

When you are planning on a fishing trip it is important that you make sure that you carry the proper safety gear items with you when you go. This will help to ensure that you as well as your company can take matters in hand should something go array on your travels. Here are 4 important safety gear items for your next fishing trip that you should have along with you.

1. Life Jacket- Without a doubt, having a life jacket for every member of your fishing party is important, it might just save their lives should something happen that causes your boat to go under. Make sure that each member of your fishing party is outfitted with a life jacket that is suitable for their age and size. Make sure that all fasteners for the life jacket are not worn or frayed.
2. Fire Extinguisher- If the boat you are on is run by power, that is an engine, it is standard safety rules that you have at least one fire extinguisher on board. If the boat has cooking facilities, you will need another one for the kitchen area should a fire start while you are cooking a meal.
3. Flares- Flares are an important pyrotechnical device that will notify other boaters of your distress should you happen to encounter any problems while on the water that you can not overcome. Having several battery-operated flashlights on board is also important safety gear. These will help you to be able to see should you have a power outage.
4. This fishing tool will help make anchor retrieval a snap.

   Propelling Device and Anchor- A manual propelling device to help you move through the water safely is part of the safety requirements for all boat owners. Make sure that the boat you are going to be traveling in has had its propelling devices checked for safety reasons. Having an anchor on a chain to keep the boat in a motionless spot when the engine is shut off is also a safe measure.

There are several other things you should remember before you head out on the water. Wear the proper attire while out on the boat. Check the weather to make sure that you will not be going out into a storm. Make sure all the navigational equipment is current and working. This means any radar equipment, lights, engines, water tanks, toilets, stove, and a bailer to remove any water from the bilge area of the boat, if the boat you are in is one that is big enough to be on the ocean.
These important safety gear items for your next fishing trip will keep you and your company safe in all situations.