DON’T TAKE RISKS WHEN YOU’RE CARP FISHING
Don’t wear wellies near deep water.
Wellingtons fill up with water quickly and can drag you down – waterproof walking boots are safer.
Watch your step
It’s all too easy when you hook a fish to miss your footing as you run down to the water’s edge with the landing net. Take care to think twice as you’re reeling in - once for the fish, and once for yourself.
Use a flotation device
Even if you’re a good swimmer, it’s easy to get into trouble in the cold or if you hit your head. Always wear a buoyancy aid if you’re fishing from a boat or near deep water.
Keep off the ice
Never walk on ice-covered water. Thickness varies in different parts of the lake or river.
Carry antiseptic
Water carries infections - always take an antiseptic cream and dressing in case you cut yourself on the bankside – even a hook scratch can turn bad if it draws blood.
Beware of the dangers of rat urine
Any time you’re near water, you should be aware of the dangers of Leptospirosis (external link opens in a new window / tab), carried in the urine of rats, which love to mooch around the waterside, particularly at night.
Power Lines
Look out for overhead power lines and NEVER fish near them. Electricity travels down a carbon rod!
Who else knows you've gone?
Tell someone you’re going to fish and what time you expect to be home.
Watch the weather
Check the weather forecast regularly for changing conditions that might affect your safety.
Getting hooked
If you get a barbed hook stuck in you, don’t try to pull it out the way it went in. Try to push the barb through so you can snip it off with pliers, and then the rest of the hook will come out easily.
