By Jim Hutchinson Sr.
Minimizing Bad Days
We all enjoy talking about our fishing trips. Writers like me wax poetic about beautiful sunrises on the horizon as multiple rods go off at once.
After a wonderful day on the water, we return to the dock, clean those fish we caught, and head home for delicious fresh fish dinners. Oh, and we then get to spin those great yarns about the exciting day we just had.
I started thinking the other day that not all fishing trips are filled with positive experiences. On many trips there are occurrences on the water that can dampen things. Perhaps a few trips can be classified as downright disasters.
Don’t get me wrong, I love fishing. Between living at the shore most of the year, and spending winters in the south, I am on the water more than 200 days a year. Indulge me as I mention a few of those negative occurrences and impart advice to help avoid problems.
Everyone I know has been sunburned over the course of their lives. Despite our best efforts, spending time in the blazing sun, especially when it is reflected off the water, is conducive to overexposure.
Getting too much exposure to the sun is nasty on two levels. It causes discomfort in the days following the event. Then, as years go by, that sunburn can make for future bouts with skin cancer.
What should we do for this problem? There actually are two steps. First, purchase premium sun block cream or spray and apply it liberally before sunup and several times during the day. Second, cover as much of your skin area as possible with clothing. If the weather is hot, there are various clothing choices that are lightweight yet still ward off the sun’s rays. And wear a hat with a wide brim.
Seasickness, or “mal de mer,” is another problem for many who venture out to sea. I have been fortunate in never getting seasick, despite hundreds of trips on the water. There are people especially susceptible to getting sick. My father was a believer that seasickness was mostly “mental.”
My first trip into the ocean was at the age of 7 on a headboat on a very rough day. Dad took me to the bow, and we treated it like a roller coaster. We yelled and laughed into the wind. We may have even snickered at those poor souls losing their breakfast over the side.
Certain people are more likely to be sick than others. However, I feel strongly that worrying about it for days before the trip certainly does not help the situation.
There are things to help ward off that nausea. Eat a decent meal the night before and drink lots of water, not alcohol. On the morning of the trip, eat a light breakfast. Prepare yourself with medications that help the situation. Some, you take the night before. There is a patch that has helped people.
When on the boat, staying outside rather than in the cabin helps. Also, keeping your eyes focused on the horizon has a positive effect on the brain.
Now that we have avoided sickness and sunburn, what about heading out for a day on the water in severe weather conditions? Maybe your hands are too cold to tie a knot, or the boat is bouncing around on 6-foot swells. Some days the rain comes down in sheets, or worst of all, you encounter thunder and lightning.
Always prepare for your day of fishing by checking advance weather forecasts. If it will be cold, then dress accordingly. If rain is forecast, bring foul weather gear. Some of my best catches have been made in the rain.
If huge swells or lightning are predicted, cancel the trip or at least fish in calm waters close to home.
I am always prepared for an insect invasion. At least I am now. When fishing close to home mosquitoes, gnats, and greenhead flies can be a problem. I now bring a can of insect spray to ward off those little buggers.
Just because you are fishing miles offshore does not mean insects will not bother you. I was fishing in the canyons miles offshore once when we were attacked by biting black flies. They were nasty. The only explanation was that somehow, they had stowed away on the boat and came out on the way home to torture us.
That is when I started bringing a can of spray in my bag.
One of the worst things for a fishing trip is to forget something. You always want to have the proper clothing on the water. Also, a long day can be even longer if you forget your lunch at the dock.
Maybe it comes with age, but I find myself preparing “honey-do” lists for almost everything I do. When making that list for a fishing expedition, lunch, drinks, and clothing are at the top of the list.
I am sure I have missed other problems that can scuttle a fishing trip. But serious preparation in advance can lessen negative effects on your enjoyment. And despite my clouds of doom, some of the best days of my life have been on the water.
If you would like to ask me a question or just tell me what a dope I am, please feel free to drop me a line at jamesghutch1@aol.com
