Fishing is a relaxing sport to enjoy with you family and friends on a "get-away-from-it-all" weekend. Of course, it is more desirable to do it safely and be aware of safety rules for everyone’s benefit.

It is important to start off a young angler with appropriate fishing gear for their age and size. Most young fishermen find it comfortable to use a 5’ or 5 ½’ light action fishing rod with a spin-cast reel. A 4 or 6 pound test strength line will work well with a small or medium sized bobber. Dad, Mom or Grandparents should stay close by to supervise and help when needed. It has been our experience that they really enjoy “doing it themselves”, until they get tangled up in a line that went the wrong way!

Here are some tips for the young and the more experienced anglers to remember. Be careful how you carry and cast your fishing pole. Sometimes one forgets the fishing pole is longer than you think and can easily strike someone in the face or elsewhere! Be sure you have plenty of open space around you so you can cast safely.

Be sure to throw any tangled or unused fishing line in the trash. Loose line can be dangerous for the water fowl or other wild animals.

Set a good example for the children and DON’T use your mouth to tie a knot around a sinker or to place a split shot on fishing line. You might accidentally swallow it—and ruin your fishing trip!

Be careful with those sharp fishing hooks—handle with extreme care! They are sharp, dangerous and could cause serious injury. You really don’t want to wind up in the local emergency room to have a hook removed from your hand! Been there, done that…and don’t want to do that again!!

Take care with fillet and pocket knives as they can be more dangerous than hooks. Keep them out of reach around young children (and some adults!)

Other equipment to consider, especially if you are fishing from a boat is a personal flotation device (life jacket). Do not fish in rivers or streams when they become flooded. Shore fisherman should also wear life jackets in case they should accidentally fall in.

Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Wear protective clothing and limit exposure to direct sunlight. Also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Use insect repellant to reduce problems with bugs and insects. Carry a first-aid kit well stocked with items for cuts and other medical needs.

After all of this, remember to have some fun fishing among remembering all of these safety rules!! We want to remind everyone that you can have fun and be safe at the same time!