Find solace in casting off

IN THESE troubling times, one can always find solace in fishing and isolation if you so want.

Many seek this, and can be found at remote fishing locations but that sort of isolated activity also adds an element of risk – the risk of accidents or snakebite or any medical drama, so to speak.

I am guilty of this and I know of many others who practise the same, remote stream fishing.

The recommendation is, take a friend or family member, or a handheld UHF radio or better still a personal Epirb with a torch and added features.

For as little as $200, you can purchase a GPS plotter with personal Epirb from Marine outlets or outdoor specialists which can be a vital bit of kit in an emergency.

Mobile phones don’t cut the mustard as reception and signal strength is either nonexistent or very weak and this depends upon your location of course.

Providers claim that service can be obtained around the state, but we all know this is not correct. Many places I visit have no signal, so really the Epirb (which is covered by satellite) is the only effective rescue device available.

First aid needs to be at hand also, as I mentioned previously, snakebite is a possibility and the same goes for ticks and leech bites and some people can be very allergic to the toxins (and not know it). I was deer shooting the other day and had a few ticks upon my outer clothing, but they don’t worry me too much. A dab of something usually gets them off.

If you are fishing with your family (a great pastime, I might add) a first aid kit should be carried. It’s amazing how a jack jumper sting can ruin the whole outing.

I recommend Stingose, as a worthwhile investment for the glove box of your car or to carry in a backpack. Bandaids are also good to keep on hand, as are a few Asprin or Panadol for headaches or general aches and pains.

I would also recommend carrying a wide elasticised bandage for snakebite and this can also be used for sprains and strains. Again, another cheap item available at chemists or variety stores.

Another couple of items I carry are small forceps and even a needle, usually in a small plastic bottle. These can be used, not only for removal of stings or splinters, but can come in handy for placing baits or unpicking knots. A MacGyver kit so to speak, is what you need.

Captures last week include some good-sized snapper.

Some of the places that I mentioned last week have been given a flogging and at the risk of sending hordes there again, Betsey Island, the Tamar and Bridport plus St Helens are all good spots for a visit if chasing the reds.

Flounder are starting to come inshore, so it would also be worthwhile getting the spear and light together for some night-time action. I can recommend the LED, battery powered lights as you don’t need to lug a heavy 12 volt battery around to power your light. That coupled with a good head torch makes for great excitement and it gets better if the kids have a head torch too. There is nothing better than freshly caught flounder with a nice side salad and a few chips on a plate.

Stay safe out there.

IF YOU ARE FISHING WITH YOUR FAMILY (A GREAT PASTIME, I MIGHT ADD) A FIRST AID KIT SHOULD BE CARRIED. IT’S AMAZING HOW A JACK JUMPER STING CAN RUIN THE WHOLE OUTING