10 top tips for the accident-prone angler
For anglers that are prone to the odd mishap on the bank
I seem to have developed a bit of a reputation for being the Frank Spencer of carp angling, and to be fair my propensity for epic disasters means it’s quite justified! This is my indispensable guide for anglers like me who are prone to the odd mishap on the bank!
1. Insure your belongings – many bank accounts have extras such as insurance for your phone – ideal if they inadvertently end up in the drink!
2. Don’t keep expensive items in your pockets – if you do end up taking a dip then you could ruin the lot. Invest in a “man bag” and keep your phone, car keys and wallet in there.
3. Keep spare clothes in the car – a dip in the lake or playing a fish in a downpour need not ruin your session. Whack on your spare clothes and keep going.
4. Carry a first aid kit – Minor injuries can be patched up on the bank, although anything more serious could be a hospital job….unless you’re Rambo of course.
5. Leave the heavy drinking for the pub – Think about it. The potential for disasters when intoxicated next to a lake is going to be pretty high.
6. Make sure your clothing is up to the job – study the weather forecast so you can adequately prepare. Joggers and trainers in sub-zero conditions aren’t going to cut it.
7. Keep your swim free of trip hazards – especially important at night, the last thing you want to be doing is stacking it over a stray bucket or net handle when you’re stumbling out to hit a run in the hours of darkness.
8. Lifejackets are a must for boat work – as much you may fancy yourself as a swimmer, a lifejacket will always keep you afloat and much safer in the event of a boat mishap.
9. Only fish where fishing is allowed – doing a “cheeky night” in places where you’re not supposed to be could result in a brush with the law, or worse still a kicking from whoever you’ve upset by being there.
10. Always let some know where you are – much as carp fishing can be a solitary pursuit, letting others know of your whereabouts could be a matter of life and death if things go wrong.