Originally published in Mayo Clinic Health Letter, May 1997
Whether it's bass, walleye or mackerel you're after, it's hard not to get hooked on fishing. But keep these tips in mind:
 | Plan ahead — Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. |
| Wear your life jacket — Always wear one in a boat and make sure others do, too. Wear one on shore or on the dock if you're not a strong swimmer. |
| Bring warm clothes — Dress in layers and pack a wind- and waterproof outer shell. |
| Minimize alcohol use — Impaired judgment could compromise your safety. |
| Watch the weather — In a storm, seek shelter on shore in a building or vehicle. In an electrical storm, get off the lake and out of your boat. |
| Don't abandon ship — If your boat gets swamped, stay with it. Most people overestimate their swimming ability. Boats usually stay afloat and drift to shore. |
| Have a first aid kit — Be prepared for cuts, sprains, bites, strains, stings and, yes, embedded hooks (get help from a doctor for those). If you're allergic to insect stings, stock a kit containing epinephrine (adrenaline). |
| Protect yourself from sunburn — Wear a hat and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor rating of at least 15. |
