Fishing is good for relaxation or leisure. It provides an opportunity to connect with mother nature while taking on the challenging task of attracting fish to your fishing baits and celebrating a good catch with your fishing partner. It is a beautiful adventure. However, it would be best to consider your safety first before you head out. Below are common injuries that anglers and tips on how to prevent them.

Shoulder injuries

One common fishing injury is on your shoulders, probably because it is one of the most active body parts when fishing. When casting a line and reeling in the catch, your shoulders are adversely affected.

A shoulder injury usually occurs around the muscles connected to the tendons on the shoulder. These injuries happen when these muscles are overworked or stretched out, mainly when you raise your arms upward.

Shoulder injuries can occur instantly, mainly when you dislocate the shoulder, or can result from accumulated pressure on the arm. This accumulated pressure leads to wear and tear of muscles.

To prevent shoulder injuries, try casting your fishing line and nets from the side rather than in an upward form. To avoid more severe shoulder injuries, try out proper shoulder strengthening exercises than can help the muscles and keep you fit for your fishing adventure.

Overuse injuries

Anglers are prone to overuse injuries by fishing regularly without taking measures to prevent burnout. Other body parts can suffer and get injured from being overworked. These injuries are usually similar to those experienced by athletes who have to play a particular sport regularly.

It is essential to work out regularly to keep fit and healthy to prevent these injuries. Take breaks when necessary.

Fish Hook Injuries

As the name suggests, fishing hooks cause these types of injuries. It usually occurs when you are trying to pull out the fish from the fishing hook or while backcasting. They could also happen when you are barefooted on the shore or boat. As a rule of thumb, put on protective gear when fishing.

Get a tackle box to store all your fishing equipment to prevent this injury. Ensure that all your tools are safely secured to avoid sitting or stepping on them, especially the fishing hook.

Avoid using your bare hand to pull the fish from the hook. Use nose pliers instead. It will prevent the fishing hooks from getting stuck in your hand or fingers.

Lastly, your first aid kit is essential to handle such situations. Bandages and antiseptic ointments help stop the bleeding if such injuries occur.

Fin cuts and fish bites

Fish like catfish and Rockfishes have dorsal fins that can cut through your hands. Like hook injuries, fin cuts and fish bites occur when unhooking the fish bare-handed. Use fishing gloves or nets to handle the fish rather than your hands.

If you have to use your hand, it would be best to understand how to handle different fish species. For instance, it is best to hold crappie and bass by their bottom lips. Hold fish with spines in their dorsal fins from beneath.

If this type of injury occurs, wash your hands with clean water and use a bandage to dress the wound and stop the bleeding. See a doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection.

Sunburn

A sunburn can adversely affect your skin, especially with skin cancer rising. Prevention of sunburns is straightforward. Wear a hat and long clothes that cover your whole body. Apply a considerate amount of sunscreen on exposed body parts. Ensure to reapply when you sweat or get wet.

These injuries are capable of turning your adventure into a nightmare. Take these prevention tips into consideration, and you will have a fantastic fishing experience.