Safety Tips for Fishing Trips With ATVs

Looking forward to a fishing trip with an ATV? Planning is one of the best ways to ensure that your trip is not only fun, but also safe.

Some safety tips are obvious — like bring your phone, charger, extra gas and plenty of water. But we have a few specific fishing safety tips to ensure that no matter where you’re headed, you come back safe and sound.

Research the area

How far away is your destination? What’s the terrain? Knowing these details will help you plan your day so you can get to the lake, get your fill of fishing and get back before dark.

Regardless of how well you’ve researched the area, bring a map and a compass, too. If you’re venturing to the boondocks, don’t expect to have a cell phone signal for navigation.

Part of researching the area is also knowing what kind of wildlife is prominent. Are there a lot of snakes? Mosquitos? Better find out so you can dress and pack your first aid kit accordingly.

Pack your kits

Speaking of kits, there are two you should always take with you on a fishing trip:

First aid kit

We know, we know — you’re not going to need it. Nobody ever plans on getting hurt, but accidents do happen. So swallow your pride, pack your first aid kit, and toss it in your ATV. No one has to know it’s in there, but if they need it, they’ll be glad it is!

Since life is unpredictable, make sure your kit includes a variety of supplies, from Band-Aids to tourniquets. You just never know.

Tool kit

One of the best parts about going fishing with your ATV is that you actually have space for things like bulky kits. You don’t have to carry your tool kit, so there’s no reason to skimp on necessary equipment.

Pack essentials like a multi-tool, a tow strap, an air pump, tire plugs, duct tape (of course!), and whatever else common sense tells you you might need.

Test your equipment

Before you head out, test everything you’re depending on to make this trip successful — your fishing pole, your ATV’s tire pressure, your gas level. Think through each activity you have planned and make sure you’re not overlooking anything obvious like fishing hooks, bate or your lunch!

Tell someone where you’re going

This is especially a good idea if you’re fishing in an unpopulated area. Pick a friend or family member, and tell them they can expect to hear from you by a certain time. If they don’t, they will know to text or call. If they can’t reach you, they know exactly where to send the search party.

Choose the right outfit

In addition to wearing appropriate clothes for fishing, make sure you also gear up for the ATV ride to and from your destination. Wear a helmet and protective footwear. If you’re traveling through a densely forested area, you may want to also wear long sleeves and thick pants for full coverage.

Think about where you’re fishing. If it’s marshy, waterproof shoes are a must. If the weather is going to be warm, dress in layers so you’re protected during the drive and comfortable while your fishing.

Follow the signs

If the signs marking the trail take you one direction, don’t try to find a shortcut off trail. If certain areas do not permit fishing, don’t do it. Because “no fishing” signs are generally present to protect the wildlife, you might assume you’re risking only a fine if you ignore them. However, many signs are also for your safety, and ignoring them could put you at risk.

If your ATV needs services or repairs before your fishing trip, contact Go With Garrett’s Golf Cars and Specialty Vehicles! You can contact us online at any time or call us at (864) 862 7709 for Greenville, (843) 881 8894 for Charleston, or (803) 407 2687 for Columbia.

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