Safety for Beginning Fishermen

One of the worries I’ve had about fishing is that parents might be so afraid of the dangers posed by fish hooks and certain other hazards that they will prevent their kids from ever knowing the joys of the sport.
That said, the fact is, experienced anglers know instinctively that you have to be vigilant about the dangers of sharp hooks every single second you are fishing.
When beginner kids are fishing, keep them apart if they are casting their own lines. Before they fish give them one very strong rule: ALWAYS look behind before you cast. And every time you see them casting without looking back first, let them know in no uncertain terms they just made a mistake. (Certainly that’s true for any grownup, too.)
Do not leave hooks on when you’re done fishing. When the last cast is made, the first part of packing up to go is to remove the hook and place it in your tackle box.
The other danger is the fishing rod and eyes. Whenever you’re walking, always keep the tip down or up. The classic is when the person in front stops and turns, and the one behind with a rod keeps walking and it goes right into the face. It’s always a good idea to pull the rod apart when walking. Doing that also makes it easier to avoid bumping tree branches.
I have purchased snake bite kits for some beginners who I know will be in areas where poisonous snakes could lurk, and I have one for myself. Poisonous snakes really aren’t common in most areas (although water moccasins are practically part of the scenery in southern swamps) but it’s good to be safe. Those kits also serve as a backup first aid kit for ordinary injuries.
One other mention for beginners: slippery rocks. If you’re on rocks near water, remember that one rock can give you firm footing while the one right next to it can be as slippery as soap. Also, rocks can appear firm but shift when you step on them, causing you to slip. Always move slowly on rocks.
Don’t let fear keep you from the great experience of being in the outdoors, but keep these safety rules in mind.