Monday, June 13, 2011

8 ways to avoid drowning while wading - Jim McLennan

This article is about the best ways to avoid drowning while wading. Wading is great for fishers in moving water with flies, bait or other tackle. But you must follow a few simple guidelines to make sure that you are always safe. When remaining safe, wading can become a very advantageous casting position. The first rule is to not take chances. You must follow your gut and if you find yourself doing something that feels dangerous, stop and get out of the water because it could be a life or death situation. The second rule is to have the proper gear. Wading shoes or waders are a necessity. Make sure that your waders have good traction under the sole, because if not, it may be too slippery for you to pass safely. Make sure your wading belt is tight so that minimal water gets into your waders.

The next rule is to read the water. If the water is too fast and deep, it may be too powerful and it could even cost you your life. The fourth rule is to follow the flow. Never go against the current or it will take too much energy. Go across the current and it will help you get to your destination. Make sure though that you have a safe route back across, with the current again, so that you don’t get stuck on the other side. The fifth rule is to mind your step. Always watch the bottom of the stream to make sure you have the right footing to remain safe. The sixth rule is to use a friend. Link arms with your fishing partner or hold each others’ collars to keep your stability. The second last rule is to play it cool. If you fall in, don’t worry. Just stay calm, turn your front in the direction the water’s travelling in and have your body positioned properly. You’ll float back up to the top in no time. The worst thing you can do when you slip is to try to remove your waders. For many fishers, this means death. Last but not least is the eighth rule, which is to stay on shore. If you have any doubts whatsoever, do not enter the water. One fish is not worth putting yourself in danger or even potentially dying.

This was an interesting article but doesn’t really apply to me or my interests. I think that fishing is fine for some, but I would feel horrible taking the life of a living creature. I have tried fishing but I do not have the patience for it. It takes too long and when I caught one fish I immediately let it go and felt guilty about hooking it in the first place. It was interesting to read because I don’t know much about fishing but I do know that it just isn’t for me.


Rating: **


McLennan, Jim. "8 Ways to Avoid Drowning While Wading." Outdoorcanada.ca. 20 June 2009. Web. .

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