Fishing with friends can be such a great part of summer, but everyone needs to consider how they will stay safe while fishing during Coronavirus. 

We know and understand the joy of fishing! Getting out on the water, hanging out with buddies, and getting a great catch — these are all an essential part of many people’s ideal summer. 

However, this year is a bit different. You are likely trying to figure out how to safely participate in your favorite boating and fishing activities this summer without endangering your health or the health of your family or community. 

In addition to remembering the typical rules about safety and licensing, you now have to keep in mind that there are specific guidelines and recommendations in place to stay safe and healthy during a global pandemic.

In this latest post, we are looking at the ways that you can safely keep fishing and socializing in your summer routine! 

Two fishermen in boat with pontoon plane in background

Fishing & COVID-19

Fishing is one of our favorite things to do on the water, and it’s probably one of yours, too. If your summer days are usually full of fishing with your buddies, you might be wondering what the best plan of action for this summer might be. 

The key to fishing safely during coronavirus is implementing social distancing with your normal fishing buddies, but there are lots of considerations to keep in mind. Here are some big things to consider: 

  • Keep fishing local instead of going out on far-away trips. If you must travel to fish, try to keep any other visiting impact small.
  • Make sure to keep general first-aid products and safety gear on the boat with you to avoid calling first responders if at all possible.
  • Adhere to all of your local and provincial guidelines around outdoor activities.
  • Your normal outdoor gear suppliers might be hurting during this time, so consider picking up anything needed for your fishing trip from a local retailer. Many of them offer curbside pickup!
  • If you’re feeling even slightly under the weather, stay home.

If your fishing buddies are not the close family and friends that you already see on a regular basis, you may want to consider going out on your own separate boats or wearing masks and staying the recommended six feet apart. 

COVID-19 aside, be sure that you’re keeping an eye on local fishing regulations and rules in your area. In addition, many states and provinces require a license to fish. Be sure you’re covered! 

Keep in mind that fishing regulations and COVID-19 regulations can change from state to state and province to province, so it is important to check with local health authorities before making any decisions about how to go fishing this summer. 

Two women on jetskis chatting from a distance

Summer socializing during COVID-19

Summer socializing is usually one of the best pieces of a day on the water, but things are different this year — and for good reason. 

While you might be missing your usual friends out on the water, keep social distancing top of mind in order to keep everyone safe. If you want to meet up on the sandbar, stay 6 feet away from each other and don’t share coolers. Avoid physical contact during both games and conversations, and remember that life will eventually go back to normal. 

One of the best ways to keep the community aspect on the water is to anchor down close enough to each other to talk, and far enough away to maintain social distancing! Just keep yourselves safe and healthy, and trust that life will balance back out soon enough.

At BOATsmart!, we have a deep passion for the community and connection that comes to be on the water. However, nothing is quite as important to us as safety and health this summer. Make smart choices, trust your gut and have fun in every way that you can. We are here for you!

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