Safety Items for your boat

[Mike Cork]

What do you carry? I put together a small article and discussed some of the things that I carry and why. I've got over 40 years bass fishing experience and all of it from bass boats (tidecraft trihull to a Legend) and thought I'd share some things I've used to get through some bad situations.

Check it out and let's discuss the things you carry

[CraigP83]

Good article, it got me thinking of some things that might be good to have in the boat.

Question: Do all you guys carry an anchor and spare prop in your boat? Last year was my first year with the bass boat and I didn't carry either with me...

[Groma]

Good subject for an article Mike. I always carry my semi-auto 9mm on the boat Just because I can. Also bottled water all the time in the cooler as well as a stash of jerky hidden somewhere. I have to hide it or the kids will rifle through it in no time at all.

It also might be worth mentioning that three of anything is a international sign for 'HELP '  three blasts on the horn, three fires, three blasts on the flashlight ,three shoots.

For those that use the inflatable PFD most have a whistle and reflective device already inside the vest.

[Groma]

Craig , I always carried an anchor in the boat. Loose the motor on the river and you might end up going somewhere you don't want to be ! As for a spare prop I always figured that if I chew up a s/s prop bad enough to replace it than I 've probably have done more damage than that somewhere else. 

[BassHOGS]

Great article Mike.  I am gonna have to get a few of the things you mentioned in the article and add to my boat.  One thing I added last year was a small green tool bag (military guys know what im talking about) with a mess of cheap tools(wrenches, screw drivers, socket sets, pliers).  There is extra light bulbs, fuses, cotter pins, wire connecters, ect.  Like I said its just a mess of stuff really.  I have been able to help several people including myself over the last year since I put it in the boat.  Ill take some pictures tonight and post on here.  Neat small bag that could be a life saver. FISH ON!!! 

[Mike Cork]

Question: Do all you guys carry an anchor and spare prop in your boat? Last year was my first year with the bass boat and I didn't carry either with me...

In most states an anchor is actually required equipment. Here in Louisiana the first things an officer will ask for are:

Life Jackets per person

Throw-able life preserver that is tied to a rope

Anchor that is tied to a rope (not the same rope, I tried that, to anchor a victim seemed like a good iteam to me.... Keeps them still so you can get to them)

Paddle

Fire Extinguisher

If you don't have any of those five then he starts picking bad and the ticket gets big. I mentioned in the article to check your local rules, it's the best way to get started. Most Wildlife and Fisheries have a website that will give you easy access to the regulations.

If you check your states fishing reports board here on the site, it should list a set of links that will have all this plus more great information We done some leg work

[3deez]

great read Mike. one item people should have is a small medical kit. you can get one for under 15.00. bug spray helps for skeeters and sand flies.

[Mike Cork]

Great point 3deez. I published and article a couple weeks ago about first aid kits for boats that talked about some things I like to carry for that

http://www.ultimatebass.com/-general-bass-fishing-links-275/2439-first-aid-kit-for-bass-fishing.html

[CraigP83]

It's not required in my state but I think Im definately going to get an anchor and paddle in my boat for this season

[allen howard]

I have the normal saftey equipment 3x3 orange distress flag,whistle,flairs,anchor,throwablepfd,fire extingusher. Plus small set of tools,first aid kit with hook remover set,jumper cables,exta trollingmotor prop and nut kit, trolling motor pull string and handle, Most important toilet paper, extra rain suit ( small rollup kind), gloves and wide brim hat also a knit hat for cold weather,extra tie down straps,fuses,flashlight,lighter,towel. And being a fat guy there is always pleanty to eat and drink lol.

[Bigwrench]

And being a fat guy there is always pleanty to eat and drink lol.

Lol I got that problem too
   Great article Mike. I keep 2 throwables , one with a rope and one without , 2 fire extinguishers , whistle, air horn and electric horn on boat , 2 oars, 6-7 vests, and first aid kit. Side cutters to cut out hooks

[Oldfart9999]

Mike, that anchor tied to a throw-able would make me think twice before getting in the boat, if you get my drift. A fire extinguisher is required, our boats come equipped with dry chemical units but they need a bit of maintenance, check to be sure they are pressurized, and a couple times a year shake and even slap them while they are upside down. The powder inside the unit will cake with time and has to be "loosened", if you don't when you need it and press the trigger all you get is the gas, not a wonderful thing. Stay safe on the water and if you don't catch anything, lie.LOL
Rodney   

[West6550]

- Fire Extinguisher
- Tools including fuses and prop wrench
- Spare TM prop
- First Aid kit (Thank Mikes last article)
- Gallon of distilled water
- 2 Oars
- Flashlight
- Normally carry my Ruger LCP
- Of course a pocket knife
- Whistle
- Rain suit
- Sun screen
- Bug spray
- Throw able PFD
- Rope with d-ring end
- Anchor
- 2 Ropes for tying off to dock

That's about it, I keep a chain with a lock when I tie off to the dock overnight.

[Mike Cork]

Mike, that anchor tied to a throw-able would make me think twice before getting in the boat, if you get my drift.

Well my thinking is that it would anchor someone in place so that I could get to them Our lakes here don't get over about 10 feet deep LOL