Must Have Safety Items For Bank Anglers

[Smallie_Stalker]

What are some safety related items you carry when bank fishing?

My list includes:

1) Cane or walking stick.

Necessary on uneven ground for my stability and mobility issues. Also helpful if you fish in the dark to know what's ahead. And helps to rattle bushes to shake out any "critters" that might be hiding in there.

2) Small first aid kit that also includes sunscreen and insect bite cream.

3) insect repellent - skeeters eat me alive.

4) Extra water and some jerky in case.

5) Inflatable PFD.

I know this one sounds weird for a bank fisherman, and I sure get some strange looks but with my above mentioned stability issues I feel a lot safer with it

6) A proper sized backpack.

All my stuff except the PFD have to fit into a backpack along with whatever tackle I'm carrying for that day. The backpack has to be large enough to hold what I need, but not so big and heavy that it might throw me off balance.

7) A safety plan and check-ins.

Ok, I know this isn't technically something you bring with you but I feel it is an important element bank or boat.

I let someone know where I'm going and what time I expect to be getting back. I plan regular check-in intervals so if the other person doesn't hear from me then they call me to make sure I'm okay.
Also one of my phones and my smart watch have built-in fall detection. If a fall occurs and I don't respond to the device it automatically sends an SOS to my emergency contacts with the coordinates of my location.



Unlike a boat where there is plenty of room for them, safety items present a particular challenge to the space restricted bank angler.

Do you even give thought to safety gear when you bank fish?

If so, what do you bring along?




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[topdsm0138]

A first aid kit and my little P22 pistol when The Everglades. Because hogs, snakes and other critters can sneak up on ya real quick. Why only a .22?, because the intent is to scare them off, not kill them (big animals, not snakes or monitor lizards).

Note: Even though open carry is legal without a permit while engaging in hunting or fishing activities in FL, I do not condone or recommend doing so while bank hopping in urban areas. Be responsible and smart about it.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[Capt. BassinLou]

Since I only bank fish in urban environments, besides my fishing gear, cell phone and utility pocket knife is all I carry.

[FlatsNBay]

A scale! Whenever I forget my scale, a big bass decides to come along! 

[TNDiver]

Floatation/bag for cell phone and/or keys!  In case you drop something!   

A hat, preferably wide brimmed. I go for the boonie style and I tend to wear long sleeve shirts so sunscreen is not as important. 

I am sure you have these, but pliers or some sort and a cutting tool of some sort.

I also legally carry, once had a possible close call with a dog that did not like me being in his territory!

[big g]

Although I always carry a knife, the most important thing is a pair of good quality boots for snakes.  Never go with sanders or flip flops, or bare feet.  I have come up on snakes coiled up in the grass many times over the years.

[ike8120]

First aid kit, water for drinking and hand washing, sunscreen and a hat

[topdsm0138]

Although I always carry a knife, the most important thing is a pair of good quality boots for snakes.  Never go with sanders or flip flops, or bare feet.  I have come up on snakes coiled up in the grass many times over the years.

Ouch....that's pretty much all I wear down here. Only time I've worn shoes while fishing, was in Lou's boat.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[chrisD46]

Pepper spray for two legged & four legged aggressive animals.