There’s nothing quite like a deep water fishing trip on a summer’s day. The feeling of being out on the ocean with only your fishing mates and whatever creatures are in the sea around you is an exhilarating experience, and one that relatively few people ever get to experience.

But once you are out of sight of land, that isolation from other people also means you are on your own as far as immediate support facilities are concerned. Therefore to ensure that a fishing trip is a happy and memorable one, it’s essential to be aware of the seven key safety precautions that should be taken.

1. Check Weather Forecasts

The most common causes of things going wrong at sea are weather related. Therefore it’s vital to be constantly monitoring weather forecasts and warnings not only prior to departure, but whilst you are out on the ocean.

Always have contingency plans for places to head to for shelter in the event of storms developing, and always err on the side of caution if you are not sure how much a storm forecast might affect you.

Having a backup marine radio system is a good idea to ensure that you can always contact family or friends back onshore to get up-to-date information on weather developments. These radio systems are not expensive – they are often cheaper than many smartphones. Check out a website like MO Tackle & Outdoors to see what is available these days.

2. Get Motors Serviced Regularly

The second most common cause of problems out on the ocean is motors breaking down. It’s an absolute given that you don’t go deep sea fishing without two outboard motors, so if one breaks down, you can still make it back to shore with the other.

For boats with inboard motors, carrying a spare outboard is a sensible precaution, but in all cases it’s essential to have motors serviced regularly to minimize the risk of motors breaking down whether they be outboards or inboards.

And having a skilled mechanic onboard is another advisable practice. If the skipper doesn’t already perform that function, it’s foolish to travel out to sea without someone on board who can perform at least basic repairs to a motor.

3. Check Safety Equipment

Ensuring that the boat is properly equipped with the required safety equipment such as life vests and flares is a required responsibility of the boat owner. A stock take against a checklist is wise to do before every trip.

In many countries there are legal requirements as to what type of safety equipment should be carried, so boat owners and skippers should ensure that they are familiar with those requirements.

Straps and stitching should be regularly checked on life vests, and radios tested before leaving. The expiry dates on flares should be confirmed as well, and the boat itself should be looked over before each trip for loose fittings and structural integrity.

4. Take Extra Food and Drink

As a rule of thumb, it’s wise to take at least 50 percent more food and drink than you think you will need on any deep sea fishing trip. This will ensure that you don’t go hungry or thirsty whilst waiting for help should you run into trouble whilst out at sea, or have to divert because of stormy weather.

The extra food you take should be the type that trekkers take on overland trips such as high energy bars, dried fruits and nuts, and trail mixes because they are light, nutritious and are easy to store.

As far as drinking water is concerned, many experienced skippers would recommend that you take twice what you think you may need. You can ration food without too many ill effects if help is a long time coming, but it’s not good to be rationing water because that can lead to dehydration.

5. Don’t Strain the Back

If using a fighting chair to haul in large fish, try to establish a rhythm and avoid pulling against the waves. When you are fighting a large fish, it’s important to keep the back straight and swivel the chair to keep a straight line between the rod and the fish.

Use your legs to counter the action of the fish pulling away, rather than bending the back. Then pull back by straightening the legs whenever you feel any lessening in pressure, ensuring that you avoid twisting the back.

If using a leaning post on a smaller boat, this is more difficult to achieve, but maintaining good posture is key to avoiding back injury when hauling in a fighting fish.

Injuring your back whilst out on the water is not a pleasant thing to do as it can take many hours to get to chiropractor or physiotherapist. Heading back to shore with an injured back on a choppy ocean can be excruciatingly painful and result in permanent back damage.

6. Stay Safe from the Sun

When out on the water, the likelihood of getting sunburnt is greater than it is on land. That’s because you are not only getting the direct sun, but also the reflection of the ultraviolet rays from the surface of the ocean.

Whilst wearing shorts and t-shirts feels comfortable when boating on a hot summer’s day, even with a canopy it may not be possible to stay out of the sun when hauling in fish.

Therefore it’s a good idea to don long pants and long sleeved shirts if you are going to be any length of time in the sun. And for the rest of the time, ensure that you use a 50+ or 70+ sunblock on exposed skin. Remember to reapply every few hours, especially if the skin gets splashed with seawater.

7. Lodge a Float Plan

Finally, whenever you are heading out on a deep water fishing trip, you should leave a float plan with your marina or someone responsible at the location where you normally moor your boat.

A float plan (the terminology may vary in different countries) is simply a sheet which lists the details of your boat, a list of the navigation and safety equipment you have on board, the names, gender and ages of those on the trip, your proposed route, and your estimated departure and return times.

Then if you do not return within a reasonable period of your estimated return time, the person with whom you have left the float plan can make efforts to contact you either by cell phone or marine radio to confirm that you are on your way back and all is well.

In the event that they cannot make contact, they can then make a decision as to whether to inform the Coast Guard or whatever other marine agency may be responsible for search and rescue missions in other countries.

Therefore it is important that if your return is delayed for unforeseen circumstances, but otherwise all is well, you should endeavor to contact the person with whom you left the float plan so that they do not unnecessarily call out the Coast Guard or initiate a search mission that is not required.

Follow these seven basic safety precautions and you’ll be assured of a trouble-free trip that is a memorable experience for you and your fishing mates.

Author:

John O. Brooks

He loves to introduce himself as a passionate blogger. Apart from writing John loves new adventures, discover new places around the world. And yes, fishing, boating, camping in disguise of travelling been his hobby along the decades.

Healthy betta fish has unique appearance with bright hues and full streaming fins is a standout amongst the most charming and alluring sights an aquarist can appreciate. They're not troublesome creatures to think about, but because of the popularity it have acquired as a decent fish because of their capacity to flourish in moderate systems, they frequently end up neglected and raised in tanks that are excessively small for them.

Betta fishes are also vulnerable to diseases caused by fungus, bacteria and parasites just like other fishes. To keep a regular check on your betta’s behavior and observing any irregular changes can enable you to recognize, analyze and treat a disease before it ends up deadly.

As usual, water quality is of most extreme significance, and clean water is the absolute most exclusive thing you can give your betta. Consider it like air for you. Without clean air, you, your puppy or feline would be unwell and could experience the ill effects of a wide range of health concerns. The equivalent is valid for fish with their water. Water that is perfect, the correct temperature and the correct pH can have a significant effect for your betta.

Preventing bettas from diseases with clean water, providing them clean and high-quality food is obviously, the best way for keeping your betta healthy and sound, however if you have brought a betta who is already sick, then here are a few practices to keep an eye out for that may show your betta isn't feeling admirably well:

• Torpidity

• Blurred shading

• Declining nourishment

• Toiled relaxing

• Harmed blades.

Common Betta’s Diseases

If your betta fish displays at least one of these unusual behaviors, make sure to give careful consideration and cautiously watch your sick betta fish to rectify the root cause of the disease.

COLUMNARIS

One of the most common diseases that affect betta fishes is Columnaris, also called cotton wool disease. This is a Gram-negative bacterial infection that frequently shows itself as cottony fixes on the body and fins of bettas.

The Columnaris bacterium or Flavobacterium columnare is available in all water, yet except if the fish is infected by imperfect conditions, for example, poor water quality, a lacking eating regimen or shipping mode, it likely won't end up infected.

If you observe Columnaris (Mouth Rot or Saddleback) in your betta fish- keep a check on water and try to do a quick change with clean water and after that follow an anti-microbial and anti-fungal regimen to treat them.

POPEYE IN BETTAS

Popeye also known as exophthalmia is another bacterial infection that causes pressure behind the eyeballs of betta fish and makes fish's eyes protrude. This disease is easier to prevent than to cure. After some time, fishes eyes who suffer from Popeye can turn milky white and can damage also.

In most of the cases, the eyes can fall out or decay. Serious illness, Dirty water, accidents, fighting, inappropriate care can cause Popeye infection in bettas. If both eyes of betta are affected, the cause probably will be internal; but if only one eye is showing prolonged exposure to poor water quality, the reason may be likely injury.

Usually, losing one eye cannot affect a betta fish much. It can prevent by regular water changes and dosing them with an antibiotic regimen including Maracyn.

SWIM BLADDER DISEASE

If your loved betta fish is not swimming appropriately the way it used to, there may be a chance of swim bladder disease. This is a common issue in bettas but not to worry much, it can be easily treated. The swim bladder is like a gas-filled hollow inside your fish. It allows the fish rise and floats lower inside the water just like a buoyancy control tool a diver use in water.

Betta this disease will either float carefully on the surface or they will drown to the bottom of the water. Other symptoms of this disease are an unbalanced body position while swimming, swelling on the stomach and sleepy behavior. Generally, this disease caused by constipation and over-feeding and can easily be cured.

HOLE IN THE HEAD

Hole in the head disease is a common disease in freshwater fishes that specifically affects discus, cichlids and Oscars. Another known name for this disease is Lateral Line Erosion (FHLLE) and Freshwater Head. There are various suspected reasons for this disease and however it can be fatal, if cured early and properly, most betta fishes can survive.

Hole in the Head disease appears like holes in the head above the eyes of the fishes, and usually, this is the result of poor nutrition and water quality. Changing the water regularly, providing antibiotics and a more nutritious diet can prevent this ailment. If maintained and maintained carefully, your betta fish will improve and this disease will not develop in betta again in the future.

ICH DISEASE

Ich disease short form of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is usually known as white spot disease. It is generally a parasitic infection that appears like sugar has been sprinkled all over betta fish.

This can create an uncomfortable condition for your betta and you can easily identify this disease by observing your fish rubbing its body with objects and try to apart the parasites. This behavior of fish is called flashing. This disease can be treated with malachite green, so make sure to choose a treatment that includes this.

Shifting your betta to a hospital tank is also an ideal approach in this way your betta will stay away from free-swimming parasites and will recover in the best and clean environment.

The best thing you can do to save your betta from hazardous diseases is to provide them with the best water quality. To let your betta healthy and as charming always, you need to regularly change water or use RO water only, feed them nutritious food, keep the temperature above 75 degrees F and make sure that it has a space of at least two gallons. Bettas are most beautiful fishes; take care of them as beautiful because they can become a source of enjoyment for experienced aquarists and novices alike.

Author Bio

Maddy is a Betta fish enthusiast. She draws inspiration for her aquascaping from her travels. She likes water sports, photography, travelling and gaming. She writes for nippyfish.net in her spare time.

Fishing vs. hunting; are you confused about which is better? Let’s look at the ins and outs of both.

Why do people go fishing?

Fishing is art, sport or occupation of catching fish. We can also describe it as a recreational activity because many people are now doing it as a hobby. However, the question at the top of every new and experienced fishing enthusiast would have to be, is fishing better than hunting or is hunting better than fishing?

Why do people hunt?

Hunting is usually a sport that involves either the killing or the trapping of animals. Although it is an ancient practice, the details have evolved over the years. Today, it is a secure, convenient and exciting practice that the modern man likes doing. In the past, hunting was a primary economic activity that human beings practiced to get food.

Which is better: Hunting or fishing?

From the descriptions above, one thing is clear: that the result is a dead animal. So, you might be wondering what the debate is all about. The contest on whether fishing is better than hunting has been around for over a decade now.

1/Does the end justify the means?

Some people feel that both hunting and fishing are justifiable as long as you make good use of the animal that you catch. As such trophy hunting would be considered wrong while food hunting would be regarded as right.

Others feel that we should consider the amount of stress that the animal goes through before it dies, as this determines whether the method used is humane or not.

2/The rules

If you have ever considered hunting, then the chances are that you know how alarming and discouraging the regulations can be. You must have a license to hunt. Before obtaining one, you will go through a rigorous gun training exercise. If you are mindful of your safety especially since you carry a gun around, then you might not enjoy hunting.

Although fishing has its rules too, they are only for giving guidance and ensuring that you preserve nature while enjoying the sport. If you pay attention to the rules, you will realize that no fish would be left if these guidelines were not put in place.

Also, there are many public water bodies for you to fish. You can also engage in private water bodies as long as you have the fishing license, which is not hard to obtain compared to the hunting license. In some places, you can even purchase the license online by availing your personal information and identification.

3/The humane aspect

Let’s consider fishing and hunting from the perspective of the one that is more humane. In both cases, you are in pursuit of the animal. You can opt to either kill or spare it. If you decide to kill it, how fast you do so determine how humane the act is.

When fishing, you target the fish. You attempt to catch it. When you finally get the fish into the boat, you may opt to kill or release it. You may smash its head or allow it to asphyxiate. Then you may eat or waste it.

When hunting, you track the animal you want to pursue. Once you have it in sight, you may take a photo close up as proof that your hunting skills are impressive or you can kill it. If you are skilled enough, one shot to the heart will kill the animal instantly. If you shoot anywhere else, the animal will bleed out. Just like for fishing, you can eat or waste it.

4/The prey and the predators

Another perspective is to compare the hunting and fishing techniques. A famous quote by Walter D. Wetherell goes, “The difference between hunting and fishing is that hunters seek their prey while fishermen try to become prey; they do their best to make their lures look attractive and vulnerable so that fish will attack them.”

I found this quote explicit with regards to how fishing techniques are different from hunting techniques. For sure, when fishing, you use bait to attract the fish. As such, you become the prey, and somehow, the fish comes to you at its own free will. As for hunting, you go after the animal, meaning that you are the predator while the animal is prey.

5/The required strength and energy

Hunting requires physical strength and excellent skills. Successful hunting requires rigorous practice. Therefore, training is a necessity for hunting. As for fishing, the needed energy and physical strength should be the least of your worries. Since fishing does not involve any special skills or strength, you can enjoy it even if it is your first time.

6/The available species

Once again, fishing carries the day. In fishing, you are at liberty to catch fish across various species in a single water body. If you are paying for a fishing spot, make sure you find a spot that allows you to catch many species so that you get value for your money. As for hunting, you do not have a variety of species at your disposal due to climatic conditions. The only way for a hunter to have a broad experience is to try out many hunting spots.

7/The resulting relaxation

When fishing, all you do is to sit in the boat with your hook inside the water. After some time, you will feel some weight on the hook and you can pull the fish out of the water. All of this is happening as the cool breeze hits your face and refreshes your soul. What could be more enjoyable than this?

Research suggests that if you are facing anxiety or depression, fishing can help you curb it. Although hunting can help, it does not have similar effects to fishing.

To fish or to hunt?

Considering that there are more anglers than hunters, that is a clear indication as to which is better than the other. Also, when you make these comparisons, fishing seems to stand out. Therefore, fishing is better than hunting but go for the one that resonates with your personality and liking. All the best and enjoy the sport you decide to engage.

A best fish finder is a tool without which any angler does not step out for fishing at any cost. No matter you can have a good gut feeling, but once you have gathered the knowledge of using a fish finder, you will never go back to your gut feeling and consider using the fish finder all the time for further fishing activities.

Catching fish will become a whole new adventure, and you will definitely be successful if you consider using fish finders.

Importance Of A Fish Finder

The success of the fish finder depends on the installation process. Firstly, you need to register the fish finder and ensure they have a genuine email contact. Secondly, you must update the fish finder software as advanced technology is dynamic in nature.

The update is necessary to enhance performance and adaptability with the other existing products. Thirdly, you must have a reliable energy source for the sonar unit system. Fourth, never forget about the transducer installation.

It is a critical aspect for all the available fish finders, and it is compatible with imaging and additional side imaging sonar. With various computerized units reading sonar, the down scan and side scan, it has become easy to go device for fishing.

How To Catch Fish With Fish Finder?

Step 1: Depending on the type of mount you have, refer to the fish finder manual and install the right transducer. There are several types of transducer, install the ones which you need to catch the fish.

You can read the installation procedure for the mount from the manual given. After you are done mounting your fish finder, it is now time you switch on the power. As soon as you turn the power on, you will be introduced to some settings. Set it according to your preference and run the machine with the automatic mode.

Step 2: Locate the fish in huge water bodies so that it will help you study the underwater charts of the fishing area before you hit the water. Make sure you take an in-depth tour of the water body so that the fish finder can work to its full potential.

Do not miss the areas like reef or weed bed; these areas comprise the higher amount of large fish. Fishes prefer the formation of structure angle thus you should try locating the structure first before going out for fishing.

Step 3: Once you are on the water body and run through the host of factors, it is necessary to distinguish between the shoals of fish while you are going for offshore structure formation. With the fish finder, you can also come to know about the species of the fish.

Step 4: The fishes roam in vertical stacks, throw maximum lure to the fishes, and you can expect to catch a fish. Fishes stay in groups and therefore if you possess a ledge or a hump you can catch fishes easily using fish finders.

Whether you want to spend time with friends and family or catch a good dinner then fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoor fun and come head-to-head with a vibrant array of fish. With the right gear and a little know-how, you’ll be sharing fishing tales with the old-timers before you know it.

Fishing is the activity of trying to catch the fish.Many of techniques used to catch a fish. Fishing is the adventuring event for everyone because during fishing you enjoy the weather of water and also the view of fishing where you go for fishing.

For Beginners

If you are a beginner then there is something which you want know properly when packing up your gear and heading towards the destination of fishing. If you want to fry and enjoy the successful deep fryer fish then you must know the beneficial basics of fishing given below:

• Understand the basic procedures

• Do your research

• Choose the right equipment

• Location and Weather

• Bait

• Dressing

• Children’s

• Food and Bug Spray

Understand The Basic procedures

Before starting the fishing, you want to know the basic procedures of fishing. Once you have some reading the under your belt and then you can start beginning some pre-fishing skills. In which get the familiar tasks like adding hooks, fishing bait, casting your line and tying knots before drifting with the wind in your boat.

Do Your Research

Before you catch the first fish you must know the cast that first line and make sure you have a general idea of what you are getting into yourself. There are many of fishing fascinating books that can all put but you right in the middle of the action before you even make or pick up a pole.

Choose The Right Equipment

In the fishing, beginners will benefit the most from a specific rod and reels that are simpler for someone who is just beginning to cast. Open-faced fishing reels are never recommended for somewhat just starting out.

Location And Weather

In fishing have an idea of where your fish have chosen to spawn and find these locations to lead a great fishing. Also, a better overcast can lead some of the most successful and enjoy fishing trips.While you can still catch fish in other weather forecast or an overcast sky has proven to be the best.

Bait

In successful fishing bait have major role be aware of what fish you are trying to catch and what kind of bait attracts them. For example, in fishing of catfish, catfish respond to either specially made bait for raw chicken liver while bream fish like insects like crickets or even a catfish. The wrong bait could mean a long fishing trip.

Dressing

In dressing for the fishing boot are most important.As you will usually be required to be near water, boots will be beneficial for the times that you will have to unexpectedly wade into it. Moreover, make sure you are wearing layers as the weather can drastically change until the afternoon.If you have longer hair, it is a good idea that you wear it back in a ponytail.

Children’s

During the trip of fishing if you want to pay constant attention to your children then try to not bring them with yourself on your fishing trip. However, in order to bring home your fishing fish, you must have an optimal concentration of children.

Food And Bug Spray

Going for fishing then bring a lunch. Since this will most likely be your first fishing trip because sometimes it can take quite a while before you even get the first bite. During fishing bug spray have more importance if you are near water then you are even closer to bugs like mosquitoes. Remember to carry the bug spray and you should be itch free.

Things To Do After Caught

After you caught the fish then there are many works to do once you caught the alive fish during fishing. There is no reason for why the fish we catch at sea cannot be in prime condition when we start preparing it for the serving table as a meal. Simple facts are that to produce the table fish in better condition to be served in a very simple process. There is some process which gives you better fish after you caught. Given below.

First, before fishing, you have to do fill an insulated chilly bin with lots of ice or with ice but there is the best suggestion to use the Saltwater ice because it is best for fresh fish. In next step when the fish come over the side and kill them straight away, preferably with a sharp implement for killing a fish. A sharpened screwdriver works well into the brain or in a solid whack over the eyes with a club.

In next step after you caught the fish slop some water into an insulated bin and add plenty of ice. Drop the dead fish into this slurry as they come abroad then keep adding ice regularly in the bin. After this in next step at any break in the action, remove the gills and stomach and drop the fish back into a slurry and move on. After that when you reached at home remove the fish from the slurry and packed into an insulated container. Ensuring that each fish is well covered with ice and the stomach and gill cavities are also filled with ice.Making clean sweeping cuts is much easier through fresh that Has the consistency of soft balsa wood.

After the cleaning, cutting and fillet process done. Wash properly fish from two to three waters. After cleaning the water your fish is ready to grill and fry. In deep fryer put some quantity of oil and after sometime out the fish in a deep fryer, an enjoy the healthy fry fish.

Conclusion

In the end, Fishing is good for enjoy our weekend with family and friends in a better way. Fishing gives you a relaxing weekend. Afterfishing, you enjoyed your own fish which you caught with efforts. They give you a better taste and healthy meal on your dining table.

Beside fishing , cycling is a sport you can try to do . If you want find a cheap bike you can visit site MTBs​

Have you been dreaming about having an aquarium in your house? Well, there are a number of things you'll require to pull that off. One of them is a fish tank filter. Unlike in the sea where the water is balanced and it's naturally fit for fish to survive, an aquarium is a man-made habitat.

It requires certain measures to keep the fish alive. The water needs to be cleaned of any material or chemicals that could interfere with the atmosphere favorable for fish. That is where a fish tank filter comes in. It helps clean your water and ensure the water that's in the aquarium is good for the fish at all times. Here are a few tips on what to look for when buying a fish tank filter:( if you want to find the best aquarium filter, read more this article: https://aquaristguide.com/best-canister-filters/ )

Gallons Per Hour

Why should you know the gallons per hour rate before buying a filter? The bigger the fish tank the more the water. Filters work in different GPH rate. You should know whether a filter will handle the capacity of your fish tank before you can buy it.

If the aquarium is really big you need to get a canister filter over a corner filter. You get equipped with the right filter system and your fish will have no trouble surviving. You get the wrong one and you'll have yourself dead fish in your living room.

Size Of fish tank

The more the number of fish you want the more water you'll need and the larger the size of the aquarium. This means a more powerful filter and more energy is required. You need a filter system that can handle all the work without being overworked.

If the aquarium is small then any fish tank filter will work with that because the capacity is less. Your filter system should be able to meet all these needs if the fish will survive.

Space

You might have the space to put the aquarium but not big enough to hang a filter at the back of it or beneath it. In this case, you need a filter that you can put inside the aquarium to save on space.

If space is not a problem, then you're not limited to any type of filter and you can, therefore, choose the one you want based on all the other factors that are there to consider. Sometimes the aquarium is so big that it has occupied all the space you had allocated. It cannot function without a filter so you have to factor it in on the little available space.

Price

Everybody wants a good deal on items you buy. It is not any different when buying a fish tank filter. It is important to scout for prices in different shops and get the best deal.

When you're buying everything together, that is the whole aquarium setup, you're more likely to get a discounted price for the whole bundle. If it's just a single item, it's also good to check for offers on the product. You don't want to spend much more on a filter than you did on the aquarium itself.

Maintenance

The hardest part of any system is its maintenance. A fish tank filter is a system that is supposed to run all around the clock. This means it needs to be well maintained to be able to do the job well all day long. When you're buying one of these, please make sure that it has easy maintenance.

You do not want something that will give you a hard time to clean or keep failing on you when it shouldn't. It should also be one that requires minimal maintenance. You may not have all the time in the world to babysit a machine.

Durability

This goes down to maintenance cost. It is one thing to buy a filter at a good price and it is another to have to replace it every now and then. You want something that will last you long before you can plan on buying another one.

There's no time that fish will pause their life so you can change your filter that keeps failing on you. Chances are that every time you replace it you'll also have to get more fish because some will die. When you're dealing with living things you have to ensure your equipment is reliable. Check that before you buy.

Functionality

The most important thing to look for in any product is how effective it is at doing its job. When choosing a filter, you want one that can do the best job. Get one that uses all the processes together. That is the biological, mechanical and chemical processes.

That means you'll have a single machine doing the job of three different ones. If you got it at a fair price then that will be a win for you. Your aquarium will be free of any substances that can harm the fish and the water will be favorable.

Type Of The filter tank

Some fish tank filters are designed to only fit in certain types of fish tanks. It is therefore very important to know the variety of filters that match with your fish tank. You do not want to purchase one blindly then get home to find that it does not fit into your aquarium.

You could ask the vendor after you explain the type of fish tank you want to use it with. Then he'll guide you on which one is the best with that kind of fish tank. It will save you a lot of disappointment.

Conclusion

Aquariums are beautiful sitting in your living room or your bedroom. However, it is a very delicate set up and for it to remain as beautiful, you need to take care of it. It's not that hard when you have the right equipment.

Make a point of window shopping on a fish tank filter before you can settle on one. It all depends on your needs and the factors we highlighted above. Please make note of each one of them and consider them before you choose that perfect filter for your fish tank.

Reference:

1. https://waterfilteronly.com