Safe Fishing

Caption:Taking the proper precautions by keeping your fishing boat and gear germ free protects you and your fishing partners from harmful viruses.

Captain Terry David Lacoss skippers the charter fishing boat "Amelia Angler" from one of Florida's popular fishing ports, Historic Fernandina Beach. Guiding his guests to a nice catch of back country species including sea trout, redfish and a lone flounder. Keeping his boat and fishing gear germ free is his #1 priority.
"I will typically first wash my boat down with soap and water to remove all of the fish slime and blood, T. D. Lacoss said. "Then I will mix 1/3 cup of bleach to one gallon of water and scrub down my boat once more including all the gear and handles that fishermen use during our day of fishing. Here it is important not to rinse the boat off with clean water, simply allow to dry which will kill 99.9% of the bacterea leaving my boat germ free for my next charter."

"Before and during my charter if needed, I will spray my rod grips with Lysol desinfectant spray as well. During my day on the water I will also avoid handshakes and staying too close to other fisherman. Giving the thumbs up sign, high five, or bumping elbows makes for a germ free day before, during and after my fishing charter. I have also noticed that a lot of my fishermen are now wearing the fishing headwear which can be pulled down to not only protect your head and neck but your face and mouth too."
In many cases stores are and have been out of disenfectants including bleach and disenfectant sprays. If you do find an outlet that has these items, you may be limited in purchasing up to two of each item. However if you run into this problem, there is an alternative solution.
Fishermen can simply mix their own disenfectant with items they may already have at home. Items you will need to mix include rubbing alcohol, aloe vera gel and tea tree oil. The rubbing alcohol will need to have a minumum of 75% alcohol. Mix 3 parts isopropyl alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel, add a few drops of tea tree oil. Allow to sit for a minimum of 72-hours before using.
We are now in the flu season and worse yet, the coronavirus is now a big concern, expecially when fishermen are close to each other on a boat and at fishing events as well.
Large fishing tournaments may also be canceled because of the coronavirus. One of Florida's largest fishing tournaments, The 40th Annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament" attracts a lot of fishermen and spectators and will be looking at possibly changing their format if the Coronavirus is not under control. The big event is scheduled to be held July 13-18, 2020.
"We are looking at alternatives including bringing in more of the social media to showcase our popular kingfish tournament if we can't have big crowds at the weigh-in site," Chairman of the Board Jim Suber said. "Fishing teams will simply weigh in their largest kingfish without the spectators. We will then rely on such social media as "Facebook Live" and local Telivison to showcase our event and fishermen."
Many beaches throughout Florida are now closed as well where beach fishing will now longer be allowed until the current coronavirus has been eliminated. Marinas are also becoming closed to the public where slip and camper renters are only allowed. A good example is "Sunshine Key RV park which is located in Marathon, Fl., which is now closed to the public. However in most cases public boat ramps are still open.

A good game plan when returning from a day of fishing is to clean your catch, disinfect your fishing boat and drive straight home. Remaining at the marina where there are several fishermen and specators may expose you to the flu and worse yet the coronavirus.
Photo - Cleaning your fishing boat prior and after a fishing trip with a variety of disenfectans protects yourself and fishermen.