The Hole. The nickname always sent shivers down my spine when Dad said that’s where we were going.
The Hole was a prime fishing spot, but it was also treacherous to get to. Anglers had to scramble down a steep, precarious, 300-foot ravine to get to the water.
For an 8-year-old first timer, it was the thing of nightmares—even after the first few trips.
Dad loved to take his kids fishing, but safety wasn’t always part of the equation.
Safety should be a priority. Here are tips to help keep kids safe while fishing.
- Wear a life vest. In a boat, children must wear life vests. They should also wear them while fishing from shore.
- Use barbless hooks—at least to start. They are easier to remove if a child accidentally hooks themselves or someone else.
- Consider using barb tip covers. They protect from accidental pokes. They sell for $10 to $15 per hundred.
- Prepare in advance. Make sure the fishing spot is kid friendly. Teach kids to float and swim in a life vest. Practice casting in the backyard. Pack a first-aid kit.
An Egg-traordinary Hack
Never worry about broken eggs again. Simply crack the eggs beforehand and pour into a water bottle. A water bottle is more durable than eggshells and takes up little space in a cooler. Water bottles with wider-than-normal mouths work best. Shake the eggs before use.
‘Bee’ Aware Outdoors
Often when people think of dangerous animal encounters, they think of bears, mountain lions and venomous snakes. Think again. Bees and wasps injure and kill far more people each year than those other three animals combined. Stay alert and pay attention to the signs. Buzzing is a signal to be careful. Bees bouncing off your head or body is a warning to get away—quickly. Bees and wasps can be relentless, so if attacked by a swarm, run away and keep running. Run through brush to confuse and disorient them. Don’t seek refuge in water. They likely will wait for you to resurface.
The Stinky Fish Two-Step
Remove the smell of fish from your hands with the two-step method. The first step: Use an abrasive cleaner, such as pumice soap, to remove surface slime. Step two: Neutralize remaining odor with lemon juice, vinegar or baby wipes.
Hot Weather Bike Tire Tip
Tire pressure will increases as air temperature rises, and as friction between tires and road surfaces increases. Extreme heat can lead to air loss in tires. In rare cases, it may also cause blowouts. Check tire pressure before each ride. In hot weather, keep tires inflated at the low end of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range.
Notable Days in July
July 5, National Bikini Day.
July 14, Shark Awareness Day.
July 16, World Snake Day.
July 22, Hammock Day.
Got a Tip or a Whopper?
Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication, we will send you $25 for one-time use. Email your submission to info@ruralite.org.