FISHING HAZARDS

Hazards to be aware of when going fishing

In many areas, rivers flow near or under high-voltage power lines, which are often invisible or overlooked by those focused on fishing. Carbon rods are highly conductive, and you do not need to touch a cable to be electrocuted: simply getting too close can generate an electric arc.

ADVICE

• Avoid rods longer than 4 meters, especially in open areas or near power lines.
• Always check above you before casting.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 6–8 meters from cables.
• If in doubt, change spots. It is better to lose an hour than to risk your life.

Another underestimated danger, even on clear days, is lightning, which can strike suddenly, especially in humid and open environments such as riverbeds.

It is not enough to avoid using carbon fishing rods; fiberglass or aluminum rods can also attract electrical discharges.

The combination of wet ground, humidity, and vertical equipment significantly increases the risk.

ADVICE

• If you see lightning, hear thunder, or notice changes in the air, lower your rod immediately, stop fishing, and move away from the water at once.
• Do not hold your fishing rod in your hand during rain.
• Do not take shelter under isolated trees and do not wait to make one last cast: lost time can become precious.

The riverbed is often composed of slimy stones covered in green algae, mud, or unstable rocks. It takes very little to lose your balance: a slip can cause sprains, fractures, or a sudden fall into the water.

In some rivers or lakes, even the gravelly or muddy bottom near the shore can be extremely unstable. It is easy to slip and fall into a deep hole, especially if there is also a current. Or, in the case of a muddy bank, you may sink to your knees or slide into the water.

Many rivers, even those that appear calm on the surface, hide very powerful underwater currents. A single false step can be enough to lose your balance or be swept away by the force of the water.

Be very careful not only when the bottom is not visible, but also when the water is clear and the bottom seems safe: never underestimate the push of the current.

ADVICE

• Wear boots with good grip or wading boots with felt or studded soles, and always move while maintaining three points of contact (two feet + staff).
• Move with caution without getting distracted; do not venture where there is a strong current and carefully test the ground or stones where you place your feet.
• Always carry a wading staff to probe the depth and stability of the ground.
• Avoid entering the water unless necessary or if you have doubts about its safety.

The release of water from dams or reservoirs upstream, as well as heavy rains in distant areas, can cause sudden floods, especially in narrow stretches of the river or in canyons, where the water channels quickly and leaves no way out.

In many areas, hydroelectric plants emit an acoustic signal before releasing water. It is essential to recognize these sounds and act accordingly.

ADVICE

• Avoid fishing in flood-prone areas during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
• Even with clear skies, you must remain highly alert: technical maneuvers or interventions can occur without visible warning. If you sense heavy air or the sound of distant thunder, increase your level of alertness.
• If you hear acoustic signals near a hydroelectric plant, exit the water immediately without hesitation. Do not wait to “finish the session” or “make one last cast.”

If fishing at night, certain dangers are heightened. Reduced visibility, which often prevents us from clearly seeing obstacles or hazards, increases the risk of falls.

ADVICE

• Always carry a headlamp and a backup light, signal your presence with lights visible from a distance, keep your fishing station tidy without too much clutter, and never stay too close to the edge.

Fishing from a boat on a lake or at sea involves a series of risks that should not be underestimated.
Even on small lakes, the wind can pick up suddenly, creating waves that challenge light boats or those with electric motors.
The risk of falling into the water, losing balance while retrieving a catch, or slipping is always present, especially if moving without care or using unsuitable footwear.

ADVICE

• Always wear a life jacket and all safety equipment required by law.
• Check weather conditions before heading out and observe the sky’s evolution throughout the day.
• Do not overload the boat and always keep rods, bags, and equipment arranged in an orderly manner.
• If fishing alone, always notify someone and carry a charged cell phone in a waterproof case.

The banks of rivers and lakes host many forms of life: snakes or vipers, stinging insects such as mosquitoes and sandflies, but also hornets, wasps, and ticks. Even if not lethal, they can cause serious problems.
Their bites or stings can be very painful and can create allergic reactions or lead to dangerous infections or diseases.

ADVICE

• Wear long, light-colored, and well-closed clothing.
• Do not put your hands into cavities in rocks or logs that may hide wasp and hornet nests or vipers.
• Use insect repellent and always check clothes, equipment, and backpacks; upon returning from the fishing trip, check your body surfaces (specifically to verify the presence of any ticks that may have crawled under clothing and hidden in private areas).
• Avoid areas with excessive unmanaged vegetation.
• Carry a first aid kit with tweezers, disinfectant, and antihistamine ointment.
• In case of bites or stings, disinfect the wounds; in the event of allergic reactions, viper bites, or tick bites, consult a doctor.

In our waters, anglers must pay attention to several species equipped with passive (poisonous spines) or active (powerful teeth) defense systems.
Among the fish with poisonous spines found in the sea are:
Weeverfish (or Spider fish): lives in sandy bottoms and has poisonous spines on its dorsal fin and gill covers.
Scorpionfish: lives on rocky bottoms. Its dorsal and anal spines are connected to venom glands.
Rays and stingrays: they have a serrated spine on the tail that can cause deep wounds and poisoning.

ADVICE

The pain generated by these stings is generally extremely intense, sometimes associated with swelling and significant consequences such as drops in blood pressure, fever, and vomiting.

• Do not lose your calm and reassure the injured person.
• Wash the wound, even with seawater, remove any fragments of spines, and disinfect it.
• If possible, immerse the affected limb in very hot water (about 45 degrees Celsius) for at least 30 minutes, as heat helps inactivate toxins and soothe the pain.
• Have the injured person seen by a doctor.

One of the most common injuries sustained while fishing is caused by a fishing hook. A barbed hook is designed to enter soft tissue and remain hooked; therefore, if you inadvertently hook yourself, simple but painful steps must be followed.

ADVICE

• If possible, use barbless hooks, which are much easier to extract.
• Remove the line from the hook to allow free movement, then apply disinfectant to reduce the bacterial load on the hook.
• Do not attempt to pull the hook out backward, as the barb would tear the tissue.
• Push the entire point and barb through to the outside of the wound (as if it were a piercing), then use wire cutters to snip off the initial part of the hook past the barb so the remainder can be easily slid out. Immediately apply disinfectant to the wound.
• If necessary, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.

In summer, sun and fatigue can cause heatstroke or dehydration.
However, in winter, water in waders, wet hands, or wind can lead to hypothermia or thermal shock if you are not adequately dressed.

ADVICE

• In summer: drink often, take breaks in the shade, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
• In winter: wear technical layered clothing, waterproof gloves, and always carry a spare dry shirt.

Many river spots are located in remote areas, often without phone coverage.
In the event of an injury or emergency, calling for help may be impossible.

ADVICE

• Always notify someone before leaving, indicating the area and expected return time.
• Carry an emergency whistle.
• Keep your cell phone charged and protected. If possible, use a hiking GPS.
• Know the place where you are going to fish.
• Never fish alone.

Fishing is wonderful, authentic, and free. But it requires awareness, attention, and respect.
No catch is worth your safety.

Wear appropriate and technical clothing for the conditions.
Get to know the place well where you are fishing.
Rely on experience, but never lower your guard.

And above all: always stay focused, even in the quietest moments.
That is precisely when you risk underestimating the signs of danger.