I often fish alone in freestone streams in the mountains of North GA. Now that I am in my 60’s I think a lot about safety when wading the mountain streams.
I hardly make a trip that I do not slip or fall in the stream. I am concerned about hitting my head on a rock and being ght knocked unconscious. Do any of you use or can suggest something that might provide some protection for the head. I was thinking about a light helmet like those used by bike riders but have not found one I really like.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Kyakers (the ones who go down big rough rapids) wear a helmet much like a hockey helmet. They are light, and usually bright colored. You can paint them green, OD, etc. if you want. I don’t know how deep your waters are but it is said you can drown in six inches of water. You might want to consider a floatation harness, the inflatable kind. I think the buddy system is your best bet however, the kind of buddy you would like to be in a foxhole with.
Boy, I sure would start off with one I didn’t like until I found one I did. And for Pete’s sake, GET A STAFF! Yes they are not cheap. But they are cheaper than a busted bone! They stay all folded up in a holster until you shake them out. Then they will save yer butt!
To add to what Jonezee posted, don’t wear a big, white hat in the woods, especially during the deer and turkey seasons. I try to make sure that I have no white exposed on me in and around the woods or any other place that a hunter or poacher(!) might be.
The poacher issue means that there are no closed seasons for safety.
Thanks for all the advise guys. I do use a staff but I am looking for any additional safety precautions possible. I think I probably need to stay out of the mountains unless I have someone with me!
Thanks again.
Featherfastener
Even younger folks should heed the good advice given here , none of us are invincible.
Even if you do travel with a buddy you should carry a cell phone to summon help quickly. (third buddy ) Because Its not impossible for both of you to be in trouble at the same time.
It is also always wise to carry matches or a lighter with you while in the bush.
Bear spray is a good idea in bear country.
Tell someone where you are going.
Barbless hooks are also a good safety factor, as are safety glasses to protect the eyes from errant casts.
Ps. You could take a tip from lowteckjoe and sit in a metal chair in the river and fish from that
Although I’m still a rookie when it comes to fly fishing I would take a second look at your boot stlye versus the terain. I am 64 and take smaller steps when the situation calls for better balance wether fishing a stream or hunting.
A wading staff is a must and you have taken care of that. Your pace is important as well as looking ahead for safer walking.
Get a different stlye boot for better traction and fit, our ears, nose and feet keep growing while everything else mostly shrinks.
After a bad knock to my left knee , I’ve started wearing knee pads . I wear them under my waders and find that they aren’t at all uncomfertable . I always use a staff ( and was useing it when I fell ) , but even with precautions , slips can happen . If I felt that it was necessary for safty , I’d wear a helmet in a heartbeat .
Just bought a flotation device that uses a CO2 cartridge and a rip cord type opener. Thought about getting the one that automatically inflates when you fall in; but, would be my luck to fall several times with one of those on. As several others mentioned, I always carry a wading staff. Have the kind that folds up into about 4 short sections and fits into a small holster on my wading belt. I leave it opened and floating along beside me when in deeper water/slippery rocks. Better I might tangle a line every now and then rather then not have it handy by when needed in a hurry. Also have felt bottomed boots now. Had none of this stuff when I took a nasty spill about 3-4 years ago and finished off an old football injured knee. Off work 3 months etc. Also in my declining 60’s now; so, don’t do any more of those foolish things as I too fish alone a lot. Also have a cellphone inside my chest waders below my wader belt area. Can’t be too careful out there alone.
Unfortunately, I have never found cell phones a lot of use where I fish. No cell towers for miles and you are at the lowest point in the terrain. I still carry one though, makes my wife happy knowing I have it. Especially since I am fond of browns in the dark.
I guess I am a bit of a fatalist. When my number comes up, I hope to God it is on a trout stream. I can think of no other pass time I would rather go out on. So if you should happen to pass me on the stream and there is no movement, prop me up against a streamside tree and put a sign on me, “Left doin what he loved.”
Nothing is foolproof and although a helmet might help in a fall where your head hit something; it won’t prevent a broken leg and the resultant inability to hike out.
Do yourself and those that care about you a favor and make sure to always leave information as to your whereabouts with friends or loved ones. When I decide to do one of those multi-mile hike-in trips I always tell SOMEMONE; either my wife, friends or even the host of the campground; where I’ll be with instructions on what to do if I’m not heard from by a certain time of the day.
I also give coordinates as well so IF the worst happens; hopefully someone will find me. Of course this requires you to stay in touch with those you have appointed as your guardian but it’s well worth it.
Unfortunately NONE of the places I fish where I have to hike in have cell service.
Oh yea, make sure to always carry a whistle, knife, light of some type and a source of fire like matches, a lighter, magnesium fire starter or all of the above!
My cousin told me about a shooting staff at big 5 sporting goods. Don’t know if you hve one in your area but it was about 1/2 the price and all he did was screw off the top “v” that cradled the rifle… I can’t remember if it folded or not though. Maybe a different sporting goods store will carry the same type of item for a low price. Hope this helps…
I picked up a pair of used ski poles at my use it again sports for $6. $3 a staff, not bad.
Buddy system is a necessity in my opinion. Also rememember there is some part of your body (shin?) that if you are any deeper you can drown because if you get stuck on a rock you cant lift your head up to get a breat.
