Ned Rigging Away From My Almost-Certain Demise

Despite being forced to work from home and otherwise embrace my introverted ways during this world health crisis, I have been fortunate to be able to be able to fish every weekend since returning from the Bassmaster Classic. My primary gripe is that it has been consistently gusty on my days off, which often leads me to bypass the nearby Potomac River and head to a lake that requires more driving time. My secondary gripe is that the virus has convinced me to bring my boat food from home these days instead of stopping at one of the many great convenience stores that typically constitute my morning ritual.

While no one has been able to convince me that I shouldn’t be on the water, I am sympathetic to the idea that we don’t want to tie up any first responders on the road or on the water. Accordingly, while I’m not in the habit of telling you how to live your life safely, I’m going to break from that tradition to offer up some steps that minimize your chances of becoming a statistic or a burden.

Stay close to home

If you have waterways close to the house that you can fish, go there instead of more distant places. I’ve been breaking the hell out of this one, and I justify it by saying that the Potomac has been unsafe or potentially uncomfortable on many of the days I’ve been able to go (and the protected launch closest to my house is closed), but I’m going to make a concerted effort from here on out to stay close.

Check lug nuts and tire pressure

Before you get out on the road, check the lug nuts and tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and your trailer. Most of us do this a few times a season, or if something seems amiss, but now it’s a good idea to do it every time.

Don’t make long runs

Launch near where you’re going to fish and stay close.

Carry a spare prop

If you don’t normally carry a spare prop in the boat each time, now’s a good time to change that, at least temporarily. Even if it’s not a high-performance stainless steel model, something that’ll help you limp back to the ramp is better than nothing.

Tow Services

Join BOAT US or a similar emergency service so that you don’t burden first responders on the road or on the water with your trailered boat. I’m not affiliated with them in any way, except that I send them a check each year. The one time I used them my savings paid for all those yearly membership fees.

Fill up your boat

Normally I try not to have much more fuel in the boat than I’m likely to use that day, but lately I’ve been filling both tanks to the top when I need to fill up, meaning that I only have to go to the gas station every three or four trips, if that.

Fill up at bait shop

If the marina, ramp or tackle shop where you’ll be launching offers fuel, fill up there. We need to remember to support the people who support us. If they don’t come out of this alive, we’ll all suffer.

Stick to Yourself

Perhaps most importantly, don’t intermingle in groups. I’ve been fishing by myself or with Hanna, launching by myself, and laying low. I think there’s no logical reason to stay off the water, but a few dumb asses can ruin it for all of us. DON’T MESS THIS UP.