Safety First: Keep Safety a Top Priority During Your Upcoming Alaskan Fishing Trip

There’s no better way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty firsthand then with a fishing trip. Separate yourself from the gift shops and crowded restaurants by signing up for relaxing day reeling in your next big catch.

While a charter service is one of the safer ways to experience the open water, you are still opting to put the safety of you and your loved ones into the hands of a complete stranger. A fun day at sea could easily turn into a complete nightmare if your captain isn’t prepared for the worse. This is even more of a concern with the unpredictable Alaskan weather.

Here are a few items to check off your safety checklist before stepping on board for your Alaskan fishing trip:

Life jackets

Even the best of swimmers will wish they had a life jacket in Alaska’s near frigid summer waters. Check that the captain provides everyone in your party with a properly sized life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device, before leaving the dock. Don’t worry, the life jacket won’t ruin your chances of landing a big fish. Most fishing charters don’t require adult passengers to wear one the entire trip.

CPR and first aid certified

Accidents can happen even at sea. Make sure that the captain or charter staff is CPR and first aid certified before climbing on board. While this is a no-brainer for any professional charter company, some less reputable businesses may not take the time to ensure their employees know these possibly life saving techniques. Chances are you won’t need CPR on your trip, but you’ll be glad you asked in case of an emergency. Any reputable fishing charter will be more than happy to provide this information when asked.

Insurance

Don’t find yourself paying for a one-day fishing trip for the rest of your life. You could end up spending thousands of dollars on medical expenses if an accident were to happen on a boat not adequately covered by insurance. Some companies will attempt to reduce costs by having limited liability insurance that doesn’t actually cover everyone onboard. This is one cost cutting technique passengers don’t notice until it really matters. Save yourself from potential physical and financial pain by asking about insurance before you register for your fishing trip.

Licensing

The State of Alaska requires all fishing vessels and companies to be properly licensed. A reputable fishing charter will proudly display these documents on the boat or in the main office. Ask to see the license if it isn’t easily visible. Take it as a major red flag if the company refuses to show it to you or says they don’t have one. Never trust a company that isn’t properly licensed.

By choosing Phantom Tri-River Charters, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your safety is our top concern. Contact us today to schedule your next Alaskan fishing trip!