Fishing First Aid Kit Essentials

By applying safe boating and fishing practices, you can prevent most injuries while enjoying your time on the water without incident. However, the unexpected can happen, so it's best to be prepared by making sure that you have a properly stocked fishing first aid kit on all your trips.

Preparing a fishing first aid kit is easy. You can simply purchase a standard first aid kit at your local pharmacy, and then add items that are geared towards the outdoors, or you can purchase a ready-made kit that has been designed specifically for outdoor activity at your local sporting goods store. Whichever way you purchase and prepare your first aid kit, just be sure that all of the contents are stored in a durable waterproof case.

Examples of items that can be added to a standard first aid kit are items such as vinegar (if you do any saltwater fishing, vinegar provides relief from jellyfish stings), motion sickness medication, and wire cutters to cut through fishing hooks if necessary.

Here is a checklist of essential items that should be included in your fishing first aid kit:
 

• Antiseptic towelettes
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Antimicrobial towelettes
• Ibuprofen tablets
• Acetaminophen tablets
• Decongestant tablets
• Motion sickness tablets (such as Dramamine or Bonine)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Tincture of benzoin (applied to the skin to help kill germs and reduce swelling)
• Adhesive bandages 1" x 3"
• Knuckle bandages
• 2" x 3" non-stick pads
• 3" x 3" gauze pads
• Sterile wound closures
• Elastic bandage 3"
• Oval Patches 2" x 4"
• Adhesive tape 1/2"
• Pressure wrap
• Triangle bandage
• Sterile pad 5" x 9"
• Gauze rolls 2"
• Moleskin 2" x 3"
• Vial
• Tweezers
• Safety Pins
• Irrigation syringe
• Resealable plastic bag
• Shears
• Wire cutters (for cutting through fishing hooks)
• Cold pack
• Cotton balls
• Vinegar (small plastic bottle or container in the event of a jellyfish sting)
• Electrolyte replacement drinks (in case of dehydration)
• Blanket

Aside from ensuring that you have all of the fishing first aid kit essentials, it's also a good idea to take an outdoors first aid course. You can check with your state agency to see if there is an upcoming course offered in your area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for example, offers a wilderness first aid course as part of the "Becoming An Outdoors-Woman" program.