Keep safety in mind before casting a line

By Jazmine Knight

Fishing is a popular pastime in and around St. Joseph, but the hobby can come with hazards for first-time fisherman or those who don’t follow certain safety protocols.

Thomas Adkins, owner of Dick’s Bait and Tackle, said the most common injuries are trips and falls, stuck hooks, cuts and drowning.

When it comes to fish hooks, if someone is impaled with a hook, remember to stay calm and don’t just pull it out.

“Most hooks have barbs on them and once they get in there it can be hard to get them out. They usually have to be cut out,” Adkins said.

Resident Corbin Stringham said he’s been going fishing since he was about 7 years old. Now that he’s a parent, he enjoys passing the fun on to his kids. However, that’s not before a proper safety lesson first.

“Pay attention to hooks. Whenever I see hooks, I pick hooks up off the ground, especially at public places,” he said.

He also reminds his daughter to be mindful of where she is walking. He tries to keep her within a 2-foot radius of him at all times.

“I kind of let them know, be careful, because you don’t know if a rock is going to fall in. You don’t know if you’re going to slip,” Stringham said.

Another part is teaching his daughter how to cast and handle the fish.

“When you raise back, look, you got to look. You have to be aware because people are moving,” he said.

“Some fish have gritted teeth instead of, you know, sharp burrs and things like that,” he added.

For a first-time fisherman, it’s important to get familiar with equipment. Adkins reminds people to get whatever they are comfortable with.

“Ask questions from the people you’re buying your tackle and your bait from,” Adkins said. “I’m looking at how it fits in my hand. The weight of it, how easy it is to function.”

For those who run into problems out in the water, Adkins said to not be afraid to ask questions from the people around.

As far as locations, the best spots to fish would be Krug Park, Corby Pond, the ponds at Missouri Western or the Missouri River, Adkins said. For those who want to venture a little farther, he said there are spots toward Cameron or even Belcher’s Branch in Faucett.

Adkins also advises fishermen to stay hydrated in the burning heat. He said to stay cool and be aware of surroundings.