Safety Tips For Deep-sea Adventure

In less than twenty four hours, I will be in a truck heading south on my way to Mexico to experience a new kind of adventure. In celebration of this year's birthday, I get to learn how to fish offshore for Dorado, Marlin and hopefully Tuna. In addition to spectacular fishing, I get to see the natural beauty of this little fishing village, meet the wonderful residents, watch dolphins at play every day and witness some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets.

This also means I have less than twenty four hours to think, plan and prepare. Not only will I be driving seven hours south of Phoenix to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico which in itself requires a fair amount of planning and preparation, but I will be offshore fishing for the very first time. There's a lot to think about. The conditions couldn't be more perfect: long weekend with my soul mate, Harvest moon, my birthday celebration and excellent fishing conditions; so I especially want to do my part to make sure we have an amazing trip. 

Bags need to be packed full of swimsuits, board shorts, light colored t-shirts and tanks, flip flops, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and the basic toiletries. Dramamine will be in the bag to eliminate the possibility of sea-sickness.  Coconut water and water will be stocked in large supply to keep us hydrated in the 95 degree, humid sea air. Grapes, oranges, apples for added hydration and fuel will be packed. It's also important to start the day off with a good breakfast not only for energy but to help reduce chances of sea-sickness. For this I've got eggs, almond butter and healthy grains. For sandwiches on the boat I am packing Italian cold-cuts and cheeses. Supply planning is the simple part; I am confident we're well equipped.

Safety prep, however, requires a little bit more attention and is the most important part: travel to Mexico safety, driving safety, boat safety, and off-shore fishing safety. It's helpful to go with an experienced fisherman who has learned over the last decade the basic rules to live by when traveling to San Carlos to fish. Here are a few:

1. Never drive at night.
2. Drive a well maintained vehicle. (the oil in the truck has been changed, the tires checked, routine maintenance completed)
3. Always have a good VHF radio, essential for communicating for rescue, with harbors, marinas, etc., a backup VHG radio – and know the local and emergency channels (also very helpful to have good relationships with the local fishermen).
4. Keep essential safety gear on the boat (i.e. life raft, spotlight, flares, horn, life vests).
5. Never go off-shore alone.
6. Always let someone know exactly where you plan to fish and update others via radio if you move.

Last but certainly not least, be prepared for medical emergencies. My role in the air ambulance industry has forced me to consider things I hadn't considered otherwise. We can plan and prepare for the best possible outcomes but unfortunate things can still happen.  I'd much rather be prepared for the worst - just in case. We've transported patients on medical flights who have been traveling and suddenly become very ill, had severe accidents, been victims of violence and in order to receive quality care or be closer to loved ones, they required medical flights. If something unexpectedly tragic happens, I will have a plan in place and know exactly who to call first for a medical flight. I know with certainty, the best medical care is here in the United States.

These are just a handful of the many important things to think about, plan and prepare for to ensure a wonderful fishing experience in San Carlos, Mexico. There are likely countless other details that can make or break a trip. When doing any kind of travel, within the States or internationally, it's important to do your homework and talk to people who are in the know. I am confident that this trip will mark a birthday to remember and as an additional benefit, feed my family for months to come!