Fishing safety

Fishing is a favourite, all-year-round activity in Scotland. While it’s great for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, it’s a water-based hobby that brings risks. 

Water Safety Scotland has guidance to help keep anglers safe in and around water. Their angling safety code should be your first port of call before planning a fishing trip.  

Here’s some key advice from the code:  

• Check the forecast and weather conditions before you go.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Make sure you know exactly where you are - consider something like an OS locate app for mobiles or a map.
• Take a fully-charged mobile phone and check signal strength. Know who to call in an emergency.
• Never fish during an electrical storm.
• Double check your fishing spot is safe. For example, riverbanks can erode overnight.
• Wear the right clothes, sturdy footwear, sun hat in hot weather, warm layers in cold.
• Be aware that coastal and sea fishing is high risk.
• Make sure you know your spot is safe and you won’t get cut off by the tide.
• Wear a life jacket.