TAKEOFF
BOAT TECH
ARE YOU REALLY PREPARED?
T
ESSENTIAL SAFETY ITEMS TO KEEP IN YOUR BOAT
ournament bass anglers always have a plan. And
should the prevailing fishing pattern dissolve or the
weather change, there’s usually a backup plan that can
be called on to continue catching fish.
But what about unforeseen challenges with equipment,
and the possibility of a breakdown? In the event that a situa-
tion presents itself, do you have a plan to keep yourself and
any other anglers with you safe?
If you answered no, it’s time to get prepared. I’ve always
been meticulous about safety, and after two decades of com-
peting in tournaments on some of the roughest waters in
America, I evolved a checklist of safety items that all bass
boaters should carry.
The (Legal) Basics
Carrying equipment required by state or federal law is a
no-brainer. Life jackets, throwable cushions, flares and dis-
tress flags should all be easily accessible and in good condi-
tion. Some states also require other equipment. Know the
rules and follow them.
Emergency Bilge Pump
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One of the most important pieces of safety equipment you
can have is an emergency bilge pump kit. Building it yourself
is easy. Obtain a pump that can handle 1,000 gallons per hour
By Joe Balog
or more, connect 8 feet of discharge hose on the outflow (this
can be inexpensive plastic hose available at any marine store)
and 12 feet of wire on the power leads. On the end of each
lead, attach a large alligator clip.
Thanks to the long power cords, this pump can be clipped
on any battery, anywhere in the boat, and the hose can be
placed over the side. I keep my “kit” wound up in a Plano
Guide Series Waterproof Case that’s nearly indestructible,
and store it below deck.
Anchor
A strong anchor is often disregarded by bass boaters, but
it can be your lifeline when fishing a body of water where
getting to the bank is out of the question. It’s vital to attach
a large section of chain between anchor and rope to create
your anchor rode (you can buy them commercially with the
rope/chain combo). The chain helps protect the rode from
abrasion and directs the pull on the anchor laterally. I found
the 18-pound Richter Anchor to be a good all-around model
for most bottom types and bass boat applications. It’s best
to do some research on how much chain to use and how to
set an anchor properly for a boat the size you’re in. The
proper scope, or ratio of anchor rode to depth when the
anchor is deployed, is important, though the subject for
another time.
FLWFISHING.COM I FALL 2018