Staying Hydrated During Commercial Fishing

Regardless of whether you’re overseeing your commercial fishing business or participating in the actual netting or catching, it is important to stay hydrated during your travels through the sea. Preparation is the key to safely fishing in any conditions, especially during hot weather. Taking the time to prepare for a trip in hot weather can save you from dehydration, sunburn, and even heat stroke. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, besides helping you with all your documentation needs, we also care about the well-being of your whole fishing operation. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of hydration in commercial fishing.

The Importance of Hydration

Did you know that dehydration is a major contributor to feelings of lethargy and fatigue? There is universal agreement that drinking water is crucial to good health. One of the most important things you can do for your body is to drink water on a regular basis. In the absence of adequate fluid intake, the body must divert its resources away from providing useful energy and toward maintaining the body’s water balance. This means that even a slight decrease in your body’s water content can affect how you feel and how well you perform.

Each human being is fitted with around 2.6 million sweat glands. When the brain decides the body needs to be cooled down, it triggers the release of chemicals that stimulate these glands.

Sweat cools us by evaporating off our skin, a process that helps us shed excess heat. Unfortunately, in addition to water, we lose electrolytes (i.e. “salts” like sodium, chloride, and potassium) when we sweat.

Stay Hydrated

Even though water is preferred, maintaining proper hydration with other beverages and even food is possible. The amount of water you consume can be increased by drinking tea, fruit juices, and eating fruit (especially watermelon!). Caffeine can be dangerous, so be careful! Caffeine is fine in small amounts, but too much of it can make you feel anxious and make you have to go to the bathroom more often.

Consuming water and maintaining a state of hydration can assist in the regulation of one’s body temperature, which is especially crucial on days that are extremely hot. When you are well hydrated, you have a lower risk of becoming irritable and cranky.

Our bodies can only function at their best when supplied with the right amount of water and electrolytes. The risk of developing symptoms of heat stroke increases in a dehydrated person, which is why it’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids.

Drinking 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes is what the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends for workers engaging in moderate activity in normal conditions. In order to prevent dehydration, workers should be reminded to drink water on a regular basis, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Sports drinks may work for electrolyte replacement, but just the right ones. Most of the time, electrolytes lost through sweat can be replaced if workers eat often and eat salty snacks.

How Does Hydration Affect My Body?

Your brain function, particularly your memory and reaction time, might be negatively impacted when you are dehydrated. You probably want to make sure you don’t forget which string you just hauled. Additionally, keeping yourself well-hydrated keeps your joints lubricated and keeps you from hurting too much at the end of a long day of fishing.

More energy! Dehydration can cause your circulation to slow down, which in turn can impair the amount of oxygen that gets to your brain. When your body has to work harder in order to operate, it can cause you to become slower. Keeping yourself hydrated will assist in keeping your energy up.

Bring the Right Gear

It is crucial to wear appropriate attire to prevent skin damage. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30 or 50 is commonly found in athletic apparel. These garments are designed to help you stay cool by wicking away moisture and drying quickly. Ventilation is key, so try to find shirts with cape backs that open. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts may be more comfortable in hot weather, but it’s always a good idea to keep long-sleeved shirts and pants on hand just in case. 

Keep Your Head Covered

When outside in the hot, bright sun, it’s best to keep your head covered. It’s risky to go out in the sun without protecting your face and neck from the sun’s rays. You should wear a hat with wide brim to shield your eyes, ears, and neck from the sun. Bandanas, buff neck warmers, and ball caps are some of the other choices. These aren’t as safe as all commercial fishing activities, but depending on the situation, they could be better than nothing.

Allow Us to Help You Have Everything Covered.

Hydration is just one of the many things to take into account for commercial fishing. Unfortunately, there’s also the necessary equipment and getting the necessary permits. You can count on us to assist you in obtaining the necessary paperwork from the Coast Guard or the appropriate commercial fishing license. If you look around our site, you’ll see that we have licenses and permits for all of the major fishing areas in the United States. Don’t wait to get in touch with us if you’re interested in our services.