Seasickness 101: Prevention and cure

Seasickness 101: Prevention and Cure

What is it? Why should you use it? Types of tshirt

Although most fishermen are already used to being on boats, fishing newbies can often be prone to seasickness. In fact, even veteran anglers experience it because up to 60% of people in general go through it at least once in their lifetime.


Also known as motion sickness, seasickness happens when your brain gets confused about what you see and feel while in motion. Your eyes can see an object being steady while your body contradicts it and senses movement. This may cause nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats that could eventually lead to vomiting.


Luckily, there are ways to avoid and treat seasickness when it does happen so it doesn’t get in the way of your fishing trips.


Before the trip

Prevention is better than cure, so before seasickness even hits, it’s best to just avoid it outright.


Start by making sure that you don’t eat any heavy, spicy, fatty, or greasy meals and that you haven’t drank any acidic (e.g., coffee, orange juice, etc.) or alcoholic beverages 24 hours before the trip. Eat just enough to not be hungry and stay hydrated with water instead.


Sleeping well is also a good preventative measure as fatigue will inevitably make you more prone to motion sickness.


But if you know to yourself that you’re the type to get seasick, you can always grab some over-the-counter medications to prevent it. Some prescription medicines such as scopolamine (Transderm-Scop) are also effectiv

 

In terms of food, dry crackers should help calm upset stomachs or temporarily relieve hunger for anyone on board.


During the trip

When all else fails, you could opt for some simple workarounds to avoid seasickness while on the boat itself.


Consider your position on the boat; it’s best to stay at the center or close to the stern where the motions are less noticeable. Don’t face the opposite direction that the boat is going, too.


Similarly, don’t read anything or use your phone while aboard, because looking at these stationary objects will increase your chances of getting seasick.


While you’re at it, breathe in some fresh air as well while enjoying the view of the horizon! Not only will it help you relax, it could also relieve your brain of any confusion because the horizon will appear relatively stable. Listening to music on the side could also help you chill during the ride.


Around 1 out of 3 people are considered highly susceptible to motion sickness, so that one person could be you or a fishing buddy. As anglers, we need to be prepared if it hits anyone!


If you want to read more tips, here are some for safe fishing trips as well.

MOST READ NEWS:

SEE ALL ARTICLES

Corn as Fishing Bait: Pros, Cons, Rules, and Alternatives

The use of corn as fishing bait has been a favorite among anglers, whether pro or beginner, for quite some time. The common golden grain is a go-to for catching a variety of fish, won't burn a hole in your pocket, and can be used in a bunch of creative ways. But it’s also caused a lot of confusion and controversy among fishing enthusiasts, because of two reasons: one, some states have specific regulations in place about the use of corn as bait or in chumming, and two, because of concerns surrounding its impact to the environment and on fish.

Why Fishermen Wear Neck Gaiters

Just like everybody else, we anglers have personal preferences. Live or artificial bait? Saltwater or freshwater? Catch and keep or catch and release? Despite these differences, though, some of us do still share some similarities as fishermen: one of them being the fact that we wear neck gaiters when going out on fishing trips.

Cast Far, Catch More: Why You Should Consider Using Braided Fishing Line

The angler's world is full of choices, and among these, the braided fishing line is a versatile tool that shouldn’t be overlooked. With its unique blend of strength, sensitivity, and versatility, it might just be the missing piece of fishing gear in your tackle bag. 

Minnow Traps Made Easy: Effortlessly Trap Live Bait for Fishing

After having been fishing for so many years, I've come to appreciate the many tools and techniques that enhance the fishing experience. Among them, the minnow trap holds a special place. Now, you might wonder what's so exciting about a device that catches tiny fish? And why do you need a minnow trap when you can just buy bait at the local tackle shop?

How To Catch Trout

Unlock the secrets to catching trout! Dive into trout biology, select the right gear, and fish where they love to hide. Apply proven trout strategies and watch your success soar.

How Can I Catch Bigger Fish?

Let's dive into the question we all have: How can I catch bigger fish? We'll explore everything from choosing the right gear and tackle, to finding the hotspots where the big fish hang out, and even what to do when you've got a real heavyweight on your line.