Montana Woods N Water May 2016 Print Edition | Page 18

MONTANA PLAY TIME CONTINUED
One hazard that comes with this is changes in river flows. If you are
in a boat, flows can rise and currents change quickly. If you are
standing on the bank of a creek or stream it can turn into a raging
river before you know it. Make sure you are prepared for a quick
evacuation and that your vehicle and at least some of your
emergency items are above the high water mark.
As always make sure you have layers of clothing, extra water and
some sort of food with you. Don’t count on catching the “big one” as
your food source. It is a good idea to have a way to build a fire and
patch a tire, including an air pump. You should travel with a buddy if
you can and if not make sure you tell someone where you are going;
without giving away your secret hole and when you plan on
returning.
Take your cell phone with you as well as a GPS and a map. Both cell
phones and GPS are able to get search and rescue personal an
approximate “last known” location if you are lost.
Make sure you have the current season regulations for the area you
are planning on being in. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. It
is always better to be prepared and not need it than to need it and
not be prepared.
Remember catching a fish isn’t always the only way to have fun.
Don’t get me wrong actually catching something, anything, hits the
spot. The other day one of the kids was asked what they liked fishing
for and they said “Fish!” They don’t care if it is the Monster Bass,
Pike, or a Sunfish. They just like being out in the woods and spending
time with us. It really isn’t about catching the fish anyway. Let’s face
it. It is an exercise in patients for us and should be an enjoyable
learning experience for them.
We all know the old English proverb: “Give a man a fish, feed him
for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.”
Enjoy making memories with friends and family. Teach valuable skills,
and have fun. Tight lines! This article brought to you by Alan Clarke
an employee of Ronan Power Products.

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