ThePaddler 72
Electronics
Reliance on electronics…from where I sit I have my fish finder that is giving me depth etc and as it’s a combo unit it also gives me speed over ground and my position.With detailed charts loaded I can visually see exactly where I am and what is around me; I also have and study paper charts at home on a regular basis, mostly to look for likely spots to fish but I have picked up a clear mental image of my fishing grounds from this. I can see the buoys, the land, the bottom soundings and so on. Apart from the obvious factor of it not working for whatever reason there is still the need to be visually aware of what is around; we’re usually in sight of land so should take note of our position in relation to landmarks (or lights at night). However, on a commercial boat there will also be radar, AIS and so on. A watch still needs to be kept. Anchored and facing one direction can cause you to miss what is going on behind – check regularly, you may not hear something approaching. Oh…one last and most important thing. Electronics = batteries = failures. Usually at the worst possible time. Always, ALWAYS carry a compass and know which way land is.