Crimp your barbs, matey: fishing safety

I've got quite a collection of fishing lures...that I have removed from patients over the years. As we look to the Minnesota and Wisconsin fishing openers, here are a half-dozen safety tips to keep in mind:

1. If the hook or lure you are using has barbs, crimp down the barbs. You can crimp the barb down using pliers. This makes it easier to remove a hook if it becomes embedded in a person. Canadian fishing regulations mandate that anglers must fish with barbless hooks.
2. Be careful around sharp objects, such as fishing knives, hooks and lures.
3. Know your surroundings.
4. Know the location of other people fishing near you.
5. When boating, wear life jackets and ensure safe boating practices.
6. Use sunscreen and carry a first aid kit.