Safety on a charter
Summary only, last verified . The agency's own regulations control. Not legal advice. No ice is guaranteed safe.
Last verified
Wear a life jacket. The Coast Guard's advice: the life jacket that works is the one you'll wear; adult sizes may not fit children; a properly fitted foam jacket shouldn't ride up past the chin or ears. Ask where the life jackets are when you board, and whether there are child sizes.
Follow the captain's weather call. Weather on the lake can change quickly. Your captain decides whether to go out, when to come in and when to cancel. Follow that call, even when the dock looks calm.
Seasickness. If you're prone to it, ask a pharmacist or doctor before the trip, follow the label of any medicine, and tell the captain early if you feel unwell.
Children. Make sure each child has a life jacket that fits and an adult watching them. Ask the captain about age minimums.
Alcohol. It's the captain's boat and the captain's rule. Ask before you bring any.
Carbon monoxide. The Coast Guard warns that carbon monoxide can harm people on a boat underway, moored or anchored, can't be seen, smelled or tasted, and causes symptoms that look like seasickness. Stay away from exhaust and tell the captain if someone feels sick near it.
Ice. We publish no ice reports; no ice is guaranteed safe. Follow your guide's go/no-go call. Hiring an ice-fishing guide
Before you go. Leave word with someone ashore about where you're going and when you'll be back; the Coast Guard calls this a float plan.
Eating your catch. Each state publishes advice on how often to eat fish from its waters:
- Ohio Department of Health: Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory
- Pennsylvania DEP: Fish Consumption Advisories
- New York State Department of Health: Fish Advisories
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Eat Safe Fish
- Ontario: Guide to Eating Ontario Fish