| Manzanillo is known for many things, but it is most | | | | know where the life jackets, rafts and/or |
| known for being the "Sailfish Capital of the World." | | | | lifeboats are located. In addition, find out where |
| Fishermen (and women!) come from all over to | | | | the fire extinguishers are located. |
| go deep sea fishing and hopefully catch "the big | | | | Tip #5: Learn Meditation |
| one." But there are a few things you should keep | | | | Sometimes a minor problem can turn into a |
| in mind before sailing the high seas. | | | | catastrophe if everyone panics. Remain calm and |
| Tip #1: Check the Weather Report | | | | offer the captain and his crew help in handling |
| Your boat captain should be doing this anyway, | | | | other passengers. If they are your family, make |
| but it never hurts to just look at the weather | | | | sure that you are firm in your instructions and |
| report and make sure there isn't a storm on the | | | | show confidence. |
| way. A good rule of thumb: if all of the other | | | | Tip #6: Don't Bite Off More Than You Can Chew |
| boats are staying docked, then you probably | | | | Some deep sea fish are very strong and can pull |
| should too. | | | | a person off a boat. Be sure that your fishing rod |
| Tip #2: Double Check Your Gear | | | | is securely anchored and that you are also |
| The day before your excursion, go through all of | | | | attached to the boat in some way in case your |
| your equipment. Make sure everything works and | | | | rod gets free. If you have children with you, this |
| that you have aren't running out of anything. Try | | | | is extremely important. Little Billy isn't going to win |
| to get this done before noon so you can get | | | | a battle with Señor Fish. |
| replacements before the stores close. | | | | Tip #7: Leave Your Information |
| Do the batteries in your flashlight work and do | | | | Make sure that somebody has a copy of your |
| you have back-ups? Do you have a functional | | | | vital information before you leave. If your spouse |
| first aid kit? Do you have a waterproof bag for | | | | is staying on the mainland, be sure that she |
| your wallet and cell phone and does it attach to | | | | knows what you are doing, the name of the |
| your clothing correctly? Do you have rations in | | | | charter company, when you should be returning |
| case you are stuck on the water for a couple of | | | | and other information that will be helpful in case |
| days? Do you have a couple of flares in case you | | | | something happens. This includes any medical |
| need to signal someone in the night? | | | | information and names and numbers of |
| All of these items may sound small, but could be | | | | emergency contacts back home. |
| very important if something happened. | | | | If you are traveling alone or your entire party is |
| Tip #3: Make Sure the Radio is Working | | | | going on the trip, it is a good idea to leave your |
| Before you let the boat leave the dock, ask the | | | | information with the front desk so that you have |
| captain if he has checked the. If they have a GPS | | | | someone looking out for you. |
| system, check to see if that is working too. | | | | All of these tips don't take very long and they |
| Tip #4: Find the Life Jackets | | | | could save your life. Make sure that your trip is a |
| Hopefully, your captain will go through some quick | | | | happy one and not a disaster. |
| safety features before you leave. Make sure you | | | | Happy fishing! |