Ed’s note: This is the last in a series of posts introducing our resident river rover,  Jimmy Sallis. As of next week we’re going to be setting him some fishing challenges – catch up with next week’s post to see how we’re kicking off.

Predominantly a river angler, Jimmy does occasionally dip into stillwaters too.  You can also find him on twitter as @jimmysallis and facebook, and he’ll be here on weekly basis sharing his bankside exploits. Catch up with his other posts here.

Safety is by far the most important aspect of all fishing but river roving in particular.  It is paramount that you are aware of your surroundings whilst roving.

High banks, fast eroding banks, underwater snags, steps down to pegs are all things that will change during the seasons and can be dangerous, especially if you’re on your own.

Never wade out into water when you don’t know what is below the surface, stay away from the high banks and if it looks like you might need light mountaineering gear to get to a swim, then simply don’t try it and return another day when it is safer to do so. Chances are you will be ok, but apply some common sense to your fishing and roving and you will be safe.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the use of life-jackets and PFDs – my view on them is simple: No matter how old you are, how well you think you know a swim or how well you know a venue, if you are going out in a boat then you NEED to wear a jacket. The water may only be 4ft, but if you fall in and knock yourself unconscious, you’re a gonner without a jacket.

I have not actually mentioned any fishing as yet, only because many anglers who fish two or three swims in a short or even long session will refer to it as ‘Roving,’ but all they are actually doing is just fishing and not learning about the river and its environment. If you know everything about a swim you will have more chance of getting your net wet.

When you do go down the river with your gear, travel light. A small chair, an easy to carry bag with essential tackle, an unhooking matt, a ready set up rod with your chosen method, a landing net and a rod rest is all you need. That’s it, light and basic. There are many different styles of kit you can buy on the market that specifically target the roving angler but a mixture of your current gear will generally do the job.

To some of you all what I have said may seem like the obvious, but for others and new anglers to the river I believe it will aid you in your fishing. Don’t sit still, get an understanding of the river and its surroundings and travel light. Finally one more old saying, ‘Fish where the fish are!’

Jimmy

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What are the most important safety points to consider when you’re fishing – have your say in the comments section below!