How To Not Get Seasick On A Fishing Boat? Follow These Simple Tips!

Many people look forward to going fishing, but the idea of being out on a boat for hours can cause nausea and dizziness. Seasickness is a common problem, especially if you are not used to being on a boat or have a low tolerance for motion sickness.

If you’re one of those people who always feels queasy on a fishing boat, don’t lose hope! There are several things you can do to prevent or reduce your seasickness symptoms. By following these tips, you can enjoy your day on the water without feeling sick.

“Seasickness can ruin a perfectly good fishing trip, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

Firstly, understanding what causes seasickness can help you avoid it. Nausea happens when the brain senses conflicting signals from your eyes and your inner ears. Your eyes see constant motion while your inner ear’s balance sensors feel little motion since they are constantly moving in sync with the fluid around them. This conflict triggers nausea and vomiting response, which may lead to dehydration due to loss of fluids and electrolytes.

The good news is that there are preventive measures you can take to alleviate seasickness. These include adjusting your location on the boat, keeping yourself well-hydrated, and staying focused on the horizon. You’ll also find some useful tools and natural remedies that might work wonders in ensuring a calm sailing journey.

In this blog post, we will go over a few simple yet effective strategies that can help you avoid the discomforts of seasickness during your next fishing trip. So let’s dive right in!

Choose the Right Location on the Boat

Choosing the right location on a fishing boat can be crucial in avoiding seasickness. Follow these tips to find the best spot:

Find a Stable Spot

One of the main causes of seasickness is the constant motion of the boat. Therefore, finding a stable spot on the boat can help reduce the risk of feeling nauseous. This means choosing a spot where the movement of the boat is minimized, such as near the middle or towards the front of the boat.

You should also try to avoid areas with lots of noise and vibrations, as this can further exacerbate your symptoms. Instead, seek out quieter spaces that are sheltered from wind and waves.

Avoid Sitting at the Back of the Boat

The back of the boat tends to experience the most motion, making it one of the worst places to sit if you’re prone to seasickness. This area is known as the “transom,” and while it might seem like an ideal spot for fishing, it can quickly make you feel queasy.

If possible, choose a seat closer to the middle of the boat or towards the bow (front). This will provide a more stable platform and limit your exposure to the swaying motion of the boat.

Stay Close to the Horizon

Another helpful trick for avoiding seasickness is to stay focused on the horizon. As you look out into the distance, your brain is better able to understand the movement of the boat and adjust accordingly. This helps minimize the sensation of seasickness and keeps you feeling steady.

Try to keep your gaze fixed on a point far away from the boat. If you need to look down at any point, do so slowly and deliberately to avoid any sudden shifts in perspective that may cause you to feel dizzy or disoriented.

“Focusing your eyes on the horizon, where the motion is least apparent, can help prevent seasickness.” -WebMD

By following these tips and choosing the right location on a fishing boat, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing seasickness. Remember to stay calm, breathe deeply, and keep your body well-hydrated throughout the trip to further improve your chances of feeling good on the water.

Avoid Alcohol and Greasy Foods

If you’re planning a fishing trip, it’s important to avoid alcohol and greasy food. Both can contribute to an upset stomach and make seasickness more likely. When your body is trying to digest heavy, fatty foods or process alcohol, it may be less equipped to deal with the motion of the boat.

Instead of eating fried foods like french fries or onion rings, stick to lighter options like fresh fruit or vegetables. A small sandwich on whole grain bread or a bowl of oatmeal is also a good choice. These items are filling without being too heavy and won’t cause digestive issues while out on the water.

“Avoid high-fat foods and limit alcohol intake,” says Dr. Marc Leavey, who specializes in primary care at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. “It’s not only bad for fisherman going out on boats but also airline passengers since drinking heavily aboard planes increases dehydration from cabin pressures.”

Stick to Light, Non-Greasy Snacks

When packing snacks for your day on the boat, it’s best to choose light, non-greasy options. Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are great choices because they’re easy to pack and provide a quick energy boost. Protein bars or granola bars are also convenient and will keep you full throughout your trip.

If you prefer something savory, consider packing pretzels or crackers instead of chips. Low-sugar cereal or popcorn can also be satisfying alternatives that won’t weigh you down.

“Never go fishing on an empty stomach,” says Dr. Allan Goldstein, a gastroenterologist at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. “Make sure to eat a healthy snack, like a piece of toast or a muffin, before heading out. This will help keep your stomach occupied and reduce the risk of motion sickness.”

Drink Plenty of Water Instead of Alcohol

One of the best ways to prevent seasickness is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms of seasickness, so it’s important to drink water before you start feeling sick.

Avoiding alcoholic beverages is also crucial as alcohol can cause dehydration and nausea. If you still want something cold and refreshing, try packing a cooler with sports drinks or coconut water instead.

“Hydrating yourself with plenty of fluid—water being the top choice—will blunt some of the physiological effects of seasickness,” says Dr. Michael S. Glickman, an associate professor in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that can lead to dehydration, making things worse.”

Avoid Foods with Strong Smells

Foods with strong smells can exacerbate nausea and make seasickness more likely. Avoid bringing items like cured meats or pungent cheeses on board, as well as anything fried or greasy.

If you do plan on bringing food with a strong scent, store it in a sealed container to minimize exposure and bring fresh fruit to cut through any overpowering odors. Ginger candies or real ginger ale can also be helpful in settling stomachs and preventing nausea.

“Ginger has long been used for its anti-nausea properties,” says Dr. Marra Francis, a gynecologist based in Orange County, California. “It works to calm the intestinal tract and alleviate cramping.”

By avoiding certain foods, staying hydrated, and choosing light snacks for the boat, you can greatly reduce your risk of seasickness and enjoy your fishing trip to the fullest.

Distract Yourself with Activities

If you’re someone who tends to get seasick on a fishing boat, it’s important to distract yourself from the movements of the boat. There are several activities that can help keep your mind off the waves and prevent nausea.

Engage in Conversation with Others on the Boat

One way to avoid motion sickness is by engaging in conversation with others on the boat. Talking to your fishing mates can help take your mind off the movement of the ocean and focus on something more enjoyable.

You can also learn new things about fishing or ask your mates for tips and tricks. Fishing enthusiasts love sharing their knowledge and experience. So don’t be shy, start a conversation, and make some friends!

Listen to Music or an Audiobook

Music and audiobooks are another great way to distract yourself from feeling seasick. Listening to your favorite music playlist or audiobook series can help calm your nerves, reduce anxiety, and stop feelings of dizziness or queasiness.

Make sure to bring a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, so you can listen to high-quality audio without any distraction. If you prefer live music, ask your fishing guide if they have any playlists or speakers to enjoy on board.

Try Fishing or Snorkeling

Fishing and snorkeling may seem counterintuitive when trying to avoid seasickness, but they can actually help improve symptoms. These activities require you to focus on something else entirely and help engage your senses in a positive way.

Catching fish or exploring the underwater world while snorkeling distracts your brain from balancing itself against the rocking motions of the boat. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and happiness that can aid in reducing stress levels and increase your tolerance for waves.

• It’s important to note that if you do try fishing or snorkeling, always have someone else on board watching and assisting you.
• Make sure to maintain good communication with the captain or guide in case you feel unwell or need assistance. Safety is always a priority on any boat trip, even when participating in activities that can lessen seasickness symptoms.

Whether it’s talking, listening, fishing, or snorkeling, there are plenty of ways to distract yourself from feeling sick on a fishing boat. Remember to enjoy the journey, be mindful of safety, and make the most out of every moment at sea!

“The cure for anything is saltwater: sweat, tears, or the sea.”

Stay Hydrated

If you’re heading out on a fishing boat, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the trip. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms of seasickness and leave you feeling even more unwell. Follow these tips for staying properly hydrated:

Drink Water Before and During the Boat Ride

The most important thing you can do to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water before and during your boat ride. Aim to drink at least eight ounces of water every hour while on board. This will help to keep your body hydrated and reduce any feelings of nausea or dizziness.

“Water is essential to nearly all bodily functions, including regulating temperature and delivering nutrients to cells.” -Harvard Health Publishing

You might also consider bringing a reusable water bottle with you on your trip so that you have easy access to water throughout the day. If you start to feel thirsty, take a sip right away rather than waiting until you’re feeling dehydrated.

Avoid Caffeine and Sugary Drinks

While it may be tempting to grab a cup of coffee in the morning or indulge in sugary soda during the day, those drinks can actually dehydrate you further. Instead, stick to drinking water and avoiding caffeine and sugar altogether if possible.

“Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and expels water from your body.” -Healthline

In addition to drinking water, you might also try sipping on clear fluids like ginger ale. The carbonation can sometimes help settle your stomach and ease seasickness symptoms without further dehydrating you.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables with High Water Content

In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods with high water content can also help keep you hydrated while on a fishing boat. Some examples of these types of foods include:

• Watermelon
• Cucumbers
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Pineapple
• Strawberries

Snacking on these types of fruits and vegetables throughout the day can not only help you stay hydrated but provide essential nutrients to your body as well.

“Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.” -Harvard School of Public Health

By following these tips for staying hydrated on a fishing boat, you can reduce your risk of seasickness symptoms and ensure that you’re feeling your best throughout the entire trip.

Try Natural Remedies

Feeling sick while on a fishing boat can easily ruin the entire experience. Not everyone likes taking medication to combat seasickness, but luckily there are natural remedies you can try:

Ginger or Peppermint for Nausea

Both ginger and peppermint have been known to help with nausea caused by motion sickness. Ginger is believed to work thanks to its phenols which relax stomach muscles, while menthol in peppermint helps soothe an upset stomach. You can consume them in different forms such as natural ginger or peppermint tea, lozenges, or candied varieties.

“Ginger root has long been used as a traditional remedy for nausea and vomiting associated with travel sickness.” -Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Acupressure Wristbands

Acupressure wristbands can stimulate certain pressure points that result in reduced motion sickness symptoms. These wristbands have a plastic stud placed against the area inside your wrist called P6 (or Neiguan) that triggers the point and works similarly to acupuncture. They are widely available at pharmacies and sports stores.

“Clinical research shows that acupressure point stimulation can be effective in relieving both nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.” -North American Journal of Medical Sciences

Essential Oils for Relaxation

Aromatherapy may not seem like the most obvious solution to sea sickness, but essential oils can help put you into a calmer state of mind. By inhaling various scents that have relaxing effects, you could feel more relaxed when it’s time to board that fishing boat. Some helpful options include lavender, chamomile, and bergamot oil.

“Lavender oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and anxiety issues.” -International Journal of Neuroscience

• There is no definitive cure for motion sickness, but natural remedies may work as effective alternatives to medication.
• Ginger and peppermint can help alleviate nausea caused by motion sickness because of their anti-inflammatory effects when ingested.
• Acupressure wristbands aim to trigger certain pressure points in your wrists that help combat symptoms related to motion sickness such as vomiting and dizziness.
• Aromatherapy oils like lavender, chamomile, and bergamot have natural relaxing properties that could reduce feelings of discomfort associated with being on a rocking boat.

Frequently Asked Questions