If you do bring your dog along fishing, remember to bring some kind of water bowl, especially if you are in an open boat without cover. I do put the cover up on my boat on a blazing hot day just in order to give the dogs a chance to grab some shade if they wish. I usually have some dog treats on board as well for extra persuasion if needed, and keep a container with some of their food in it if we’re out for a long day. Make the odd stop on shore to allow your dog a bathroom break as well. Extra care should be taken with tackle, especially lures and hooks for obvious reasons. A trip to the vet will take you off the water, will be expensive and ruin everyone’s day. Also, have a way to get your dog back into your boat figured out before it actually happens. It’s not an easy task getting a canine topside again sometimes, especially with even a medium-sized dog being several pounds heavier when soaked with water.
Let your dog give the fish a little sniff when you get it unhooked, give them some praise and make them part of the hunt and you will have a fishing partner for life.
Pictured above: Bruce and Chloe fishing.