How to Not Get Seasick on a Fishing Boat

Can you get seasick on a lake? Seasickness doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to you regardless of whether you’re in salt or freshwater. It also affects beginners and some of the most seasoned of anglers. In the absence of a remedy, being on solid ground will remain the only option for a person who’s seasick to find relief. The problem is that this limits your fishing adventures. But, don’t fret as we’ll give you tips on how to not get seasick on a fishing boat.

Just remember that there’s still no long-term cure that’s discovered for addressing seasickness. Fortunately, there are a couple of medical and natural remedies. Let’s now take a closer look at some tried and true solutions for avoiding seasickness.

In this guide, our goal is to help you embark on successful fishing adventures by minimizing the instances of you feeling qualmish while fishing.

Eating the correct food and preparing a day before the trip can do wonders for your experience out on the water.

What is Seasickness?

Learning how to not get seasick fishing starts by understanding what exactly is seasickness. Essentially, seasickness is motion sickness that’s experienced on a water vessel. It’s the inner ear that governs the balance of your sense of movement and the entire body.

When you move, you’re aware of it and so is the inner ear. But, when your eyes aren’t registering the motion properly, you’ll experience getting nauseous or queasy. This is seasickness.

Reading, laying in a cabin, and/or playing with your phone can make the problem worse. This is because your eyes, in such instances, have static images that contradict what your body is sensing. 

There are technological developments and they’re happening rapidly. But, while the brain can keep up, our bodies take a lot longer to adapt.

It may come as a surprise that seasickness affects everyone. However, the majority of us don’t show symptoms. Do you have motion sickness when you travel on land or air? If so, then it’s a strong indicator you won’t fare too well when you’re on an inflatable pontoon boat.

How to Prevent Seasickness on a Fishing Boat

There are lots of ways to avoid getting seasick while fishing: having the right diet, medication, using natural ingredients, and mental exercise. Our advice is for you to try several different methods at once, except for medicine.

Figuring out the combination of methods on how to not get seasick on a fishing boat is key in addressing the problem, especially if you’ll be on a long fishing trip.

Do Mental Gymnastics

Mind over matter – this is more crucial than ever. It’s more than a mere saying when talking about seasickness. Willpower and confidence both play a critical part in our daily lives. Fortunately for you, they are applicable in fighting off nausea.

Trick yourself into believing that you aren’t seasick as soon as you’re on open sea or on water, don’t think about being sick. Why would you? You’re not the type of person that will get seasick. Stick to the resolve of never being seasick again.

Also, get accustomed to the primitive lifestyle when you’re on a fishing trip. This means no reading books, using your phone, or watching movies. They are guaranteed to trigger your seasickness. So, as much as possible, avoid them.

It would be best to spend your time out on deck. This is because you’ll be able to look ahead, be busy, and breathe in fresh air. You’ll be occupied with your fishing equipment, which is a welcomed distraction from thinking about being nauseous.

When you’re seasick, sleeping can prove to be an issue. One of the best ways to handle the situation is getting as tired as you possibly can to reduce the time you require to fall asleep.

Avoid Certain Foods

Your biggest enemy when you’re on a bass boat will be your stomach. You’ll have to make sure that it’s kept settled. You can start with a balanced, healthy diet a day before the fishing trip. Avoid spicy and heavy food.

Alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited. Your primary beverage should be water. Coffee will upset your stomach. If possible, stick with tea. Hydration is an important factor not just in preventing sea sickness but for your overall health as well.

We’ve asked experienced anglers how to not get seasick on a fishing boat and they all agreed drinking mint, ginger, or lavender will soothe the digestive system, preventing seasickness. If you’re having trouble keeping your meals down, we suggest you resort to eating crackers without sugar and saltines.

Mints and chewing gums garner mixed results among anglers. Some find them helpful while there are those that are overwhelmed with their strong smells.

Artificial sweeteners are usually added to them and they often cause stomach issues. If you really need to consume them, just make sure that you’re not taking too many.

Take Medication

If the symptoms are bad or too intense that natural remedies no longer work, modern medicine may be necessary.

Antiemetic drugs are specifically used in combating nausea. A scopolamine transdermal skin patch is another option; however, you can only get it with a prescription.

Discuss the issue with a pharmacist or your physician as the medical professional can help you find the best solution. For severe cases, it will be best to consult with your doctor so you can get a potent antiemetic.

Conclusion

Getting seasick is very common, so you shouldn’t give up on trying to achieve your fishing aspirations. This is especially if you haven’t tried all the available ways to not get seasick on a fishing boat.

Also, NEVER underestimate yourself, particularly the power of the brain. The mind can get the body accustomed to motion.

Most medicines for nausea don’t have negative side effects; however, it’s still recommended to go first with the natural approach. Sliced ginger and pleasant scents can help fight nausea-inducing odors.

We hope this guide helps you in finding the most suitable methods in eliminating your seasickness.