Can Fishing Cause Dizziness? Causes & Remedies
Geoff Stadnyk in Fishing Guides on
Do you love fishing but sometimes feel dizzy after a long day on fishing on the water? You’re not alone! Many people experience dizziness or vertigo after fishing. In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of this phenomenon and offer some tips to help you stay safe and enjoy your fishing trips.
Can fishing cause dizziness or what causes dizziness while fishing?
The short answer is yes, fishing can cause dizziness for a variety of reasons, including dehydration, sun exposure, fish allergies, circulation issues, and motion sickness. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Dehydration
When you are out fishing, it is easy to become dehydrated. The sun and wind can quickly sap your energy and make you thirsty. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated.
Other options to stay hydrated on the water while fishing include sports drinks, fruit juices, and coconut water.
Sun exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dehydration and dizziness. Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, and take breaks in the shade to cool down.
Also consider that if you’re fishing on a really hot day, even if it’s not sunny you can still become dizzy from overheating. Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink and take breaks in the shade.
Circulation issues
Poor circulation can also cause dizziness while fishing. If you have any underlying health conditions that affect your blood flow, be sure to talk to your doctor before going on a fishing trip.
Often, sitting or standing in one position for a long period of time on the water can cause dizziness. If you feel lightheaded when fishing, be sure to take breaks often and move around to get your blood flowing.
Fish Allergy
You can actually be allergic to touching, smelling and generally being around fish which, in care cases, may cause dizziness. If you think this might be the case for you, it is best to either avoid fishing trips all together or talk to your doctor to see if you can take any allergy medication prior to the trip.
Motion sickness
Some people are susceptible to motion sickness, which can cause dizziness and nausea. In the context of fishing, most people would likely call this sea sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to take anti-nausea medication before going fishing, and avoid drinking alcohol while fishing or while on the water. We also have an article here about how to not get seasick on a fishing boat that you might be interested in.
Sea sickness bands are also a popular remedy for motion sickness, especially for those who go on deep sea fishing charters.
How can I prevent dizziness while fishing?
There are a few things you can do to prevent dizziness while fishing.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun
- Take breaks in the shade to cool down
- Move around often to keep your blood flowing
- Take anti-nausea medication if you are prone to motion sickness
- Talk to your doctor to eliminate a fish allergy and get antihistamines.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of dizziness and sea sickness while fishing. Stay safe and have fun on your next fishing trip!
Geoff started fishing as a child in the gorgeous lakes of Mammoth, while on family vacations. His fishing experience includes the use of fly rod and reel. Guided trips along the Madison and Gallatin rivers in Montana, the Frying Pan and Animus in Colorado, and the Deschutes river in Oregon have all paid off and helped make Geoff the angler and writer that he is today.
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