For safety, stay inside an hour before lightening & an hour after; don't fish at all during that time (think of what happens to a lightening rod!). Go to the NOAA site for more lightening safety info: NOAA Lightening Safety 5/23/09

Be safe when boating and know the law. For example, all children under 12 years must WEAR a USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD whenever above deck on any vessel that is underway: MA Guide to Boating Laws and Responsibilities 6/13/09

Don't leave children or pets in cars in summer; temperatures easily reach over 110, even in shade! Air conditioners have failed, with tragic results. Pets don't sweat the same as humans; dogs & cats sweat through the paws. They also pant to decrease their temperature; if panting more than usual, they are too hot! Humane Society Summer Tips & Pets911 & Summer Car Safety (AZ, but good info for here as too) 8/09

A 16 year old, who just received their driver's license, does not drive as well as a 25 year old, who has been driving since they were 16. Putting that 16 year old in every make and model of car will not make them a better driver than the 25 year old. Only experience makes you a better driver. This is the same with fishing. You can buy and use every type of bait, lure and tackle on the market. But, if you do not put in the hours and get experience, you will not increase the number of fish you catch. You have to keep going out there and put in your hours! 08/09

For trout, look at your hook before you cast, make sure it is covered and does not show! 10/09

Do you often receive tackle you don't want for holidays? Have them buy you a gift certificate to Ippi's instead; then, you pick out what you want or special order it! 12/09