Picture this – you are more than 20 miles offshore, the winds are blowing strongly, and nothing but water is on the horizon. You are feeling nauseous, dizzy and all sorts of discomfort. You just want out!
Seasickness is one of the worst experiences you can have when out on a deep sea fishing trip.
It can ruin what could have been a fun and thrilling adventure.
Fortunately, there are several remedies for deep sea fishing motion sickness such as Bonine, wristbands, ginger, Scopolamine, and Dramamine, as well as numerous effective preventative measures.
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What Causes Seasickness?
Although it is unpleasant, most people know their susceptibility to seasickness.
If you usually experience motion sickness when traveling by air, road or rail, or when riding a rollercoaster, you are at a higher risk of getting seasick.
The primary cause of seasickness is an interference in the human balance system that resides in the inner ear.
This interference occurs when the boat experiences instability while sailing.
For instance, when waves rock your boat, the inner ear detects changes as your body moves along with the vessel.
However, your eyes register a stable scene because they move along with the boat.
This inconsistency in perception triggers the brain to release stress-related hormones that eventually cause nausea, vertigo, vomiting, lethargy and general discomfort.
Strong odors like engine fumes and fish can amplify the symptoms of seasickness.
In most cases, this condition lasts for up to 24 hours after setting sail.
Unless you encounter strong waves, the symptoms should subside within a day.
Additionally, the survival rate for seasickness is 100%. All you need is a balanced diet, enough water, and some medication.
Best Motion Sickness Medicine and Remedies
Here are some remedies you can use to relieve the symptoms of seasickness.
Ginger
If you like natural remedies, you might want to use ginger for treating motion sickness.
For many years, people have used this herb for curbing stomach upsets, a common symptom of seasickness.
The good thing about ginger is that it’s available in multiple forms – you can chew it raw, drink its ale, or swallow it as a tablet.
It is also readily available in chemists and grocery stores. Even better, it doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription to take.
Acupressure Wristbands
Acupressure wristbands work by inhibiting the transmission of signals that cause seasickness to the brain.
There are two types of wristbands. The first type applies pressure on your wrists directly while the second block signals using electronic simulation.
Regardless of the type of wristband you use, you are almost guaranteed of preventing seasickness.
Moreover, wristbands don’t have the side effects associated with other motion sickness remedies, such as drowsiness and tiredness.
Bonine
Bonine is among the most popular over-the-counter drugs used for treating seasickness.
People like this medicine because it has little to zero side effects.
The best time to take Bonine is a few hours before your fishing trip.
Ideally, this should be the night before your expedition and in the morning after waking up.
Although most pills indicate that they become active two to four hours after swallowing, this isn’t enough time for the drug to get fully distributed across your body.
This is why it is advisable to take it hours before your trip.
Dramamine
Like Bonine, Dramamine is an antihistamine that can help fight seasickness.
However, it isn’t as effective, meaning that you have to consume it more frequently.
Beware though; it tends to induce sleepiness.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an excellent alternative to ginger.
It can help relieve an upset stomach and relax your digestive system.
Like ginger, it’s also available in multiple forms, including powder, candies, or raw leaves.
Aromatherapy
You don’t always have to eat herbs to cure motion sickness. Sometimes, their scent is enough to relieve the symptoms.
For instance, you can cut a chunk of ginger and smell it whenever you experience discomfort. The same works for essential oils.
Ensure that you perform aromatherapy before jumping into your boat.
Keep in mind that this remedy doesn’t work for everyone – if you find these plants and oils unpleasant on land, they won’t do you any good in the deep seas.
Scopolamine Patches
Scopolamine patches resemble round band-aids, but they are smaller.
They are worn behind the ear for up to three days.
These patches are popular among offshore sailors who intend to spend more than a day in the deep seas.
While most people who take Scopolamine don’t experience any side effects, there are few who do undergo a difficult time.
Some users report that they experienced hallucinations and dizziness after consuming this drug.
Another issue with these patches is that the manufacturer doesn’t indicate the right dosage levels.
The tablet version of Scopolamine is called Scopace.
Unlike the patch, you can adjust the dosage according to your weight and length of your fishing trip.
Even better, tablets are twice as effective as patches in preventing motion sickness.
Ambien
Sleeping can help you deal with motion sickness.
However, the discomfort caused by this condition makes it difficult to take a nap.
By taking Ambien, you can knock yourself out, regardless of the extent of misery you are experiencing.
Ensure that you take this drug before you start vomiting.
If you can’t get a prescription for Ambien, try Benadryl, another antihistamine that induces sleep.
Keep in mind that these drugs are so powerful that they’ll keep you asleep for several hours.
Final Thoughts
For most people, especially first-timers, seasickness is inevitable.
When motion sickness occurs while the boat is close to the shore, you can return to the dock for treatment.
In the deep seas, however, you’ll have to wait for it to be calm – a process that can take several hours, or even days.
The best way of preventing motion sickness during your deep sea fishing trips is by using a combination of the medicines and remedies listed in this article.
Ensure that you get adequate rest before setting sail, as exhaustion makes you more susceptible to seasickness.
Lastly, avoid alcohol and spicy foods before your fishing trip especially if this is your first time.
Please ensure you seek medical advice before taking any treatment for sea sickness. We are not Doctors, just fishermen with past experience of sea sickness
