A float plan tells someone where you are going and when you will be back — the single most important fishing safety habit. Here is what to include and how to file one.
Always tell someone your plan before you launch.
A float plan is simply your trip details left with a trusted person ashore (or filed in an app). If you do not come back on time, they know where to send help. File one every trip, even short local ones.
Include where you are launching and where you are going.
Name the launch ramp or access point and the general area or waters you will fish. If you plan to move spots, say so.
Give an expected return time and a grace period.
State when you will be back and how long to wait before raising the alarm (for example, call if I am not back or in touch by 6pm). Overestimating slightly avoids false alarms.
List your boat and vehicle details.
Boat make, length, hull color, and registration, plus the vehicle and trailer left at the ramp. These are the first things responders look for.
Name who to call if you are overdue.
Give your contact the local non-emergency and Coast Guard numbers, and tell them to call 911 or hail the USCG on VHF channel 16 if you are seriously overdue.
Check in when your plan changes or you are back.
Update your contact if you change plans, and always close the loop when you return so no one launches a needless search.
🚨 Emergency Protocol
If someone is overdue and unreachable, contacts should call 911 or hail the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 with the float plan details. MyFishingBuds can file and share a GPS-tracked float plan free on every plan, with automatic alerts if you miss your check-in.