Unlike cars, boats have no brakes and physically extend below the surface of the "road". The abundance of timber that helps make Lake Fork a trophy fishery also makes sound safety practices your most important angling skill.

NEVER use the GPS coordinates on a map as your primary navigational tool. They are for locating structure and fish.

NEVER rely on any single source of data to navigate a lake. Be aware of as much as possible, and always exercise common sense.

NEVER exceed safe speeds for prevailing wind, weather, and visibility conditions. Sometimes staying home is the safest speed. No fish is worth anyone's life.

NEVER assume that an area that is clear today will be clear tomorrow. Active hazards change with water levels and the natural motion of debris through a body of water.

NEVER run at speed through unfamiliar areas without the shallow water alarm on your sonar unit activated.

NEVER drive your boat without employing a Coast Guard approved PFD and a properly fastened kill switch.