The topic at hand is about managing an active stoma in the morning, especially when planning to go on a boat fishing trip. The concern is that the stoma tends to be very active early in the day, which might require emptying the pouch multiple times before noon. Here are some practical tips and advice shared by others who have faced similar situations:

1. Slow or reduce morning output in advance:
- Consider eating very lightly the night before. Foods that can help thicken output include marshmallows, an early-evening dinner, or a Melba toast snack.
- Try to avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
- Either skip breakfast or keep it minimal. Experiment ahead of time to understand your gut’s timing.
- Over-the-counter options like Imodium (loperamide) can help slow down motility. Consult with your care team if you consider other medications.

2. Empty before leaving:
- Wake up earlier than usual to empty the pouch a few times at home.
- If you have a descending or sigmoid colostomy, you might consider full irrigation the night before. This is not suitable for transverse or ileostomy.

3. Bring discreet emptying supplies:
- Pack large Zip-lock bags, kitchen trash liners, or small bags from ostomy-supply boxes. You can also use a roll of doggie poop bags. Tie them off and store them in a small cooler or tackle box until you can dispose of them.
- Consider using a coffee can, collapsible dog-water bowl, or similar container lined with a disposal bag for easy draining. Include toilet paper, tissues, baby wipes, and hand-cleaning wet wipes.
- Carry spare pouches. If you use a two-piece appliance, you can quickly snap off the used pouch and snap on a closed-end pouch. Keep two fresh bags with your gear.

4. Over-the-side or quick-shore options:
- On a private or small boat, you can lean over the side downwind and drain directly into the water. Rinse the outlet with a water bottle, which you can refill from the lake or sea afterward.
- If you’re close to land, consider heading back to the ramp or a quiet shoreline spot to empty or swap pouches.

5. Odor management:
- Use in-pouch odor-eliminator drops or deodorant products to minimize smells if you need to use an onboard toilet.
- Open-air draining, whether over the side or on deck with a container, disperses odor quickly.

6. Plan, practice, and communicate:
- Rehearse your “fishing-day routine” a week ahead to see how dietary changes affect your output.
- Decide whether to inform your fishing partners. If you choose to, simply mention that you may need a brief break to empty.
- Keep an “ostomy emergency kit” with bags, wipes, spare pouches, tissues, and water wherever you store your lures or other gear.

7. Alternate scheduling:
- If possible, consider switching the outing to the afternoon when your stoma is typically quieter.

With a bit of planning, the right supplies, and a practiced routine, having an ostomy should not stop you from enjoying a morning on the water.