Sounds like this guy was right up where you guys been fishing. Three weeks into the new year and already have the first casualty on the lake 
http://www.wistv.com/story/20635790/crews-search-for-possible-drowning-victim-in-lake-murray
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
Wow, hate to see things like this.
(btw if anyone saw my previous comment, it was totally for a different thread… had too many threads open at once…)
The young man was a good friend of the son of our team-mate Gary. Horrible tragedy. Perhaps we all need to do a better job of wearing pfd’s, especially while fishing alone in cold water conditions. I was told he was attempting to swim for shore and apparently succumbed to the conditions. That area of Beaverdam is not too wide at all for someone in good shape to swim under warm water conditions. But hypothermia can set in within a couple of minutes in 50 degree water… We all need to be very careful out there regardless of the size boat we fish.
My prayers go out for Jason’s family and friends.
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175 Yammy Jammer
I was actually fishing beaverdam Sunday afternoon and unfortunately had to witness all of the rescue squads searching for him while I was slowly passing by after I stopped fishing once we saw what was going on. It has definitely made me think twice about fishing alone, especially in colder weather like Fogman said.
“Reel Obsession”
Sea Hunt BX 22 Pro
Yamaha 150 HP
That is a shame, prayers go out to the family. I fish alone at night in the winter. I feel I should probably reconsider that choice. Or at least put wear a pfd and lanyard. I keep a change of clothes in the boat, but that wouldn’t do me any good if I can’t get in the boat. I’ve thought about doing a practice run in the winter at a dock just to see if I can get back in the boat. It’s just hard to jump into cold water like that on purpose.
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
Guys–if you fish alone…wear a pfd… normal body temp = 98 degrees…at body temp of 94 degrees — you cannot function…now think…water temp is in the low 50’s…
don’t take the risk…
quote:
Originally posted by SanteeCarlGuys–if you fish alone…wear a pfd… normal body temp = 98 degrees…at body temp of 94 degrees — you cannot function…now think…water temp is in the low 50’s…
don’t take the risk…
I was at your MSC presentation last yr. The things you discussed are still in my mind and bring scary thoughts to mind. Its sad that this has happened but it has brought an awareness to me that I should have never forgotten. Being that the man was only 33yrs old and couldnt get to the bank scares the heck out of me and makes my “superman” feeling shrivel up pretty quick. The wife and I have decided I need a vest on when alone.
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
Also, another lesson learned from one of our own MSC members who fell in during a January tourney… have a ladder or some means of climbing back in your boat if you fish alone and have nobody to pull you in. With the winter clothes and boots you’ll be wearing water-logged, you probably can’t climb back in the way you can in the summer time.
I just have the cheap orange life jackets (other than my kids). Anyone have a recommendation for a PFD that is comfortable?
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
They aren’t cheap but I am going to purchase the vest type that inflates when submersed in water. I have wore one many times shrimping while up on the bow throwing the net. They are very comfortable and are very easy to get used to, but like I said they are not cheap. Cheapest i have found is a little over 100$ and have seen them go up to 300$
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
I’ve worn an auto-inflatable for years. Fortunately I’ve never had to put it to use. It’s very light weight and won’t get you hot like the full vest type of PFD. Yes, they’re pricy but when you consider it’s about what we pay for a decent rod/reel combo it doesn’t seem so bad. Most importantly, you’ll be more likely to actually wear it.
War Eagle 754 Ducks Unlimited - Yamaha 75
Prayers to the family. I have a couple questions about the auto-inflate vests. If they are deployed, can they be repacked or are they one and done? Do they auto inflate in water from getting wet, or is it some kind of water pressure activation? I wouldn’t want to put the money into one to have it wasted going off on a rainy day.
Remember: you get what you pay for…the one I have from Bass Pro–uses a co cannister to inflate…you have to replace the cannister after use…it does not inflate during rain…but beware the cheaper models cause this is a problem so I have heard…I am not recommending any specific brand or model…
Buy one…Wear one…if you fish alone…
quote:
Originally posted by SteverinoP I have a couple questions about the auto-inflate vests.
War Eagle 754 Ducks Unlimited - Yamaha 75
quote:
Originally posted by Jon BoyAlso, another lesson learned from one of our own MSC members who fell in during a January tourney… have a ladder or some means of climbing back in your boat if you fish alone and have nobody to pull you in. With the winter clothes and boots you’ll be wearing water-logged, you probably can’t climb back in the way you can in the summer time.
Another option for re-boarding, for those with large outboards, is to make your way to the motor if you have the presence of mind. Step on the cavitation plate and trim yourself back into the boat using the button on the side of the motor. This could still be a huge challenge when becoming hypothermic, but it is an option. All bets are off when one falls into cold warer.
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175 Yammy Jammer
An option for a pfd? Try a kayak fishing vest/pfd. Most are type II and they have pockets to hold most items that you may need to get to. Some also come with a whistle (a requirement for kayaking). The big plus, they are not bulky and are somewhat comfortable.
Just something to consider.
[/quote]
Another option for re-boarding, for those with large outboards, is to make your way to the motor if you have the presence of mind. Step on the cavitation plate and trim yourself back into the boat using the button on the side of the motor. This could still be a huge challenge when becoming hypothermic, but it is an option. All bets are off when one falls into cold warer.
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175 Yammy Jammer
[/quote]
I think that move is known as the Kellemeyer move.
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
You got it!
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175 Yammy Jammer
One word of advice about the inflatable. Its my understanding that if you are stopped by a game warden you must be wearing it at all times for it to count as a life preserver or have an extra regular approved life jacket in the boat for each inflatable not being worn. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
The guys I fish with that have inflatables always have an extra regular life preserver in the boat.
My wife tells me I should always wear my life jacket when fishing alone even in the summer. I agree that its a good idea year around and a must in the winter.
quote:
Originally posted by SpoonmasterOne word of advice about the inflatable. Its my understanding that if you are stopped by a game warden you must be wearing it at all times for it to count as a life preserver or have an extra regular approved life jacket in the boat for each inflatable not being worn. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
The guys I fish with that have inflatables always have an extra regular life preserver in the boat.
My wife tells me I should always wear my life jacket when fishing alone even in the summer. I agree that its a good idea year around and a must in the winter.
You bring up an interesting point. I know that holds true for the belt type inflatables since they are a class V device. Most inflatable vests are rated as class II or III which would meet the requirements from the DNR as to what you must have onboard. I always wear mine so I’m not too worried about getting a ticket but it would be nice to have a clear understanding of the requirement.
War Eagle 754 Ducks Unlimited - Yamaha 75