"Ronnie" wrote in message
oups.com...
While practicing for my Lake Martin tournament week before last, I
stopped on a spot up the river in about 15 feet of water. After putting
the troll motor in, I picked up a rod. The line caught on the handle of
another rod and flipped it in.

When I grabbed for the rod I went overboard. First time I ever fell out
of a boat. I remember grabbing for the rod as I went under, never did
get it. When I came up I could stay on the surface paddling with my
hands, but as soon as I tried to grab the boat I started going under -
the boat sides were slick and I was wearing tennis shoes and jeans.

The panic I felt was scary. All the stories of drowned fishermen
flashed through my mind. I finally worked my way to the back of the
boat and used the motor as a ladder to get in - not too easy, but I
made it.

I threw out a marker but the boat had drifted, there was a little
current. Then I remembered my sunglasses - my polarized, bifocal
prescription $300 sunglasses. They were on the bottom with my rod and
reel. If I had dropped a marker rather than grabbing for the rod I
probalby would have been able to snag it with a spoon - and I would
still have my sunglasses.

I was by myself, of course. At least nobody saw me! I am going to try
again to wear my Sospenders - getting too old to swim around like that!

That's an experience that no one should have to experience. I did the same
thing spring walleye fishing on the Wisconsin River, when the water temp was
34 degrees. Luckily for me, I had two great big corn fed Illinois boys with
me. They were able to grab me when I surfaced next to the boat and pull me
out of the water. By the time we made the 5 mile run back down the river, I
didn't think I'd make it.

I'm glad you're around to tell the tale, I'm not done with you. We have a
lot of fishing and a couple more hog hunts to do yet.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com