hell dave, you performed a fine test that day at blue rock hole on
penns, imo... i learned quite a bit. it sure fukked up the fishin tho. g

jeff

Dave LaCourse wrote:

Do yourself a favor and try it. I did it a number of years ago with a rope
tied to my arm. I jumped off the dock at Lakewood Camps in Maine into some
cold water. I had a friend in the water and another on the dock with the other
end of the rope. Swimming ashore on my back was no trouble whatsoever. The
biggest hindrance was not the waders or shoes or wading staff, but my fishing
vest (minus my fly boxes!). I went back into the water to see if I could take
my vest off while in deep water. I couldn't. So, in fast water, like others
have said, get on your back, point your feet downstream, keeping them near the
surface, and backstroke to shore or to a place where you can stand.

If you are fearful, buy an inflatable vest - one with a co2 cartridge. Orvis
sells a very good one with co2 and a manual inflation stem. Also available are
suspenders (as Fortenberry has pointed out).

Good Reiding.