For the first time in my life

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!

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

I am sorry that this happened to you.
Thank you for posting your experience.
I hope it serves as a sober reminder to the rest of us
who have gotten lazy about safety procedures.

I am one who leaves the Sospenders on the back
of the seat when fishing alone.

No more!



"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!

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

Sometimes those rods are easier to replace Ronnie. Luckily all went well
this time (except for the glasses)... take care man.


"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!

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

"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!

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

Youch! Glad you are ok. You might want to check your homeowners insurance.
Unless your deductible is higher than the glasses, rod and reel you might be
able to recover some. A buddy lost his trolling motor awhile back and
recovered some cash like this. Joe Z.

"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!

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com


Glad you are hear to tell the tale. I added a boarding ladder to the Cat
just for such emergencies. I haven't needed it, but...


--
Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com

Glad everything worked out Ronnie, being out of any boat is scary.

Lost Rod and Reel 200.00-500.00
Lost Sun glass's 300.00
Living to tell about it---Priceless.

For everything else there's Mastercard


"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
"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!

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com


Glad you are hear to tell the tale. I added a boarding ladder to the Cat
just for such emergencies. I haven't needed it, but...


--
Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com

Glad you're here to tell the story.

"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!

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

"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

Do whatever it takes to stay safe, Ronnie, including wearing cork underwear.
I always dream of again sharing a boat with you!


--
Bob Rickard
Chief Old Geezer ;-)
www.secretweaponlures.com
Better design, better lures, better results
--------------------------~ 0')))



"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in
message ...

"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

I'm also glad to hear that your ok Ronnie, it's one of our turns to win
one of these things!!!!!!

Heavy



Bob Rickard wrote:
Do whatever it takes to stay safe, Ronnie, including wearing cork underwear.
I always dream of again sharing a boat with you!


--
Bob Rickard
Chief Old Geezer ;-)
www.secretweaponlures.com
Better design, better lures, better results
--------------------------~ 0')))



"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in
message ...

"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