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| A muskie fisherman from Maple Grove, MN is missing on Lake Mille Lacs. His boat was found up near Red Door in the Knox point area. His name will not be released until his family or police do. He used the Casino landing and was last seen there on Wednesday around 5pm. He was fishing out of a 518 Ranger, his wallet was found in the boat with his bow mount down. That is all the info that has been released at this time. If anyone has any information or remembers seeing a 518 Ranger up in the Knox Point area, please contact proper authorities. Thanks
Edited by Baby Mallard 6/20/2009 8:48 PM
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Posts: 1058
Location: Medford, WI | Derek,
Sorry to hear about this...sure hope everything comes out ok. Just wanted to say thanks for posting this so that many people can see it and hopefully even one can help, and that I'll make sure to say a prayer for this guy and his family.
-Jake Bucki |
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Posts: 2089
| Just got off the water at 8pm tonight . Rolling early and very calm late. Very sad and brings back some very sad memories for me. God always watches over Fishermen. Steve |
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Posts: 716
| Sobering,
just hoping for the best |
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| Wow, that is terrible news! Please everyone WEAR your PFDs. |
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Posts: 135
| Very sobering indeed, hoping for the best.
Was Mille Lacs rough on Wednesday? Doesn't really matter, I've fallen out of the boat at Cave Run in perfectly calm conditions, it can happen really fast.
Wear your PFDs!! |
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Location: Twin Cities | That's terrible, thoughts go out for the family. Be careful everyone this fall! |
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Posts: 484
Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON | Most of us might not be able to crawl back in a boat with wet clothes dragging us down. We all need to develop a plan for doing this when alone. Remember, your trolling motor, if set on autopilot, might just keep the boat going. You are not likely to catch up. Learn basic life saving techniques like how to inflate your pants to make a life supporter and using the trim switch on the motor to help lift you up while standing on the cavitation plate. Make or buy a ladder that you can deploy while in the water to get in the boat. Taking a few minutes to make a plan could save your life. |
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Posts: 231
| DJS - 10/31/2008 6:56 AM
Wow, that is terrible news! Please everyone WEAR your PFDs.
How very true! I hope this story ends in a happy result. God willing!
Chas |
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Posts: 4266
| I'm going shopping tomorrow, and just added inflatable PFD's to my list and will look for a ladder. I saw one that a guy had on The Mississippi River in spring. Just a basic rope ladder with decoy weights on the bottom rung. He kept it deployed until he changed spots. Times like this make us all remember that we're not invincible, and we have people on shore who love us.
Beav |
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Posts: 1080
| Wow. Scary and sad news indeed.
I agree with what Bob has stated above.
Heck....in the summer months...when the water is comfortably warm and you have a lull in the action, in a shallow area...why not "test" yourself by carrying a full set of the types of clothing that you'd typically wear in the Fall/Winter months in your boat...put those on....jump in the water and put yourself to the test and put that plan in action. That way..if/when the time does come that an accident would happen that late in the year...you've "been there, done that" and have an idea of what to expect.
Try and replicate the amount and type of clothing exactly to what you'd wear in the late months. That way, you can see and feel the weight of wet clothing and how it could pull and weight you down.
*** REMEMBER TO DO THIS IN SHALLOW WATER AND WITH ANOTHER PERSON IN THE BOAT***
Can't hurt to try it.
The only thing you won't be able to replicate would probably be the obvious very cold, deathly cold water temps and maybe some high winds...but at least you'd get the sense of what to expect with that much wet, heavy clothing.
Another thing that may not be all that bad of an idea if you're not a strong swimmer: take some swimming classes, or..if you are a strong swimmer...why not take some life guarding classes....everyone should hopefully know basic CPR, etc, etc.
I guess one can never be overly prepared for something like this. It doesn't take big water like Mille Lacs to take someone. It can happen just the same on a 60 acre pond. All it takes is wet clothing and water temps below 50 degrees...obviously the colder the worse off you'll be and you have just that much less time before hypothermia sets in and your blood rushes from the extremities, ie, your arms and legs, and into the abdomen....it happens quickly....very quickly...
Thoughts and prayers go out to this missing individual and their family and friends. |
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Posts: 1080
| Beaver - 10/31/2008 1:51 PM
I'm going shopping tomorrow, and just added inflatable PFD's to my list and will look for a ladder. I saw one that a guy had on The Mississippi River in spring. Just a basic rope ladder with decoy weights on the bottom rung. He kept it deployed until he changed spots. Times like this make us all remember that we're not invincible, and we have people on shore who love us.
Beav
I've never quite understood why some guys are so against boats with swim ladders from the factory off the sterns of their boats? Beaver, I'm not saying this type of person is you...I just have heard, throughout the years, guys say and comment that they can't stand boats with ladders off the backs and would never have one, etc, etc.
I LOVE this feature on my boat. Has a flip-up ladder and a platform just off the back stern on the port side. Works great in the summer months when going out for a leisure swim and would aid in a life saving device, in addition to the power trim button on the motor and the use of standing on the cavitation plate...
I don't think I'll ever own another boat without this swim ladder from the factory. It's never once gotten in my way to the point where I wish I didn't have it there.
For those that order their boats to their specs....why not add this to your list, or continue to add it to your list....
Edited by MACK 10/31/2008 2:08 PM
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Posts: 393
Location: Hopefully on the water | PFD'S are crutial. A few years back my son fell in the river in March trying to net a walleye for me. Talk about a scare that does not leave. The main reason I made sure his jacket was on was because of the amount of people out there. He never complains about wearing it to this day but saved my little buddy. Also the other thing that helped was other fisherman. I wond up going in after him and by the time I got to him and got turned to head back to the boat we were 25 feet away from it in fast current and low 40 degree water. A couple of guys witnessed the whole thing and quickly aided us into their boat and helped out. I didn't get a real good chance to thank the guys that helped but remeber the boat and look for them in the spring to tell them a HUGE THANK YOU. You just don't realize how fast things can happen out there. Good news is my son still talks about it today that a HUGE fish pulled him in the water. Good lesson learned with a sfae outcome for the both of us. Point being you don't always have to be the last person off the lake or all by yourself in a area, watch for others, and wear your PFD'S. Goodluck with the search and prayers for the family. |
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Posts: 726
Location: Eau Claire, WI | I took a swim of my own earlier this year. Happened really quick, one wave caught me off guard and in I went. I had the presence of mind as I was falling to actually jump so I could get away from the boat. My thinking was that it's easier to swim if you haven't knocked your head on the boat while struggling to keep from falling in.
Obviously it all turned out OK but when I went in, the current was a little stronger than I thought and I had to work hard to get back to the boat. My bro was there to help me. While in the water, the thought did cross my mind that this is more serious than I thought and might not turn out so good for me.
My thoughts go out to the angler and family.
Jono
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Posts: 5874
| R&R Design has an e-ladder that bolts onto the motor mount on the transom. I've seen these on alot of the newer nboats last year. Are they required now?
Here is a link.
http://rnrd.com/mpa.main.html#
I will have one of these on my next boat. If there is a next boat. |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | When I fish alone I trail a 50' anchor rope behind the boat. Jonesi's idea about 4 years ago. |
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Posts: 431
| I witnessed a very large man being driven to shore one time while he was hanging on to the side of his boat. He had fallen in and had no chance of getting back in the boat-and it wasn't a high sided boat at all, just a low sided tracker. This was in approx. 50 degree trout water in the winter. In order to get to shore he had to grab the side of his boat and hold on while his son drove to the shore. We stopped to make sure he was ok, and he was, but it wasn't a good situation. |
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Posts: 567
| I almost met my maker on July 3rd 1995 . got thown over without a PFD. by myself. Please please wear your jackets. At age 29 I swam along way to shore , at 42 I would drown. MD |
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Posts: 552
Location: deephaven mn | i hope the best
we all do this.....i do it alot.......fish alone ........cold water........we take alot for granted
inflatable pdf...... i need one
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Posts: 4266
| I don't have a ladder YET, but my daughter and I have both practiced getting back into the boat by standing on the trim tabs and hitting the trim switch to give us a lift out of the water. I have nothing against ladders or boat with ladders. I'm just like most guys who don't think that it is a necessity until I read something like this. Do we use our kill switches? Our safety belts in trees? We can all do better.
I owe it to my daughter to do everything possible to make sure that I come home at night.
Beaver |
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Location: Twin Cities | This is roaming around my head a lot today, any updates? |
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Posts: 4266
| Just a question. Why don't they make outdoor gear for fishermen with GPS chips in them like they do for skiers? I bought a pair of Gore-tex Snowboarding pants for cold, wet weather, and there is a GPS chip that sends out a signal sewn right into the seam on the leg. Maybe foul-weather gear for fishermen should have the same thing, or at least have it offered.
Beav |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | One other thing to consider in these cool temps is that you should have an extra set of dry clothes on board. I take some of those huge ziplock bags and put a sweatshirt and jeans in them to keep them dry.
I'm totally getting one of those R&R ladders this off-season. My bassboat is pretty easy to get into, but what's $100-$200 for a little extra security? |
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| Here is a news article:
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=528470&catid=2
Edited by Baby Mallard 11/1/2008 12:17 PM
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| Another article from the Mille Lacs Messenger:
http://www.millelacsmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID...
I never know about Vivian Clark, but I'm a little surprised they are searching the south end of the lake. Maybe they got some good info from someone? I hope they find him soon.
Edited by Baby Mallard 11/1/2008 2:46 PM
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Posts: 716
| Beaver,
not to digress from the good points in this thread (and hope for the fisherman) but the reflective chips built in some ski wear are only that. The Recco system is used to find skiers buried in the snow (not to be confused with an avalanche radio beacon) and is a short range system at best and wouldn't help fisherman out. |
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Posts: 4266
| Mine is the RECCO system. The clothes are Insulated and Gore-tex, just what you should wear this time of year any way. I just think with all of the technology available, there should be some sort of tracking aide available. Can't be that hard to come up with something.
Edited by Beaver 11/1/2008 11:47 PM
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Posts: 53
Location: Victor, ID | Even if you had all the latest GPS or tracking abilities, there isn't enough time to save a drowning.
Being stuck in an avalanche with a tranceiver, your buddies that were with you are your first line of rescue. They have about 5 minutes to dig you out and have a good chance of you being alive.
Being on the water alone is the number one way to find yourself in trouble! I would never ski alone, even with all the latest technology.
My advice to all: DON'T FISH ALONE!
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| Had an opportunity of being overboard... Quick thinking and a amount of luck... got a hold of the boat and went to the main motor..... water logged with bout a ton of wet gear.. could not pull my self into boat.... I crawled as well as I could onto the cavitation plate.. put both feet on it and used the tilt switch to assist me into boat!!!! Worked for me....Try to keep that in mind... not everyone gets the second or more chances as I have...Wayne Klemz..Don't break the toy! |
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| that is such terrible news.
i am so sorry for the family and friends.
we went through something like that on green bay last year. it is really tough.
dannyboy |
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Posts: 12
| Hi guys,
Sad story and our prayers go out to his family and friends. This really makes me look back and think of all the times I have fished in conditions that may not be safest, as most of us crazy fishheads have several times. I'm also guilty of not being the safest when it comes to wearing the proper equipment. Especially when it is available to us. I think what it comes down to is comfort. After hearing this story I think I'm going to bite the bullet and purchase the Artic Armor suit. I really think if you fish in the fall or on the ice it would be stupid not to. Here is a link below for more info!
http://www.walleyedan.com/arcticarmor.html
Jeff Andersen
Edited by bigtooth 11/4/2008 9:44 AM
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Posts: 427
Location: Wausau | I was out there the same morning, fishing the south-east end. Wind was blowing from the SW/W and there were times I needed to grab the gunnel to balance quickly. The average rollers were about 3 feet with a few 4 footers that we could hear coming. We took water over the front, side and back through out the morning. After about 2 hours of "trying" to fish, we headed in for a break. We came out an hour later and fished a protected bay until 2:00 when the winds started to lay down. We meet up with Jonesi who asked if we seen the Ranger - which we did not. Sad, very sad accident. Sunday the winds were again very aggressive and we were suprised to see the number of smaller boats with single fisherman. I hope we can learn from others, b/c one mistake is all we'll get... |
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Posts: 1270
| In a pinch you can also use your outboard to get back in the boat, as long as it's not running. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | I do wear my auto inflatable vest when I am out alone but I am curious how well that would work with full winter gear on? I am sure it would keep you afloat but how well..?..
Love that motor trick! Tried it a while back in summer and while my tilt/trim did not like me taking a rid it did get me out of the water. Too bad about this guy. |
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Posts: 30
| I fish alone in conditions that are extreme fairly often (open seat on Green Bay in Nov. for anyone interested). Have thought about going over and my game plan a lot. I will be out every day the final week of the season.
I just bought a set of floating (not PDF rated) bibs and jacket. I also carry a water resistant cell phone to make an emergency call. I am under no illusions about the likelyhood of a phone call saving me, but there is a chance as long as I do not sink. This time of year if you floating you probably have 10-20 minutes max. before the cold fully overtakes you. If I got a call off that might be enough time.
Because I am trolling and alone, a ladder is the least of my worries. I trail a rope when that is an option, but it is probably too short to help. Boat is moving 2 mph +. No chance of catching it if I am in the water.
I will start carrying a flare gun and a whistle in the pocket to go with the phone. That would draw some attention if I am in the water.
On the GPS issue, most cell phones have a GPS location device that can be activated. Police can locate them pretty quickly. On water with the Coast Guard, they can get there pretty quickly if you contact them immediately.
There are GPS units that will beam their signal instantly. Rescue team might be dispatched pretty quickly (have not researched these). They cost $300+.
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Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB | did they ever find this guy |
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Posts: 2089
| No, not yet. Steve |
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Posts: 97
Location: Chaska MN. | I work with a guy whose ex. wife is married to the guy and as of Thurs. he said no sign yet, just say a prayer for the family that this nightmare ends soon. |
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| As a friend of the related, I happen to know he was an exceptionally avid, perhaps well known fisherman. I myself seldom fish alone, and when I do, it's unlikely I'd be going out at night alone. I understand the appeal all too well, but I am perplexed why the boat of choice was a bass boat (under the circumstances). Don't know what others think of this but I typically clip in to a safety rope, and don't leave the trolling motor on automatic.
Naturally feel horrible for the family's loss. No one lives forever, but no one expects / deserves that fate. |
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| In this case the trolling motor was down but NOT in the "on" position. The lake was calm in the area he was, so the bass boat was not a factor.
I'm fairly confident he'll be found in the next few days......
Steve Fellegy
651-270-3383 |
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| The copters were out there on Tuesday morning. Pretty sobering to see them crisscrossing the lake as the snow came down and the deck got got slick. |
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Posts: 86
Location: University of Hartford | this is really unfortunate, I hope for the sake of the family and friends that he is found just to give closure. He and the family are in my prayers. |
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| http://redrockonair.com/2008/11/14/pawlenty-calls-for-help-of-ntl-g... |
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Posts: 223
Location: Minn. | Good for the Governor. Would be nice for the family to get some closure. |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Did they find this guy by Edge Water? Dan mentioned there were reservation cops and county cops heading there on Wednesday. He also noticed a helicopter hovering 50 feet off the water for a long time in that area. Let's hope this is the case, at least for the families sake. |
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| Per the Messenger, they are still searching as of today. |
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Location: Twin Cities | Looks like the lake is icing over, such a sad ending for now. |
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| The missing angler has not been found as of today. The National Guard choppers etc. have been called off. water core temps are now 37-38 degreees and thus, the threshold for re-surfacing is generally gone. Periodic fly-overs will continue through ice up by DNR and State Trooper pilots.
Steve Fellegy |
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Posts: 39
Location: IL | Any updates to this?  |
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Posts: 2753
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Doubtful untill spring thaw- unless some ice fisherman accidently snag's the body. It's got to be very hard on family & friends, especially this time of year.
Is there anything we can do to help the family?
May God Bless them in the meantime.
Al |
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| Good news. He has been found. Finally closure for the family. http://millelacsmessenger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31476:body-found-in-mille-lacs&catid=34:c |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | God bless his family and those that were close to him.............It's been a long winter for his Family.
Jerome
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Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn. | My deepest Sympathy to his family. Though he's found, and in a way he's now at home, there truely is never any closure for them. |
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| My sympathy to the family and friends, what a ordeal for them, wear your life jackets guys and gals.
Edited by Muskiefool 6/21/2009 2:47 AM
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Posts: 31
| Since my only regular fishing partner is my 3 year old son, I purchased a auto-inflatable life vest. I knew someone who lost thier brother (went out alone - wasn't wearing a vest). I wear this vest ALL THE TIME!!!!! I used to wear a regular life vest but it would get hot and I was always tempted to take it off. With the auto-inflatable one - I forget I have it on. Definately the way to go! These are on sale right now and this is the one I got (very light and only comes down just below your chest)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=00639... |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Prayers for the family... Too bad they need to relive it again.
As for the vest, that Cabelas one is the auto inflate I have and it is very nice and you don't get hot in it vs a full vest. Once you have kids your thoughts change on wearing a vest and to the younger ones out there make sure you live long enough to have kids  Wear a vest... |
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Posts: 284
Location: Fishing the weeds | Too Sad. Our sympathy goes out to his wife Carol and all his family and friends. |
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Missing Muskie Fisherman on Mille Lacs