|
|
Posts: 2089
| It's that time of year when falling overboard can be a life and death situation.While wearing big clodhopper boots and walking around a boat floor that resembles a skating rink, accidents are a realistic possibility.This Fall, I came up with a plan of action BEFORE even putting the boat in the water.I discussed with clients and buddies what to do and at this point, haven't had to put it into play.Thank God.If someone falls in, the other is to grab the Frabill Big Kahuna, extend it to reach the person and then hook the hoop over one of the rod holders.Climbing back into the boat with full winter gear is a daunting task.Much easier with something at water level to hold.A bent hoop is a small price to pay.Get to shallow water/get to a low point on the boat to climb in to safety.Hope nobody ever has to use this method, but it may help in time of crisis.Be safe. Steve |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | To climb back into the boat, one should if all possible go to the back and using the cavitation plate to help you up into the boat. Make sure the motor is turned off before attemping.
Good subject Jonesi. |
|
| |
|
| Muskienut hit it on the head--Use your motor as a platform. This is not only a great foothold, but the lowest part of the boat. Be Safe |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | A PFD will save you more than anything, water logged winter apparell will make you sink fast. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | My ladder is always onboard too.
Thanks for starting this post Steve.
Thanks for the safety reminders everyone. Cold water is most deadly! |
|
| |
|
| Perfect timing Steve, Have you been talking to my father? That's sort of how my dad's last request goes except without the net part, and the us driving away part. Everybody try and stay out of the water unless you a polar bear well then just go ahead. Duff |
|
| |
|
| Great post Steve.
Fishing late in the season always freaks me out a little, because of the added risk of hypothermia.
Getting a concusion from Capt.Bigfish whacking me in the back of the head with a half pound lure is bad enough(especially when it happens often). |
|
| |
|
Posts: 469
Location: Downers Grove, IL | I'm going to carry an extra rope and a second set of rain gear in the boat this weekend. Things get a little shakey in a 14.5 ft alumacraft! Hopefully Cooney can settle down when the sucker rod goes off. LOL.
thedude |
|
| |
|
Posts: 122
Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Don't forget dry clothes. I have a plastic bag with an old pair of sweat pants, sweat shirt, socks and tennis shoes in the boat. That along with an old set of pvc rain gear. If you go in, get the wet stuff off immediately and get into dry clothes! Hypothermia will still set in if you are sitting in wet clothes.
Rich D |
|
| |
|
Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | Last year I bought a Mustang floatation suit for late season fishing. Floatation suits are expensive (mine was well-used and still about $130 on EBay), but they'll keep you afloat AND help prevent hypothermia should you go in the drink. The nice thing about wearing them is they are warm. I don't need nearly as many layers, so I'm actually more mobile when I'm wearing it than I would be if I were simply layering up winter clothes.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1086
| Having a Fish 'N Ski type of a boat...having the ladder at the back of the boat helps for this scenario as well...which is good. We always have extra clothes on board as well... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1207
Location: Pigeon Forge TN. | A lot of good advice to follow. Our Dept. has a Hovercraft for rescue at Pymatuning, BUT, we would rather not have to use it. 
Edited by Stan Durst 1 11/24/2005 6:57 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | flotation suit, float coat .... leave a rope trailing out the back of the boat |
|
| |
|
Posts: 240
| Anyone that does any amount of fall fishing should spend the money on a survival suit!!! Both mustang and Boy-O-boy make good ones. Yes they are expensive but worth every penney. They are great for everyday warmth and comfort, to saving your life should you go in. I Had a friend go in a few years back. He was wereing his one piece mustang and was able to get out real fast. When he came out, he was dry almost everywhere except around the neck and around one of his ankles. They are also great for icefishing as they are very warm.
I never go out fall fishing or Ice fishing without mine. I hope that I never have to test it out but I know it will make all the diffrence in the world if I ever happen to go in
Cory
|
|
| |
|
| Well,
Just when you think you have seen it all, a report yesterday abou two boaters on Tonka having to swim 300 feet in high waves and 35F water temperature hits the nightly news.
Seems, they wanted to create their own rock pile and loaded up the boat with rocks then took on water from the high winds and waves to the point where it sunk...
Imagine that..
 |
|
| |
|
| Hey Guys,
Here are some of the best things I've done in the past, when it was brutally cold:
1.) Always carried an XXL of insulated rain gear in the boat
2.) Always carried an extra pair of size 12 boots
3.) Always had 2 or 3 pair of EXTRA warm, dry gloves
4.) Always kept heaters of some sort, that quickly warmed up
5.) Tried to have some type of wind break
If someone fell in, (my father did back in 1992...November 17th in Vilas Cty.) I would hand them the hoop of the net.(Which I did for my father...as was mentioned as a first move by Jonesi) I would insure they got to the side of the boat, and would try to pull them in.(my father was over 275 lbs. with wet gear and himself) If this didn't work, I walked to the back of the boat, with the motor off, and had them grab onto the back of the motor.(which I had to do with my father) While I held onto their hands "around" the motor, I used my side switch or foot tilt/trim, and tilted it ALL THE WAY UP! They would be in a position, almost horizontal, that I was able to drag them into the boat. It is just an idea, especially if the person is older or bigger, and either they can't or you can't pull them into the boat!
Just my 2 cents worth....but it worked for my father, and hopefully it may help work in your situation!
Sincerely,
Everyone stay safe,
Donnie 
Edited by Donnie3737 11/25/2005 4:55 PM
|
|
| |
|
| Cavitation plate is a bit scary if you slipped onto that prop you would probably need to pee through your belly button |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | It's definately not fun for us rescuers to out there and get one of fellow fisherman, I'm predicting a call this week with the new ice. Busting through the ice in a gumby suit really sucks. |
|
| |
|
| BUT...better to slip down and crunch the little fellas for a minute or two, then to lose your life...it really does work. Have the person in the water, wrap his/her legs around the shaft...and slowly raise them up....
Donnie |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3
| Tie a rope to your boat cleats and let out enough slack for it to act as a step for the person in the water. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 484
Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON | Thanks for covering this topic. I have a good friend who is 6'5" and at the time he fell in weighed 325 lbs. With a burr suit, boots, etc. he must have been over 400 lbs. He was sinking fast when he was grabbed by the collar about 3 feet under the water. You cannot believe how difficult it was to get him back in the boat. Thank God it was a bass boat and didn't have much freeboard. All the advice about using the net and making a step out of the rope makes good sense. Using the cavitation plate can be tricky since it can be quite slippery. The cold water and exertion can quickly tire out almost anyone. If need be, drag the person into shore so they can get their feet under them. It doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in when you are exhausted. Dry gear is a must in cold weather. This has been an excellent post with good advice all around. Thanks guys.
Edited by rpieske 11/29/2005 9:25 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Never ever leave the dock in fall without a Mr Heater Buddy or equivillant....bring an extra cannister of gas too. A good quick heat source could save your hands, feet or life |
|
| |
|
| Trust me on the motor...it really does work! |
|
| |
