On the subject of losing rods and reels, when I was 12-14 years old me and a buddy were cat-fishing up in the north Georgia mountains. Well the owner of this small pond feed the catfish, so they were pretty big 15-30 pound catfish if not more.
Not paying attention , I let one pull my rod and reel in. About 10-15 minutes later we were standing on the bank we see the huge cat fish moving along the bank, drag'in my rod and line behind him!!! So we ran into the water and grapped the reel and fought him in, needless to say it was a interesting day !!!! 8) ;D