SemperFishing

Me. I can deal with most issues. I kayak fish and what can really ruin my day is my own state of mind. If I keep my head on the water instead of at home or at work, I'm good. I avoid waters that allow gas engines because, well most boaters (not all) are an inconsiderate lot.

Someone needs to fess up to it, so here I go. I've flipped a full kayak. In 40 degree water on a 70 degree day. Your PFD is the most important piece of equipment you can own. I wasn't worried about drowning, hypothermia and a heart attack had me scared. Being a floating corpse. I flipped in trying to adjust my Native Slayer's great seat to the lower position. It happened quickly. In 9 feet of water on a windy day. The yak stayed upside down and there was no getting back in it, I tried. Instead I side stroked to shore, thankfully only twenty yards away. However, I had just dropped anchor. So I'm dragging yak......and anchor to shore. I got it all there, composed myself, and flipped it back over. I was wearing layers, chest waders, windbreaker. I lost five rods. All G Loomis and Shimano reels. I was able to retrieve one days later by dragging the bottom. Total loss was approximately $2K. My Lowrance survived great, my yakattack crate was strapped in and CLOSED, my phone (in a dry box) was safe, as was the rest of my tackle in plano boxes. Scared a year off my life. I relay this because it can happen to you. Will one day. WEAR YOUR PFD ALWAYS. Strap in everything, leash everything, containerize everything. When you use something or change baits close the container and secure it before you cast. Have a dry bag with dry clothes, matches, etc. Wear bright colors, have a flag if you kayak wear powerboats or speeding traffic share the water with you. Water proof flashlights. Think flip and plan flip. You may be the most careful person but mother nature or a power boater have it out for you. I love yak fishing. But I learned a hard lesson. It will happen. Be prepared!!!

This isn't from 2016 but it's worth telling as a cautionary tale. In late February of 2015 on a beautiful overcast and unusually warm 70's day I was kayak fishing on Germantown Lake in VA. Air temp 72 degrees, water temp 40 degrees. I was set and ready to go with rods and tackle loaded. Dressed in layers. As I arrived at my chosen spot I was uncomfortable with my seat position, it was in the high location. So I went about adjusting it. I couldn't catch my breath at first. I knew I wouldn't drown because I had my PDF on (always, hot or cold). I couldn't touch bottom but I remember looking at my Lowrance and knew I was in 8 to 9 feet of water. But the water was sooo COLD. Mostly I was terrified of having a heart attack and being a floating popsicle for my wife to see. I quickly grabbed ahold of my capsized kayak and side stroked to shore. The going was ever so slow. I was praying out loud to GOD to save me, and hoping to get some ground under my feat. I still couldn't control my breathing. I finally got to shallow water and hauled my kayak and my soaking wet ass to dry ground. I was freezing. Hyperventilating. Trembling. There was nowhere close to go for help. But back across the lake to my truck. I finally got some semblance of composure back, righted my kayak, and secured various items on board. It was then I noticed what was missing. Three GLoomis rood and one St. Croix. Three Shimano's and one Abu Garcia, grand total $1600.00. I retrieved one rod light enough to float the end. paddled, nervously, across the lake to the boat ramp. Hauled the kayak ashore. Walked like a drunk to my truck and sat in it with heat on high until I could feel my bones again. It was so stupid what I did. I knew better. I knew it when I leaned forward, pulling on the seat, and felt the kayak move underneath me. I went back later dragging a stringer with all the hooks open and retrieved one setup. My newest GLoomis and Curado I series. The rest are down there. Somewhere.