Capsized Kayak

[LWD]

Hello to all.  I was fishing a few weeks ago in 49 degree water.  150ft from the bank I was in 10 ft deep water.  I was throwing a KVD 1.0 Bluegill crankbait.  Winds were gusting around 20mph.  I casted out as I was reeling in I felt a nab at the line.  Right as I was setting the hook the wind blew my paddle into the water.  Something told me to reach for it so I did, at that moment I had leaned too far over to seize it and I tipped into the water.  I remember submerging in the reservoir completely.  I looked up and thru the murky bright green water I could see daylight.  I grabbed my PFD, still holding onto my fishing pole.  There was a chance that the fish was on.  But I was hyperventilating due to the cold water.  My kayak, a sit-inside was filled water and I didn't want it to sink to the lake bed.  My tackle box managed to stay inside.  So I started kicking and for a minute or so it felt like I was making no progress back to shore.  However I kept at it and finally stood myself up in about 4ft of water.  I brought my kayak up onto the bank.  Checked my line, unfortunately the fish got off, as it had plenty of time to shake itself loose.  Good thing I had been in good cardio condition, it was struggle out there and I ran out of breath a few times.  What went thru my mind was, if I hadn't been in a Georgia climate, if I would of been in Alaska fishing.  I would of died due to hypothermia.  I didn't know my paddle could float, or else this wouldn't of happened.  The wind blew it to shore eventually.  Take Care.  

[tomustang]

Glad you made it out safe, who cares about the fish

[flyfisher]

Glad you are ok and that is a reason why i always wear a PFD when the water isunder 50 and most times when it is above 50 too.  Luckily i am pretty good at handling cold water as i turtled my kayak once in 42 degree water and honestly didn't feel that cold.  Must be all those years swimming in the ocean at the shore as a kid  in 55 degree water

[J Francho]

Maybe it's time to invest in a paddle leash?  Glad you're OK.

[Darren.]

Glad you made it out alive and safe. Definitely invest in a rod leash, or make one yourself out of an old phone car charger cable as I did. Cheap and easy. Google it for DIY stuff.

 

Mine has saved my paddle bacon more than once.

 

And I wear my PFD all the time, FWIW. As I mentioned in another post today, when I hit the water and there's any inclement weather, high winds, etc., (even if it's calm) I always think about my wife and kids and how much they'd want me to make it home. So a little discomfort to ensure my safety for their sake (and mine).

 

I never want to chance whacking my head on the yak, a rock, a log, if I slip and fall over. A PFD is stay-afloat insurance.

[LWD]

Hi bassresource, I'm glad.  Thanks.  For the paddle leash,  I could rig something like that without much hassle.  Yeah who cares about the fish or equipment lost for that matter, its life that counts.  I hear the body gets conditioned to cold water if you've experienced it before.  

[RyneB]

wow, glad you are ok. I fell through the ice when I was 17. Luckily I was in the best physical shape of my life from playing sports. It was scary and the initial shock of hitting the water was overwhelming. I haven't gone in since, knock on wood.

[Hanover_Yakker]

First off, glad you are able to share your experience. Second, this incident brings to the forefront an important safety message. If you kayak or canoe in colder waters, you need to know how to perform a self rescue. Another safety point is the need for proper cold weather attire. This means layering with a base layer, a fleece layer and a waterproof layer at a minimum for the body. Your head, hands and feet are another area that need prroper coverage as well. Lastly, the other item every cold water kayaker should have is a dry bag with a change of clothes, some kindling, a method to start a fire, a solar blanket, some form of safety kit, some food and extra water.

[Hi Salenity]

I almost tipped one once taking a pee

[Bankbeater]

WOW, glad you made it out ok.

[BrianinMD]

Glad you are okay!

 

The idea of getting a kayak comes to mind periodically, but I cannot swim and the danger of something like this keeps from doing it. Although I always were my life vest when I am in a boat no matter what the weather is.

[thehooligan]

d**n, glad you made it. I have a sit in style kayak as well and cant imagine going in water at those temps...

[bassguytom]

Glad you are ok. Up here in PA a new law went into effect that from November 1 until April 30 it is mandatory to wear a PFD on any boat less than 16 feet in length and all kayaks and canoes. Good law if you ask me. My boat is 18 feet and I wear my PFD when the water is cold and when running. With the blow up PFD's the uncomfortable excuse goes out the window. Oh yea I am also a triathlete but no match for water below 50.