Fishing Alone

[Long Mike]

I generally fish alone.  Sometimes me and a bud will go fishing at the same lake, but we will both take our own boats.  The primary rule about fishing by yourself is don't do anything stupid..  I always wear my inflatable life jacket.  Back when I first got my boat, I took one afternoon ( in 85 degree water) jumping out of the boat and practicing getting back in it.  That little exercise paid off once, i.e. the time I was fishing in 15 mph+ winds in March in 45 degree water, I hit a stump and went over the side.  I remembered how to get back into the boat and it wasn't a big deal.   Launchng & loading your boat by yourself is just a matter of practice.  I try to confine my fishing to lakes that have decent ramps.

 

In the anticipation of on-rushing old age (I'm 68) I installed a swing-down ladder on the back of my boat several years ago.  I wear my PFD only when the big motor is running, so your post caught my attention.  Not once have I ever practiced getting back into the boat using that ladder.  Come warm weather, that task will be very high on my agenda.  Thanks for the heads-up.

[HoosierHawgs]

In the anticipation of on-rushing old age (I'm 68) I installed a swing-down ladder on the back of my boat several years ago. I wear my PFD only when the big motor is running, so your post caught my attention. Not once have I ever practiced getting back into the boat using that ladder. Come warm weather, that task will be very high on my agenda. Thanks for the heads-up.

I plan on doing a similar exercise with my kayak. I will purposefully flip it over and practice turning it back and getting inside. This has been quite the helpful thread!

[Mudrider34]

I agree with u Jakob this is a very helpful thread. Thanks for all the input guys!

[Thornback]

Wear that PFD -- the life you save may be your own.

[carlm01]

I really think it depends on where your fishing , Up north we have to worry about water temps early on...Down south I would assume there's different issues ... I wear my pdf and keep my cell phone handy  

[slonezp]

This is why you wear your kill switch lanyard. You get thrown out and chances are you're gonna get hit or someone else will

[A-Jay]

This is why you wear your kill switch lanyard. You get thrown out and chances are you're gonna get hit or someone else will

 

I've had to do that a few times.  Twice there was a human who had collapsed still in the boat.

 

It's a lot easier to do when there are no occupants.

 

A-Jay

[cyclops2]

Those tiller controlled obs  are really  death traps,  IF     the kill switch is not tied on to you & working.  I converted my 16 '  fisher  to a center control just  to get far enough away from the prop, if I go over the side.  I have had freighter wakes 4 to 5' take shots at me in that little boat  It does clean out the floorboards. 

[Nelson Wormefeller]

I fish alone most times. Keep your cell phone in a ziplock bag in case of a quick dump in the drink.

[cyclops2]

That's what I ALWAYS HAVE in my left front pocket. I use the storage bags with a double zipper.  My wife can understand me talking thru the plastic.