Early Winter Fishing - Be Careful Out There

[Choporoz]

I see a lot of threads about late season fishing from points north of here and I feel the need to urge caution on the water (even to those who practice it always.)

The front from one of the storms blowing across the nation hit this area in very sudden and dramatic fashion on Saturday.   And with tragedy for local tournament fishermen.  While they weren't bass fishing, specifically, they were on a boat that most would feel safe in nearly any weather.   

http://www.wbaltv.com/article/2-men-die-after-fishing-boat-capsizes-in-potomac-river/8345259

I was out on a Potomac tributary at the time and I've NEVER seen weather come in like it did Saturday.  I knew there were winds forecast for late afternoon, but the day was spectacular and I couldn't resist going out in my kayak.  It went from dead calm to 40 mph gusts straight down the river in less than 10 seconds.  I made it back safely, but not terribly smartly -- I probably should have pulled into an alternate local marina and called for a ride to my car....but, stubborn as I am, I paddled the 3/4 mile back into increasingly bad water.  Not the smartest thing I've done, but I have hopefully learned (once again) to respect mother nature and her weather when on the water.  Be careful and be safe out there, my friends. 

[Catt]

Glad ya safe

From now till post spawn can be dangerous!

Hypothermia is nothing to play with!

Be careful and be safe out there, my friends. 

[MassYak85]

Yea once the water dips into the 50's and I am out in my kayak I make sure I am using my outriggers. I've never tipped without them but I don't want to take the risk in bad conditions. 

[WPCfishing]

My fishing is done until spring.. I'll never get use to it but such is life in the North East. Better to be safe than sorry.

Glad you made it to your destination standing.