Boat Rescue

[Nitro 882]

As I get older (75), and my boat ages along with me, I have started being more concerned about issues on the water that could leave me stranded in the weeds somewhere on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. I see that, if on the ocean, there are several towing services that you could contact to come save your bacon if needed. Is there a similar service for central Florida fresh water lakes? If not, what should you do as the sun sets and your boat won't start and the mosquitos are licking their lips (do they even have lips?) and the gators are growling.

Looking for survival tips. Thanks.

[TnRiver46]

TowboatUS and seatow work about anywhere I think 

[J Francho]

Seatow is mostly coastal. BoatUS has unlimited towing for $100. 

[Junk Fisherman]

Nitro- it is interesting that you bring this up.  One of the things over the last year that I have been trying to reduce is my fishing anxiety.  I worry about boat, motor, and trailer issues all the time so I have been trying to be more proactive with maintenance going above and beyond what is on the maintenance schedule for my motor and trailer.  My next purchase is going to be a lithium battery dedicated to my electronics so I'll have no doubt that I am not trying to get too much out of my starting battery.  Sure, I am going beyond what I am confident would work in some cases but if it makes me worry less then it is worth it.

 

And to answer your question, BoatUS with the towing is a good option.  When I had Progressive, they had an inexpensive on-water towing package.  Good luck.  

[A-Jay]

Perhaps consider one of these.

I would not go out on big water without one.

https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-view/

 

These units save lives.

A-Jay

[gim]

31 minutes ago, Junk Fisherman said:

When I had Progressive, they had an inexpensive on-water towing package.

 

I have Progressive and my policy includes a tow if needed.

 

I have never needed it and honestly I really do not fish a big enough lake more than about 4-5 times/year where I might need it.  And when I'm on those lakes, I watch the weather/wind carefully because my boat isn't that big to begin with.  It doesn't cost me anything extra on my policy though.

 

About the best a guy can do is just be as prepared as you can every time.  Make sure your equipment is maintained properly so you can rely on it when you need it.  If you fish alone regularly, this sort of thing becomes even more critical.  Letting someone know where you will be and approximately what time you expect to return helps too.

[Bolar]

I thought Sea Tow and USABoat did their thing only on big water.  Anyhow, if your really worried about getting a tow, do your search now.  Call to the different marinas in the area and ask if they tow.  Phone reception...that's a different issue.

[MickD]

If you are within a phone cell you can use one of many SOS apps which will on your command send an emergency message to a number or numbers of your choice.  I have my son and wife set up and the message is for them to call me.  

[cyclops2]

I tell family or friends if I will leave the bay in front of us.  I have 911 ......in phone as AAA 911 so it come up first...........Also have hand held VHF radio locked to local US C G station and maximum power level.

 

After those all fail ?   Drag the water for my body. 

[Catt]

We have the Cajun Navy, they not only do rescues during disasters but they will send someone out for lost or broke down individuals, 

 

There's also Facebook fishing pages that do the same. 

[Jigfishn10]

3 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

I have Progressive and my policy includes a tow if needed.

 

I have never needed it and honestly I really do not fish a big enough lake more than about 4-5 times/year where I might need it.  And when I'm on those lakes, I watch the weather/wind carefully because my boat isn't that big to begin with.  It doesn't cost me anything extra on my policy though.

 

About the best a guy can do is just be as prepared as you can every time.  Make sure your equipment is maintained properly so you can rely on it when you need it.  If you fish alone regularly, this sort of thing becomes even more critical.  Letting someone know where you will be and approximately what time you expect to return helps too.

Same here. Matter of fact, my rates went down this year.

 

Your comments on being prepared is very good advice. Nice post.

[MickD]

My son keeps making sure I am wearing my PFD.  He says he doesn't want to waste any fishing time searching for my body.

 

Thinking about this string of posts, and fishing big water like Saginaw Bay and Lake St Clair much of the time, and being a little on the old side, $99 a year for a BoatUS towing membership might not be a bad idea.  

[cyclops2]

Also 

 

I have determined AHEAD of time...........Where I will run my boat up onto the beach, if a sudden squall front comes.  Beached 3 boat in N J  Barnegat Bay.  I Do it before the wind and waves take control.

[WRB]

75 years it’s time to fish with a partner.

Tom

[TnRiver46]

30 minutes ago, WRB said:

75 years it’s time to fish with a partner.

Tom

And make sure your partner has an extra starter in his tackle box? 
 

My group of fishing buddies calls themselves the French broad outlaws and no boat is left behind. It’s only about 6 people but I’ve towed them in a few times, they’ve got my back and can get where tow boats can’t. And can find me

much quicker for no charge 

 

not quite as big and organized as Cajun navy but we are always out there and never without rope 

 

also, everyone keep a paddle in your boat 

[MickD]

I agree on having a partner, but I'm going fishing with or without one.  Not ideal, but staying home isn't either.