Storm Concerns

[SuthernProg]

About ten years ago, I got stuck on a reservoir with a dead battery as a nasty thunderstorm snuck up on me from behind the trees along the bank I was fishing. Anyway, it was so bad and the lightning so sharp I beached the boat behind some dudes house and knocked on his door for shelter. So...now I'm pretty phobic about lightning when I'm outside. I mean, I get FREAKED. My question is, what do the tourney guys do during bad storms? I just joined a bass tourney club and it occured to me that this is going to happen again most likely ( storms blowing up). From what little coverage of The Classic I saw at Toho, you just keep fishing. Doesn't that cut against conventional wisdom? You on a boat is the highest point out in the middle of a lake. I don't wanna seem like a sissy in one of my tourneys, but I'll be a sissy with a heartbeat.

[George Welcome]

For your info: BASS rule #4

(ii) Tournament officials have the right to delay, shorten or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of bad weather or other factors that would endanger the safety of the competitors. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather.

If there is a thunder storm, seek safe shelter until it passes.

The club should have an exact rule pertaining to this.

[DDbasser]

I know that the three clubs I fish with have a standing rule.

If it's storming and lightning, get off the lake.

safety first and foremost is or should be everyone's top priority during inclimate weather.

[Guest avid]

Safety first.

Down here in SE Florida wicked thunderstorms blow up quickly and violently.

I have been caught out on the lake several times.

It's hairy for sure.

You should obey all rules from your club and all official regulations.

BUT, you are in control of your boat.  As the captain, it is your responsibility to make safety decsions irrespective of outside authority.

If you think it's too dangerous to be out on the lake, then it is.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

Definitely not being a "sissy".  That's what I call being smart.  If you see lightning .... GETT OFF THE LAKE!!!  It's just not worth the risk

[Rattlinrogue]

Club rules or not,if lightning starts popping you'd better get off the water.A 2 dollar trophy's not worth your life.

[Matt Fly]

Golden Fishing Rule #1.   Live to fish another day!!!!!!

Golden Rule #2.   If you can see lightning, you can be hit.    

[Lunkers0]

I fished a club tournament last year on Lake Minnetonka and got caught in a storm.  The wind was easily 50+ mph and the rain was coming down so hard we couldnt see the next dock over.  My partner and I got lucky though.  Just before the storm hit we spoke to a homeowner who said we could tie up and ride out the storm at his place.  Well, the storm came so fast all we had a chance to do was tie up and get under the cover for the boat/dock.  I have been boating my whole life (27 years) and have never seen a storm that bad.  Moral of the story is .....get off the lake.  Error on the side of caution.  

[roadwarrior]

I'm outta there!

I got caught under a gigantic thunderhead a year ago. The lightning and thunder were literally on top of us. We took refuge in a barge holding enclosure, surrounded by tall concrete walls on three sides. We were "relatively" safe and had no other option. The situation lasted more than an hour. It was intense and terrifying throughout the entire ordeal. Next time I'm seeking shelter at the first sign of imminent danger.

[Whopper-Stopper]

I'm glad I'm not alone with the lightning/thunderstorm phobia. Earlier this year I was out fishing when the worst line of storms came through that we've had this year. I figured I would fish until I heard the sirens going off in town and then make a mad dash to get back. Well, the sirens went off and it didn't look like it was going to storm so I kept fishing. About five minutes later I looked to the west and It looked like the sun had fell out of the sky. I packed up as much stuff as I could and sprinted 1500 yds with the leading edge of the storm on my tail. It over took me just as I found the cover of a tunnel under the RR tracks. I took shelter under there as a tornado touched down and luckily passed my hiding place without coming close enough to suck me out of the tunnel. The rocks from the railroad were getting picked up and blown with the wind so I know it was close.

Ever since then, I have been really nervous about thunderstorms. I prefer to stay indoors when it is storming. Rain doesn't bother me because I can only get so wet and that's it. If I hear thunder I try to get indoors.

Remember if you can hear the thunder, you are at potential risk of being struck by lightning.

Don't wait until the last minute to get out. I think that if my timing had been a minute later I could have died.

[SuthernProg]

Thanks for everyone's responses and advice. I'm not so worried about it now.

Marion