My Pfd Testimonial. 2024
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
Hello fellow BR members. Perhaps this post is in the wrong section of the forum, but I feel as if this topic is extremely important and that it will get more exposure here on the General Bass Fishing section. Mods please move this if need be.
Let me preface this by saying that I used to be one of those guys who rarely ever wore my PFD. They're bulky and constricting, granted. I made it just fine for years like that. I fish throughout the winter here in the Washington DC area where water temps will dip into the 30's and air temps can get even colder. Hypothermia can strike anytime when the combined air and water temperatures are below 120F.
My better half made me promise that this year I would wear a PFD every minute that I am on the water, and man am I glad that she did.
So... earlier today a good friend and I were out fishing the Potomac River here in DC and having a decent day. I was wearing my PFD (as promised) and we were catching decent fish near the Kennedy Center wall. On our way back to the launch we were moving at a brisk pace beneath the 14th St. bridge, which is actually 5 bridges. We were greeted by a massive barge wake and the barge was between the next set of abutments, so we didn't see it until it was too late. I was ejected from the boat into the 50 degree river, and the air temps were in the low 50's. Once in the water I went into slight shock. I grew up swimming, but this was totally different. My boat capsized, and I was probably 30' from it.
At first I panicked a bit, which left me feeling exhausted after about 10 seconds (literally.) Then I remembered to be calm and conserve energy and heat. I kept my body in the HELP position and made my way slowly to a floating cooler, which was much closer to me than the hull. Once I had a hold of the cooler I slowly paddled back to the boat while holding the cooler for extra buoyancy. Thankfully my friend landed much closer to the boat and was able to pull himself onto the hull quickly. I made it shortly afterword.
Once we were safely on the hull was when it dawned on me that we would not survive if we were out there for too long. Calling for help was not an option as our electronics were all submerged and the closest phone was floating 100' from the boat in a dry box. Thankfully a boater happened by us within the first 5 minutes, and helped us aboard his boat. His name was Steve, he really saved us today. He then called the Harbor Police to assist.
The DC Harbor Police, DCFD and Steve saved us today; but had it not been for the PFD's they probably wouldn't have found us alive. The Harbor Police also managed to save my boat, tow it to the launch and help me to load it onto the trailer. Thanks guys!
This subject is a little bit humiliating and embarrassing to talk about, but it is the least that I can do to share my story with you all. Ladies and gentlemen of Bass Resource, make no mistake about it... my PFD saved my life today.
Please remember to always wear your PFD's. If you don't have a comfortable one to fish in, then bite the bullet and buy one that you will actually wear all the time. It could very well save your life one day. Mine was worth every penny I paid for it. And please remember to travel at a safe rate of speed during the colder months, we can't afford to fall in the water when it's cold.
Thanks in advance for reading this.
-Andrew
ps. The PFD I was wearing was a BPS XPS class III. I don't particularly care for inflatables, so I bought this one as it's light and comfortable. It also has a lot of pockets and is probably a good choice for wading.
slonezp reply :
Glad you're ok Andrew.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/4/2013 at 7:21 AM, slonezp said:Glad you're ok Andrew.
Thanks man.
whitwolf reply :
Thanks for sharing this Andrew! There are many, many times we need to be reminded how quickly trouble can come upon us and being as prepared as you can can save you.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/4/2013 at 7:27 AM, whitwolf said:Thanks for sharing this Andrew! There are many, many times we need to be reminded how quickly trouble can come upon us and being as prepared as you can can save you.
This is so true. I am just thankful that this happened after I manned up and not before, as I'd be a goner.
Caylub reply :
I'm glad you made it out of there too. That is a scary situation. I had a similar situation in a flooded creek without my pfd on. Lesson learned. Did you lose all the gear you had with you?
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/4/2013 at 7:30 AM, Caylub said:I'm glad you made it out of there too. That is a scary situation. I had a similar situation in a flooded creek without my pfd on. Lesson learned. Did you lose all the gear you had with you?
Thanks. It was really scary. Glad you made it onto land safely.
I lost the following... 4 St. Croix Premier rods, 2 Abu reels, 1 Shimano and 1 BPS PQ. Several tackle boxes (I drilled holes in them to let water out, but that also lets water in.) Didn't lose too much else, but the rods were out and not secured all that well. My outboard was also submerged for over an hour.
shootermcbob reply :
Thanks for sharing your story. I am glad that you and your friend are ok.
I am sending you a pm as well.
Dwight Hottle reply :
Great cold water topic. I'll bet you thanked your wife when you got home. Thanks for bringing the subject to light and I'm glad you & your buddy made it to fish another day.
Missourifishin reply :
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm really glad you and your friend are ok. And kudos to Steve the boater, and the police for helping you.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/4/2013 at 8:05 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Great cold water topic. I'll bet you thanked your wife when you got home. Thanks for bringing the subject to light and I'm glad you & your buddy made it to fish another day.
Thanks Dwight. I sure did thank her. My life flashed before my eyes today, and I'm just glad that I got to see her again at the end of the day. I have a family who needs me, and I them.
We'll definitely be back out there before too long.
On 11/4/2013 at 8:05 AM, Missourifishin said:Thank you for sharing your story. I'm really glad you and your friend are ok. And kudos to Steve the boater, and the police for helping you.
Thanks. If it weren't for those peoples selfless actions today I wouldn't be posting this.
Darren. reply :
Great story, Andrew - in that your life was saved by a PFD. Sorry you had to go through all that, though.
My wife was just telling me today of a horror story she overheard at a soccer game of a guy lost overboard earlier today in North Carolina. People on the sidelines were saying the man's shoes were found, but no sign of him yet. Was alone, fishing in a sound. Very sad. Do not know the outcome of the fisherman at this point. Sure hope with all hope I can muster, that he made it to shore alive. No idea if he wore a PFD or not.
Anyhow, I was telling my wife that I *always* wear a PFD in my kayak. Always. I can think of no reason to NOT wear one, even when it gets so hot I can't stand it. I always think of what awaits me at home. I don't want to leave my boys fatherless, or my wife w/o a husband.
PFDs are 100% all-the-time for me. When I see people (usually recreational types) out on the water in yaks w/o PFDs I cringe. If i owned a bass boat, I'd probably have an inflatable PFD on my body at all times, too.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/4/2013 at 8:29 AM, DarrenM said:Great story, Andrew - in that your life was saved by a PFD. Sorry you had to go through all that, though.
My wife was just telling me today of a horror story she overheard at a soccer game of a guy lost overboard earlier today in North Carolina. People on the sidelines were saying the man's shoes were found, but no sign of him yet. Was alone, fishing in a sound. Very sad. Do not know the outcome of the fisherman at this point. Sure hope with all hope I can muster, that he made it to shore alive. No idea if he wore a PFD or not.
Anyhow, I was telling my wife that I *always* wear a PFD in my kayak. Always. I can think of no reason to NOT wear one, even when it gets so hot I can't stand it. I always think of what awaits me at home. I don't want to leave my boys fatherless, or my wife w/o a husband.
PFDs are 100% all-the-time for me. When I see people (usually recreational types) out on the water in yaks w/o PFDs I cringe. If i owned a bass boat, I'd probably have an inflatable PFD on my body at all times, too.
Just telling it like it is 
I hope that everyone is already wearing their PFD's; but if not, maybe someone will read this and at least think about it.
I really hope the guy in NC made it back on dry land safely. The death toll on the Potomac River is staggering every year, and sometimes even shore anglers get swept up by this powerful river. I really can't stress it enough that safety on the water should be the first concern.
My PFD is a 100% of the time thing for me too. But there was a time in my life when I thought that I didn't need it. All I could think about after everything that happened today was how thankful I am that I wised up, and how stupid I was before. The situation today was completely beyond my control, and it can happen to anybody. I see people out on the water without PFD's quite a bit too, and it's scary. Like I said earlier I am a good swimmer, but that didn't help all that much today. From now on I will never see this issue the same again, and I will not let anybody on my boat who isn't wearing a PFD ever again. I'm also going to go easy on the throttle until it warms up again.
I'm exhausted after all that's happened, but now that I'm warmed up it's time to go out and try to salvage my motor. It's an old 2 stroke so hopefully it will be ok; but it was running when it went under, so who knows.
MitchTBF reply :
Wow, glad you and your buddy made it out ok. Thank you for sharing this story, I'll remember next time I am tempted to take mine off.
00 mod reply :
Glad the two of you made it out alive! Lessons learned, as I admit to not wearing my pdf as much as I should. Can you give a little more detail about your boat as well!
Jeff
Fishing Rhino reply :
Great story. Glad it had a happy ending.
Todd2 reply :
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you're ok. Great message. Wear those PFDs and kill switches everytime you take off!
Smokinal reply :
Thank you for posting this, sir. I was out this morning in 33 deg air and 51 deg water, windy as all getup...all bundled up in layer after layer that, if wet, would be unswimable/unfloatable. You should not be embarrassed to tell your story. Rather, I am embarrassed to admit that I never wear a pfd.
I, Smokinal, pledge that I will aquire and wear a pfd in cold water situations. I, too, have a family here at home and they need me to return. Thank you again for posting. It got me thinking...
quanjig reply :
Andrew, glad you and your buddy were able to tell this story. I am very familiar with the bridges right there and have encountered the same "woah, where did these come from" waves while fishing the railroad bridges just below the 14th st bridges! I was showing the wife's family around the district all weekend and saw several boaters enjoying the nice weather. Glad you will be able to continue the journey!!
A-Jay reply :
Glad you & your friend made it home safe.
Though your story did not end in loss of live - it very well could have and often does.
Dead men can't tell their story so it's very important that you tell yours.
The acronym for Personal Flotation Device- PFD, has all but replaced the items real name -
Life Jacket - and yours certainly was that on this day.
After almost 30 years of Search & Rescue, I've had a front row seat for many of these stories, both good and bad. The one thing I'll pass on is this - I've Never taken a Life Jacket off a Dead Man.
Stay Safe.
A-Jay
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/4/2013 at 9:37 AM, 00 mod said:Glad the two of you made it out alive! Lessons learned, as I admit to not wearing my pdf as much as I should. Can you give a little more detail about your boat as well!
Jeff
Thank you. I certainly learned my lesson.
The boat is like a go-cart. It's a 1448 flat bottom welded jon boat w/ a 25hp Merc. It'll do 30+mph with ease, which is too fast when it's choppy out there and the water is cold. Probably too fast period in a vessel of that size. I thought I could handle it today but then things got really real, really fast. The boat will be fine, as I keep it pretty stripped down. Thankfully I pulled off the bow mount trolling motor recently, as that would've been expensive if it got messed up.
As for the motor, I just got back from checking it out. Washed the sand out of it, pulled the plugs and squirted some oil in there, and then gave it a few tugs. It seems to be moving freely inside, which is good because I have heard horror stories of motors throwing a rod when they get submerged while running. Tomorrow I'll squirt some oil in the carb, hook it up to the muffs and hopefully run it for a good long while. Lost my cowling too :'(
Grizzn N Bassin reply :
Glad you guys are Safe and sound .. that's crazy sir!
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
Thanks to all who've posted. I'm glad that this thread is being read.
On 11/4/2013 at 9:57 AM, Smokinal said:Thank you for posting this, sir. I was out this morning in 33 deg air and 51 deg water, windy as all getup...all bundled up in layer after layer that, if wet, would be unswimable/unfloatable. You should not be embarrassed to tell your story. Rather, I am embarrassed to admit that I never wear a pfd.
I, Smokinal, pledge that I will aquire and wear a pfd in cold water situations. I, too, have a family here at home and they need me to return. Thank you again for posting. It got me thinking...
I'm glad that you're going to wear one. It's not worth risking it, especially out there in that kind of cold.
I admit that I've thought to myself before that 50 degree water can't be that cold, but nothing could have prepared me for what it actually feels like. If the air temp had been in the 30's today, it probably would've been much worse for us. I'm pretty good under pressure, but I was freaking out for a moment there.
Please stick to it, and wear the PFD.
On 11/4/2013 at 10:09 AM, quanjig said:Andrew, glad you and your buddy were able to tell this story. I am very familiar with the bridges right there and have encountered the same "woah, where did these come from" waves while fishing the railroad bridges just below the 14th st bridges! I was showing the wife's family around the district all weekend and saw several boaters enjoying the nice weather. Glad you will be able to continue the journey!!
The Harbor Police told me that the area around the 14th St. bridge is hands down the area where they do the most reconnaissance of capsized vessels, and often bodies unfortunately. Take care out there.
On 11/4/2013 at 10:55 AM, A-Jay said:Glad you & your friend made it home safe.
Though your story did not end in loss of live - it very well could have and often does.
Dead men can't tell their story so it's very important that you tell yours.
The acronym for Personal Flotation Device- PFD, has all but replaced the items real name -
Life Jacket - and yours certainly was that on this day.
After almost 30 years of Search & Rescue, I've had a front row seat for many of these stories, both good and bad. The one thing I'll pass on is this - I've Never taken a Life Jacket off a Dead Man.
Stay Safe.
A-Jay
This post really struck a nerve. We can't take our lives for granted, as any thing can happen at any time. Wearing my life jacket today gave me a fighting chance in an otherwise bleak situation. Thanks for the kind and thoughtful words.
Topwaterspook reply :
Andrew, I am thankful that you both survived the incident. In the last few years I've been wearing an inflatable life vest. Your point is well taken. Thanks for relating your story for all of us.
Bankbeater reply :
Wow, glad you guys are ok.
Fishing Rhino reply :
PFDs serve another important purpose. Suppose you're on the bow, running the trolling motor, and you drop dead, over the side of the boat. It's obviously not going to save your life.
What it will do is keep your body afloat, making it easier to find. While losing a spouse, parent, or child is painful, it is much worse when the body is not found, or when it takes hours or days to find it. In addition, finding and retrieving a submerged body is an unnecessary waste of money and resources.
Goose52 reply :
Glad that you and your bud are OK and thanks for posting this. It's a good wakeup call for everyone.
I'm part of the 100% of the time PFD crowd. Cold water, warm water, doesn't matter - I wear it 100% of the time - especially since I fish alone. However, as your event pointed out, even if you're fishing with someone else that could help you if you go overboard, perhaps that OTHER person went over as well...
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Thank you for sharing Andrew - you really had no control over that situation. Those wakes are hard to see in that spot. Hopefully your experience will help other anglers on this site recognize that a PFD does absolutely no good if it's not worn. And with all do respect to others on the board, the argument of having it onboard is invalid and futile once you are thrown from the boat. You might as well have left it in the truck or not even have purchased it at all.
I had a trip that I had planned for over a week this past January that I had to cancel at the last second as I was pulling into the parking lot to launch. I had left not only my safety light at home, but I also left my PFD. A couple fellow kayakers said they would have loaned me one if I had just called, but that would have been a PFD that wasn't fitted for me. I cancelled my outing and made the long 2 hour drive back home embarrased but thankful I made the right decision.
I can't tell you how infuriating it is to me as a kayak angler to see anglers not take the same precautions that myself and other kayak anglers do. I fish for hours on end thoughout the year in all types of weather conditions and water temperatures and a PFD in no way affects my ability to cast, flip, pitch, skip, flycast (when I did it), topwaters, jerkbaits, jig-n-craws, etc.....there is no excuse for not wearing a PFD, especially in colder weather. Early signs and symptoms of hypothermia can set in water temps in the lower 60 degree range for some people.
A standard rule of thumb that kayak anglers subscribe to is that if the PFD is not comfortable in the store when you buy it, you will not wear it. Another tip is that you should ensure the PFD is adjustable to account for the additional layers that you will need to wear in colder conditions. This is a rule that power boaters need to adopt in my opinion. It doesn't matter how excellent a swimmer you are, you cannot adequately account for nor control all the external variables that will affect your ability to remain afloat. You can only control what you do and how you outift yourself for cold water conditions.
Another rule that really seems to escape the boating world is that of appropriate cold water apparel. Those of you that wear jeans and cotton undergarments are asking for trouble - in cold water/weather - cotton kills when wet. It clings to the skin and does not dry in sufficient enough time for you to avoid the early onset of hypothermia.
As a cold water angler, I always wear the following:
1. Duofold base layer (wicking layer) including wicking socks
2. Fleece layer with smart wool socks
3. Waterproof layer - breathable chest waders with a wading belt and neoprene booties
4. Waterproof layer - top shell with wading belt
5. Wool cap
6. Wool/fleece lined gloves
7. Teva sandals
8. Stohlquist Fisherman PFD
9. Dry bag with extra clothes
If I go in the water for any reason (either planned or unplanned). I know I can self rescue and will not suffer from hypothermia. I know I can also continue to fish, because I was adequately protected.
bigbill reply :
It can happen to any boater. It's not imbarassing at all thank God you guys are ok. It's a good warning that anything unexpected can happen at anytime. And safety measures must be followed wearing your Pfd is very important.
When my son wanted to get his first dirtbike with his own money that he saved up. I told the misses we can at least get him all the safety gear. I got him the boots, knee &elbow pads, Jersey & pants a DOT approved helmet and gloves/chest protector. I told the wife you can't put a price on safety. If you don't buy him all the safety gear upfront before he rides you better plan on spending time in the hospital with him. I hammered my son and rode with him. I purchased him videos on how to ride and use body English.
Sam reply :
Andrew, talk about a close call.
Great story. Wonderful ending.
Yes, a PFD can make you look silly but you will be around to laught at yourself should an unfortunate event occur.
Glad you are OK.
Thanks for sharing.
tomustang reply :
Thank your better half for making you promise to use a pfd, It's good to see stories like this that have a better outcome, glad you made it out alright.
What kind of boat were you in and how big was the wake?
jignfule reply :
Way to listen to the honey, glad you're OK
MarkH024 reply :
Glad to hear you are ok Andrew. Thanks for sharing and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. This is a great lesson to remind other anglers about their saftey.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/5/2013 at 3:20 AM, Sam said:Andrew, talk about a close call.
Great story. Wonderful ending.
Yes, a PFD can make you look silly but you will be around to laught at yourself should an unfortunate event occur.
Glad you are OK.
Thanks for sharing.
One thing is for sure, I will never think that a life jacket looks silly ever again in my life.
On 11/5/2013 at 3:41 AM, tomustang said:Thank your better half for making you promise to use a pfd, It's good to see stories like this that have a better outcome, glad you made it out alright.
What kind of boat were you in and how big was the wake?
Thanks.
The boat is a 1448 welded flat bottom jon w/ a 25hp Merc 2 stroke. The wake was probably about 4' high and came out of nowhere.
aceman387 reply :
Heck of a story, you talk about a near death experience.I am glad you survived and made it home.
EvanT123 reply :
[quote name="Snakehead Whisperer" post="1397260" timestamp="
The boat is a 1448 welded flat bottom jon w/ a 25hp Merc 2 stroke. The wake was probably about 4' high and came out of nowhere.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Thanks for posting and reminding us all. I always wear a pdf in a boat but I do a lot of wading and honestly hardly ever wear one then, a practice I think I'll reconsider. Any one else wear a pdf to wade? Also, I've read that the gas for inflatables has less volume when cold and may not inflate fully, one more thing to consider.
tomustang reply :
On 11/5/2013 at 10:06 AM, Snakehead Whisperer said:One thing is for sure, I will never think that a life jacket looks silly ever again in my life.
Thanks.
The boat is a 1448 welded flat bottom jon w/ a 25hp Merc 2 stroke. The wake was probably about 4' high and came out of nowhere.
Ouch! I hear way too many things about flat bottom jons tipping because of waves/wakes. Ever try an auto inflatable pfd? they are smaller and more out of the way, with it on at times you barely notice it's around you.
flyfisher reply :
Thanks for sharing the story and validating the need to wear a PFD.
I am a kayak fisherman and pretty much always wear my PFD. I have been known to take it off while doing a paddle upstream on a river because of the heat factor but it feels weird whenever i do it, kind of like wearing a seatbelt.
I am glad everything turned out ok and we can all share in your lesson learned.
Comfortably Numb reply :
Glad you and your friend are OK. Thanks for sharing and reminding us all how dangerous it can be.
Couple years ago I fell in after my pedestal chair broke. Luckily It was summer. But as you said, it is startling and I did panic even though the boat was upright and I was not far away. I can swim but swimming with clothes on is more difficult. I tired faster than I thought and had a hard time getting back in the boat.
I now have an inflatable belt on at all times (manually if I pull the Co2 pin). It is comfortable and unabtrusive. I do admitthat I dont wear the regular PFD as much as I should when running the big motor.
http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Sospendersreg-16-Gram-Manual-Belt-Pack-P99.aspx
ClackerBuzz reply :
i can't thank you enough for ur post andrew...and the good ending.
i was in violation this whole season by not having a PDF on board. I made the plan to buy one this winter to be in compliance. b/c of ur post i could care less about a ticket and now care all about safety. I'm going to take my time and shop around for a comfortable vest that easily fits over a hoodie. then i'll be comfortable and safe.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
Thank you all for taking the time to read this thread. Looking back on all of this I'm still in disbelief. Sharing my story has helped me too, as it was starting to feel like a total loss. The gear can be replaced, but our lives can not.
On 11/5/2013 at 11:39 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Thanks for posting and reminding us all. I always wear a pdf in a boat but I do a lot of wading and honestly hardly ever wear one then, a practice I think I'll reconsider. Any one else wear a pdf to wade? Also, I've read that the gas for inflatables has less volume when cold and may not inflate fully, one more thing to consider.
There are some stretches of the Potomac where a PFD is mandatory for waders. I know many folks who won't wade without one.
On 11/5/2013 at 2:52 PM, Comfortably Numb said:Glad you and your friend are OK. Thanks for sharing and reminding us all how dangerous it can be.
Couple years ago I fell in after my pedestal chair broke. Luckily It was summer. But as you said, it is startling and I did panic even though the boat was upright and I was not far away. I can swim but swimming with clothes on is more difficult. I tired faster than I thought and had a hard time getting back in the boat.
I now have an inflatable belt on at all times (manually if I pull the Co2 pin). It is comfortable and unabtrusive. I do admitthat I dont wear the regular PFD as much as I should when running the big motor.
http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Sospendersreg-16-Gram-Manual-Belt-Pack-P99.aspx
I was underway when this happened. I'm just thankful that I was conscious when I hit the water. I wear my PFD when I am fishing too, but will be exploring different options as it gets hot here in the Summer.
I'm an above average swimmer, but there was no way that I could have made shore from where I was. It was hard enough to get back to the boat.
On 11/6/2013 at 1:07 PM, ClackerBuzz said:i can't thank you enough for ur post andrew...and the good ending.
i was in violation this whole season by not having a PDF on board. I made the plan to buy one this winter to be in compliance. b/c of ur post i could care less about a ticket and now care all about safety. I'm going to take my time and shop around for a comfortable vest that easily fits over a hoodie. then i'll be comfortable and safe.
I used to carry them merely to comply with the law too. But like it says on the jacket "Wear it, don't stow it."
KyakR reply :
Andrew, I've never worn a PFD, despite having my son send me one every year. My family nags me, but I've ignored them all, even though I fish in cold weather and sometimes at night, always alone in my yak. Your post changed my mind. I have no doubt that you would have died that day.....I can't imagine how your death would have reverberated down through the years in the lives of your loved ones, and others. I think I've been in denial. Guess I lack imagination for some things when it comes to danger.
I'm so glad you survived. Your family must have been in as much shock afterward as you. Your posts are not only informative, they're full of kindliness and humor......would miss them. You are hereby an honorary Mainer.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/6/2013 at 9:51 PM, KyakR said:Andrew, I've never worn a PFD, despite having my son send me one every year. My family nags me, but I've ignored them all, even though I fish in cold weather and sometimes at night, always alone in my yak. Your post changed my mind. I have no doubt that you would have died that day.....I can't imagine how your death would have reverberated down through the years in the lives of your loved ones, and others. I think I've been in denial. Guess I lack imagination for some things when it comes to danger.
I'm so glad you survived. Your family must have been in as much shock afterward as you. Your posts are not only informative, they're full of kindliness and humor......would miss them. You are hereby an honorary Mainer.
Wear one, please. Going through my fishing photos from the past, I am not wearing a life jacket of any sort in any of them; even my avatar pic. I too was in denial, and I too lack imagination for potentially bad outcomes of dangerous behavior. But I never looked at fishing or boating as dangerous in the past, as I've enjoyed doing these things for my entire life without any calamity. This was a real eye opener. I have to really rethink my habits in general. I drive pretty cool when I have guests aboard my boat, but the guy who was with me during the accident is a close friend and fishing buddy for many years, so we push it to the limits when we fish together. My wife and I are close with his entire family. I can't imagine what I would've felt like if something had happened to him the other day. I would probably blame myself.
Thanks. I am honored to be a Mainer (even though I've never been there. Planning to do a trip up that way sooner than later, however.)
Brian Needham reply :
wow, what a story, glad it has a happy ending.
#1 rule in my boat, if the outboard is running I have a life jacket on and kill switch hooked up, all passengers must have on a vest as well.
I have strongly considered getting an auto inflatable, perhaps I will.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 10:12 AM, Brian Needham said:wow, what a story, glad it has a happy ending.
#1 rule in my boat, if the outboard is running I have a life jacket on and kill switch hooked up, all passengers must have on a vest as well.
I have strongly considered getting an auto inflatable, perhaps I will.
Thanks. That's a good policy to have. I've been checking out the Mustang HIT for next summer ($250, ouch.)
Loop_Dad reply :
Andrew, I am so glad you are okay. I am glad we are hearing your story from you!
On 11/5/2013 at 2:40 AM, Hanover_Yakker said:Thank you for sharing Andrew - you really had no control over that situation. Those wakes are hard to see in that spot. Hopefully your experience will help other anglers on this site recognize that a PFD does absolutely no good if it's not worn. And with all do respect to others on the board, the argument of having it onboard is invalid and futile once you are thrown from the boat. You might as well have left it in the truck or not even have purchased it at all.
I had a trip that I had planned for over a week this past January that I had to cancel at the last second as I was pulling into the parking lot to launch. I had left not only my safety light at home, but I also left my PFD. A couple fellow kayakers said they would have loaned me one if I had just called, but that would have been a PFD that wasn't fitted for me. I cancelled my outing and made the long 2 hour drive back home embarrased but thankful I made the right decision.
I can't tell you how infuriating it is to me as a kayak angler to see anglers not take the same precautions that myself and other kayak anglers do. I fish for hours on end thoughout the year in all types of weather conditions and water temperatures and a PFD in no way affects my ability to cast, flip, pitch, skip, flycast (when I did it), topwaters, jerkbaits, jig-n-craws, etc.....there is no excuse for not wearing a PFD, especially in colder weather. Early signs and symptoms of hypothermia can set in water temps in the lower 60 degree range for some people.
A standard rule of thumb that kayak anglers subscribe to is that if the PFD is not comfortable in the store when you buy it, you will not wear it. Another tip is that you should ensure the PFD is adjustable to account for the additional layers that you will need to wear in colder conditions. This is a rule that power boaters need to adopt in my opinion. It doesn't matter how excellent a swimmer you are, you cannot adequately account for nor control all the external variables that will affect your ability to remain afloat. You can only control what you do and how you outift yourself for cold water conditions.
Another rule that really seems to escape the boating world is that of appropriate cold water apparel. Those of you that wear jeans and cotton undergarments are asking for trouble - in cold water/weather - cotton kills when wet. It clings to the skin and does not dry in sufficient enough time for you to avoid the early onset of hypothermia.
As a cold water angler, I always wear the following:
1. Duofold base layer (wicking layer) including wicking socks
2. Fleece layer with smart wool socks
3. Waterproof layer - breathable chest waders with a wading belt and neoprene booties
4. Waterproof layer - top shell with wading belt
5. Wool cap
6. Wool/fleece lined gloves
7. Teva sandals
8. Stohlquist Fisherman PFD
9. Dry bag with extra clothes
If I go in the water for any reason (either planned or unplanned). I know I can self rescue and will not suffer from hypothermia. I know I can also continue to fish, because I was adequately protected.
Hannover_Yakker, very nice system.
I have to think about good system for myself. Here temp changes a lot through out the day.
I used to be a die-hard advanced windsurfer. In my area, the sea water is so cold even in the middle of the summer. I thought about safety all the time and think through the escape plan. Now I have to admit that I am way too relaxed about the safety. I wear PFD 100%, but I am not as prepared as you are for cold water. I wear synthetic pants and shirts mostly when I fish, but still wear cotton socks, cotton underwear and sometimes cotton outershirts.
BTW: do you wear nylon underwear. Hopefully that does not resemble nylon stocking or anything 
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
Thanks. Glad to have the opportunity to share it.On 11/7/2013 at 12:40 PM, Loop_Dad said:Andrew, I am so glad you are okay. I am glad we are hearing your story from you!
I grew up in SF and Pacifica... cold is an understatementOn 11/7/2013 at 12:40 PM, Loop_Dad said:In my area, the sea water is so cold even in the middle of the summer.
I also agree that Hanover_Yakker's post has some great advice. Really got me thinking about how to survive in the unfortunate event of being stranded in the cold.
tomustang reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 11:16 AM, Snakehead Whisperer said:Thanks. That's a good policy to have. I've been checking out the Mustang HIT for next summer ($250, ouch.)
We got the Cabelas Tournament auto inflatable, under $200. Oh my I just checked the link for you and their on sale for $100 
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Life-Jackets-Vests/Inflatable-Life-Jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104399280/Cabelas-Tournament-3500-Auto-Inflatable-Personal-Flotation-Device/1546036.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1100590%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd1308983&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd1308983%3Bcat104399280
Wish I could get my $140 back for two of them... It's a sign for you to buy it!
KyakR reply :
What's the HELP position?
On 11/4/2013 at 7:08 AM, Snakehead Whisperer said:"Then I remembered to be calm and conserve energy and heat. I kept my body in the HELP position "
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 11/8/2013 at 12:05 AM, KyakR said:What's the HELP position?
It stands for 'heat escape lessening position.' It basically is meant to limit the exposure of body parts that lose heat fastest while in the water to slow the onset of hypothermia. A google search for help position will net you pictures of what it looks like. The 'survival position' while less effective, is another position that can be used if you haven't enough buoyancy to remain in the help position safely.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
Quick update: My outboard survived this ordeal and seems to be running as well as it did before the swim. Lost the cowl in the accident, and found one nearby in decent shape for $30 too.
Thanks again everyone for the support and well wishes.
-Andrew
thehooligan reply :
Glad your alright man.
Mytoyzfishing reply :
Thanks for sharing and glad you are ok. Nothing to be embarrassed about one bit. Things like this happen way to often and we don't take the time to recognize it like you have.
We fish year round here even when its snowing and ice out. Some of the best striper fishing in the winter time. For years I was one of those that felt that I was a great swimmer being on swim teams all through my upbringing and love the water so I never bothered with wearing them as they were to bulky and didnt feel comfortable and did not want to spend the money on an inflatable. That changed the begining of this year one of our local striper guides sliped off the front deck of his boat fully dressed in his winter gear this past January. He sank straight to the bottom. Thankfully this happened only a couple of yards from shore. He literally walked along the bottom to shallower water where he could stand with his head above water. Had he been in deeper water his story might not have been the same.
Someone else mentioned a couple of posts ago about it keeping your body afloat so you are easier to find and recover. This summer a man was sailing on a small sailboat on our lake with his family in a ski boat 50 yards away. They turned their back to him for a split second and when they turned around he was missing. They have yet to find his body and this happened this past July. The suspicion is that he had a heart attach and fell over board. Had he been wearing a PFD he might of been saved let alone his body been easily recovered.
Ever since our local striper guide incident I went out and spent the money on new insulated bibs and parka for winter fishing. They are designed for Ice fishing. They float you just like a survival suit due to they type of insulation used. I also spent the money on an inflatable PFD and wear it all times.
Smokinal reply :
I said I would...
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Life-Jackets-Vests/Inflatable-Life-Jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104399280/Cabelas-Tournament-3500-Auto-Inflatable-Personal-Flotation-Device/1546036.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Finflatable-life-jackets%2F_%2FN-1100590%2FNs-MAX_SALE_PRICE%257C1%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104794380%253Bcat104741280%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104794380%3Bcat104741280%3Bcat104399280
Just picked one up. This is a great time to get a good deal on one if you have been considering it. Regularly $170... on sale for $99
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
Glad that you stuck with it.On 1/23/2014 at 3:04 AM, Smokinal said:I said I would...
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Life-Jackets-Vests/Inflatable-Life-Jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104399280/Cabelas-Tournament-3500-Auto-Inflatable-Personal-Flotation-Device/1546036.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Finflatable-life-jackets%2F_%2FN-1100590%2FNs-MAX_SALE_PRICE|1%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%3BMMcat104794380%3Bcat104741280%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104794380%3Bcat104741280%3Bcat104399280
Just picked one up. This is a great time to get a good deal on one if you have been considering it. Regularly $170... on sale for $99
That's a great price. The re-arming kits are only $21 too. Thanks for the heads up.
Stlbob reply :
Im glad i read this.I am getting a boat this year and now even before the boat i have rules.if you step in the boat.PFD's required...I will be fishing the Meramac and other rivers in my area.we lose people every year.
One question im a big boy a little over 6ft and 275 do they make a PFD that will keep ME afloat..lol...i am real broad across the chest have a god awful time finding shirts that fit.Am i going to have any issue finding a flotation device..?
K_Mac reply :
Having seen the devastation that comes from the loss of a husband, father and friend to drowning while fishing, and had a couple of very close calls myself, I appreciate your willingness to share your story. Glad you had the resolve to wear your life jacket. It has been said that are no excuses for not wearing one. The truth is there are many. I have used most of them at one time or another. When weighed in the balance with the consequences of not wearing one, it is a foolish rationalization. Glad you're OK. Good luck with the boat, motor, and replacing your gear.
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
On 1/31/2014 at 12:02 AM, K_Mac said:Having seen the devastation that comes from the loss of a husband, father and friend to drowning while fishing, and had a couple of very close calls myself, I appreciate your willingness to share your story. Glad you had the resolve to wear your life jacket. It has been said that are no excuses for not wearing one. The truth is there are many. I have used most of them at one time or another. When weighed in the balance with the consequences of not wearing one, it is a foolish rationalization. Glad you're OK. Good luck with the boat, motor, and replacing your gear.
Thank you for your kind words. I felt that I had a responsibility to share what happened to me, in case somebody would take it to heart and at least consider the decision a little more seriously because of it. What you say is all true. I had plenty of excuses before, but now I view it as a no-brainer. For me it is a 100% of the time thing now; whether underway or just fishing, I'm wearing my life jacket.
I've had the boat out several times since this incident, and the motor is fine (after draining about a gallon of water from the crankcase, fogging, fresh fuel and about 90-minutes running on the stand.) I've still got enough gear to fish, and have replaced much of what was lost. The lesson learned from all of this was a bargain at the cost of the gear I lost.
K_Mac reply :
On 2/1/2014 at 7:15 AM, Snakehead Whisperer said:The lesson learned from all of this was a bargain at the cost of the gear I lost.
That my friend is the absolute truth. Counting our blessings and not the cost is not always easy. Your attitude is exceptional. You are a good example for all of us.
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