My Marshal Experience At Okeechobee 2024
Olebiker reply :
I thought I might give you a little rundown on my experience as a marshal at the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Lake Okeechobee last week.
My first day fisherman was Jason Williamson. Now I’m about as fearless as Dick Tracy, but that boy just about scared me to death on the first run of the morning. I figured that I would sit on my cap while we were running down the lake so it wouldn’t blow out of the boat. That would have worked really well if I could have stayed in the seat. I was airborne about half the time and the hat blew out from underneath me. I had cramps in both arms from holding on trying to stay in the seat.
We ran to the Monkey Box and stayed in that area all day. Jason made about a dozen casts with a toad, pitched a Sweet Beaver about six times and pitched a 1 ounce blue jig with a blue Zoom trailer the rest of the day.
The day got off to a slow start and, by 10:30, he didn’t have a fish in the boat. In the next two hours, though, he caught about fifteen fish and culled twice to end up with 17 pounds 7 ounces, good enough for 13th place. Ish Monroe, the first one to weigh in, had 34 pounds. I think it was Bill Lowen who said he felt like he must be fishing on a different lake than Ish.
I rode with Cliff Prince on Friday. It was my first experience in the new Sterling bass boat. After Thursday’s exciting boat ride I was concerned about riding in that Sterling, a boat renowned for it’s speed. When I got in the boat my concern turned to near panic when I realized that it was a single console and there was not a single hand hold on the passenger side.
I needn’t have been concerned, though, as the Sterling was a remarkably smooth, dry ride. I never once got airborne. The only negative thing related to the boat ride was when we rode through a flock of coots at nearly 70 mph and one of them flew between me and Cliff missing my face by about a foot.
We were about the fourth boat out and went to a big shallow flat where Cliff caught a 5# on about his tenth cast. Another fish around 3# and a couple of little squealers came along in the first hour. At one point I looked up and counted more than twenty tournament boats on the flat.
After the fish quit on the flat we ran down toward Moorhaven and into the rim ditch where he finished his limit and culled one of the little guys fishing a Texas rigged junebug Speed Worm. Every plastic bait he threw except a Gambler version of the Skinny Dipper was junebug. Speaking of the Skinny Dipper, I learned a neat rigging technique from him that should drastically improve my hookup ratio. I can’t wait to try it.
I don’t believe Cliff caught a single fish after noon. That made for a long afternoon.
We spent about ninety minutes that afternoon on a flat covered with scattered lily pads. It was about three feet deep and had some hydrilla about a foot and a half off the bottom. The place was covered with beds and a few still had fish on them. Skeet Reese and Alton Jones were also on the flat looking for late spawners.
The competitors were all very considerate of each other and seemed to share a lot of information with each other. At one point this afternoon Cliff, thinking that he would not make the cut, pointed out a four pound bass still on a bed to Skeet Reese.
You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and professional bass fishermen. My day three fisherman was Marty Robinson. Marty had made the long run down close to Clewiston on Friday and caught 20 pounds in about two hours. We made that same run first thing Saturday morning.
He pulled the Skeeter back into the reeds just off the main lake and broke out a push pole to get around. He also turned off both depth finders fearing that any noise might spook the fish. I commented that I had been surprised at how unconcerned the other two fishermen had been about the noise their trolling motors made crashing through the weeds. “That’s just laziness on their part,” he said
We stayed in the same area almost all day. Marty fished two baits all day: a blue Sweet Beaver and a watermelon red Magnum Speed Worm. He would pitch the Sweet Beaver to all of the spots he could reach and then cast the worm which he would swim across the water almost like you would fish a Horny Toad.
He caught a 1 pound fish pretty quickly and then jumped off a fish that looked to me to be about four pounds. He insisted that it was a six. At some point during the morning he caught a three and about a dozen 12 inch fish. About one o’clock he gave up on the push pole and started using the MotorGuide.
There were several boats from a tournament out of Clewiston fishing in the area including one who had a radio blasting soft rock hits from the eighties for about two hours. We didn’t see him boat a fish. The other boats seemed to be doing OK on spinner baits.
With about an hour to go until check-in we left and made the long run back toward Okeechobee. We made a stop at some wind-blown reeds where Marty caught a five on the Sweet Beaver with about twenty minutes to go. He ended up with 12 pounds.
All in all it was a great experience with most of the fishermen being friendly and gracious. I got to play with Mike Iaconelli’s 13 month old baby Vegas while he signed autographs and posed for pictures with everyone who came by.
Gerald Swindle and I talked about deer hunting and he told me that he loves hunting a lot more than fishing. Bradley Roy, a fellow Kentucky boy, and I talked about how he had stayed up too late the night before watching Kentucky beat Indiana.
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
I can ditto much of what you wrote. This was my first time as a Marshall and though I have past experience as a deputy, I hadn’t been that fast in anything since then. One thing all three anglers and some Marshalls asked was how I handle a restroom issue. Basically, I make sure I don’t need to. I just hydrate really well at the end of the day.
I drew Casey Scanlon (Rookie) the first day and we were boat #19, making the run across the lake south of Chauncey Bay. Now I haven’t traveled much of the lake, so a lot of the time, I really wasn’t sure where I was, but I can find my way back there. The wind was gusting and the waves made it a pretty rough ride, but I’ll say he wasn’t reckless. I was thankful of the two hand holds on the Nitro, though the foot rests were a little too far away, so my feet kept bouncing off the floor. I found out the boat we were in was a loaner, as he was in a boat accident the day before when an aluminum boat made a 90 degree turn in front of him on the river. He said he’d taken what evasive action he could, but still went over the back of the boat. There was major damage to his boat, but at least the other boaters weren’t seriously hurt and admitted to FWC that it was their fault.
The first spot had fish busting here and there and he had a lot of fish striking his spinner bait, but not really loading up on it. He also threw a Big EZ, which had many hits, but it seemed they weren’t getting it well enough for a good hook set. I learned that Florida is where some pros just want to survive until they can get to more familiar lakes up north. I know I would like to hit that area when I go down there again. The second spot was back across the lake to the west side. Again, I apologize about not being certain where exactly we went, but he filled his limit there. We had fish all around us.
He didn’t have the back seat up, so I was sitting in the passenger seat, and I looked over to see a bass’s tail fin the size of my hand, under a mat of grass right next to the boat. You can’t say anything or assist in any way, so I ignored the at least 5+ lber and watched how Casey was working the area. (I had on a buff which covered my face for sun protection, Costas, and big floppy shade hat, so I knew he couldn’t see the expression on my face when I saw the size of her.) He eventually cast the bait by her, she busted on it and just took the tail end off the Big EZ. Inside, I was feeling disappointment for him and could just feel his frustration, as he was trying to figure what it was these fish were wanting. He ended up with approximately 9 lbs that day, 21.9 for the two days. But I was very impressed with his seriousness and professionalism about the sport. I am definitely keeping an eye on how he does this year. I’m thinking he will do VERY well indeed.
The next day, I was with Brandon Card (Rookie), and this time, I rode in a Triton. There wasn’t a second handle for my right hand, but I found a small space between the cooler lid, between the seats. It was juuusst enough room for 3 fingers to fit. That was a good thing, because we passed two other boats on the morning run, to what I “think” is Monkey Box. We caught some hang time with the prop roaring when we busted over some wakes. At the first stop he was flipping the thick mats of hyacinth, lily pad mix with a black/blue creature bait from Jethro. It seemed like just a couple casts and he winching up a 5+ lber in the boat. Then just a couple mats down, he loaded up again with what ended up being a near 6 lber. This one he nearly lost at the boat! He was trying to get hold of her and she was so covered in vegetation, he was getting it, not her. The hook came out as he snatched her up and into the boat. I told him he had the reflexes of a snake! With just two fish he doubled what his previous day’s weight was. He pitched for a couple hours without boating another then we moved to some reeds. There he boated 3 more rather quickly and started culling. He improved enough to make the cut for Saturday. The second spot was so shallow, I had to position myself to the deck (with feet still on the floor) until he could get on plane. I saw several other Marshalls doing the same. The run back was very fast and smooth and if I could have pried my right fingers loose from the death grip I had on the cooler lid, I would have loved to get a photo of Michael Iaconelli’s boat blasting along right next to us. Again a very professional young man and I’ll be putting him on my Fantasy Fishing Team.
The third day, I was paired with J. Todd Tucker and rode in a Phoenix. I was hoping to get that chance because we are looking at purchasing one of those in the future. He made a long run south and stopped where some birds were at, and had his limit by 8:35. The next stop was Cochran’s Pass where it looked like the majority of the field was there. I saw KVD pitching to reeds and shaking his head. So he apparently hadn’t caught that 8 lber yet. Tucker was pitching into some reeds and had a giant of a bass load up on him, wrapping itself up in the reeds, and then coming off. The bass was no less than 8 lbs, possibly bigger. It had bent the hook on that big jig! I was in disbelief and disappointed for him. He upgraded throughout the day, not enough for the cut, but still in the money. I tried to send BASS some photos I'd taken of him catching fish and boating them, but had no service. Saturday and Sunday are the only days you can use a smart phone to text or send photos to Trip or Chuck of BASS. Other than that your phone is off and put away.
I did notice a difference in fishing styles. Scanlon and Card didn’t throw towards any fish that were breaking surface and Tucker would. He used all his senses to locate fish, not just casting towards likely locations. He’d seen the reeds moving where the big fish was at, pitched to her, hooked her up, but being that’s its Fishing not Catching, she got enough leverage around the reeds to get off.
All in all, it was an experience I was glad to take part in. I was able to visit with Shaw Grigsby, get my hat signed by several and made some new friends.
whitwolf reply :
Great stories folks, thanks for sharing!
SDoolittle reply :
Olebiker, I'm a little confused. Who did you fish with on day two? You said that you rode with Cliff Prince, but then you started talking about someone named Scott.
tstone reply :
On 3/29/2012 at 12:16 AM, Olebiker said:Speaking of the Skinny Dipper, I learned a neat rigging technique from him that should drastically improve my hookup ratio. I can’t wait to try it.
Any chance you'd share that technique?
Thanks to both who posted of their experience!
Olebiker reply :
On 3/29/2012 at 8:18 AM, Bird dog said:Olebiker, I'm a little confused. Who did you fish with on day two? You said that you rode with Cliff Prince, but then you started talking about someone named Scott.
I have to get better about proof reading. It was Cliff Prince.
Olebiker reply :
On 3/29/2012 at 8:36 AM, tstone said:Any chance you'd share that technique?
I have always fished a Skinny Dipper type bait with a weighted hook but I have a little trouble with getting a consistent hookup. Cliff Prince used a swim jig head with the swimbait and didn't miss a single fish with that technique.
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
I saw a neat way to rig a skinny dipper on a chatter bait. I tried it at the couples tournament on Sunday, didn't hook up,but I liked how it looked in the water.
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
The first bass Brandon Card brought to the boat then the second one that "almost" got away! *ignore the date on the photos, I forgot to set the date right in my camera* These were taken on the 23rd.
roadwarrior reply :
WOW!
Great posts from both of you.
piscicidal reply :
Fishing Cowgirl,
Is this Casey Scanlon (see picture)? You said Scanlon was fishing from a Nitro and that it was a rental.
Me/Robert (South Fla) were trying to figure out who this was...Thanks.
Dinky reply :
I was a Marshall at Okeechobee last week end also. This was my 6th or 7th time but my first trip to the Big O. I went early and fished a couple days before the tournament and then decided to forego Marshalling Saturday (I was an alternate anyway and they said they probably wouldn't need me) and go shiner fishing. What a hoot.
Wednesday evening after the meeting and pro assignments I had a chance to visit with a few of the folks I have Marshalled for and fished with in the past. Had a short visit with Ish and complained about my cocoon sunglasses losing therir side lenses. Fished with him in the 1st Southern Open. He stored his truck and boat in my driveway after it for a few weeks while he flew home. Sure made my rig look puny. Didn't get to congratulate him after his win though. Spoke to Dave Hite and asked about his son who is in his first year at West Point.
Thursday I drew Morizo Shimizu from Osaka, Japan. We went all the way to Clewiston; (now I know how Columbus must have felt when he finally sighted the coast of North America!!) and then about 30 minutes more back into a couple of 'ponds' he found in practice. After about an hour with only 3 fish and no keepers we headed for the Monkey Box.
Note: I learned on my first time-never sit on your hat and pray that your hemorroids are made of fiberglass because it is 'bumpy' at 70+mph in a moderate chop.
At 1:00pm Morizo had exactly "0" in the box. By 2:30 he had 5 including a 6+pounder-which he referred to as "Big Mamma"
Morizo used some top water skinny dippers and naked swimmers type early. Switched to flipping with craws and sweet beaver types later on edges of the grass and pads.
After the weigh in he needed to get his prop changed so we went to the service trailer. What a mad house. But, in about 20 minutes they--the Merc techs--had his new Fury 25 on--half price on tournament days.
Story is they had to take a lower unit to south Okeechobee and change out Shaw Grigsby's on the water on Thursday.
Have also been told they can replace a power head in less than 3 hours. Amazing.
Friday I was with Andy Montgomery from NC. I was very impressed with his ability to cast under docks and pontoons-he hit the marina on the way out to the Monkey box. Those guys definitely fish in places most of us never put our lures.
Andy had a tough day and lost a 6 pounder at the boat late--don't know if it would have pushed him into the top 50 for Saturday but was very disappointed for him anyway.
Andy used two sizes of swim baits with skinny dipper trailers as well as a chatter bait with a large trailer. Also flipped with a 1/2 to 3/4 oz black and blue jig with a blue KVD creature trailer and rage craw trailer. Also flipped with rage craws on 11/2 oz weight--it was the only way to get through the thick mats.
A great experience--learned a lot as usual and will be in Oneida in August to fish and Marshall.
piscicidal reply :
WMD...you are on Bassmaster.com's "Basscam" video from Friday. There's a video showing Andy Montgomery, Chris Lane and James Niggemeyer all working the same stretch of mats in the Monkey Box....
Dinky reply :
On 3/30/2012 at 4:21 AM, piscicidal said:WMD...you are on Bassmaster.com's "Basscam" video from Friday. There's a video showing Andy Montgomery, Chris Lane and James Niggemeyer all working the same stretch of mats in the Monkey Box....
I do recall when we were in that area with chris et al, but was unaware we were on the basscam--hope I wasn't doing anything stupid or worse!!!
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
On 3/30/2012 at 2:24 AM, piscicidal said:Fishing Cowgirl,
Is this Casey Scanlon (see picture)? You said Scanlon was fishing from a Nitro and that it was a rental.
Me/Robert (South Fla) were trying to figure out who this was...Thanks.
That's him. There was only one powerpole on the boat. He sure could have used the two. Really nice guy, lots of talent.
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
On 3/30/2012 at 5:30 AM, WMD in Kentucky said:I do recall when we were in that area with chris et al, but was unaware we were on the basscam--hope I wasn't doing anything stupid or worse!!!
That was one of my concerns as well.. 
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
This photo was taken on Saturday when I Marshalled for J.Todd Tucker. A really great experience and I'm waiting for the weekend so I can try some of the techniques I observed.
Dinky reply :
On 3/30/2012 at 8:17 AM, Fishing Cowgirl said:This photo was taken on Saturday when I Marshalled for J.Todd Tucker. A really great experience and I'm waiting for the weekend so I can try some of the techniques I observed.
I marshalled for J Todd last year at St. Johns river on Saturday. It was my first ride in a Phoenix. It really impressed me and should I win the lottery I'd probably get one.
ChiCityBasser reply :
Great write ups and thanks for sharing.
A-Jay reply :
No doubt, the details described above regarding the high-speed boat rides you folks went on seems exciting to read about. Although you did not address it directly, it should be.
Pont of interest, the operator of any vessel is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and the safety of all passengers in that vessel. Participating in a fishing Tournament does not relieve the operator of this responsibility.
If an operator cannot avoid a collision with anything, a boat or something else, he/she is at fault. You must maintain control of your vessel at all times. You cannot blame someone else.
Sounds like the operators of both of the boats described are disregarding this. I’m certain none of these competitors is looking to injure/kill anyone but operating the boat in the fashion described, with a passenger who does not have the ability to maintain a safe position in the boat is selfish, irresponsible and could be considered criminal.
Wouldn’t it make sense to outfit these boats sufficiently to ensure the safety of the passengers; a second console, better hand holds whatever it takes? They do a great job at taking care of the bass with very functional live wells to ensure the fish arrive unharmed, this same consideration must be afforded to the folks they’ve invited to participate in these events.
Why are we accepting this level of disregard for safety? It’s not funny, it’s embarrassing.
A-Jay
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
It was not my intention to make it sound as though they were reckless, and each asked me if I was okay and tried to not make it too rough, though the waves had others things in mind. I didn't come out of my seat at anytime, but like I said my feet came off the floor a couple times because I couldn't stretch them out to the foot rest. I understand why there isn't a console for the passenger side, as it would take away room for the angler to manuver a fish to the boat. It was more due to the chop of the lake from the gusty east wind, than speed that made it a rough ride at times.I did make a suggestion to the Triton rep about a hand hold in the area for right hand side of the passenger seat. The Phoenix had a hand hold built into the seat, which was positioned deeper in the boat than other models, and Tucker didn't run near as fast as the others. (We are definetly getting a Phoenix but with a 200 motor)The Nitro had hand holds on both sides. I must say the speed mostly occured on the lake and there was plenty of distance from one boat to another, and it was during the morning run. The lake surface was better Friday and Saturday with much less chop. I knew the risks anytime I get into a boat, even our own, and if I felt in danger, I know I could have got their attention to take it down some notches.
The one accident that occured was prior to the event, as we all know "boats don't have brakes", the pro's defensive reactions probably prevented a real tragedy. You can't operate others boats when they make a 90 degree in front of you. I've had that happen on Lake Kissimmee in a monthly tournament, during the morning launch, when a boat passing us on the right decided to change direction to head to the Pigtrail on our left. We were doing about 60 and they obviously much faster. My husband took the same type of evasive actions and we ended up jumping the boats wake 10' behind it's motor. That was too close and I was seriously looking for the operator of that Astro at weigh in to give him a piece of my mind.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/31/2012 at 1:31 AM, Fishing Cowgirl said:It was not my intention to make it sound as though they were reckless, and each asked me if I was okay and tried to not make it too rough, though the waves had others things in mind. I didn't come out of my seat at anytime, but like I said my feet came off the floor a couple times because I couldn't stretch them out to the foot rest. I understand why there isn't a console for the passenger side, as it would take away room for the angler to manuver a fish to the boat. It was more due to the chop of the lake from the gusty east wind, than speed that made it a rough ride at times.I did make a suggestion to the Triton rep about a hand hold in the area for right hand side of the passenger seat. The Phoenix had a hand hold built into the seat, which was positioned deeper in the boat than other models, and Tucker didn't run near as fast as the others. (We are definetly getting a Phoenix but with a 200 motor)The Nitro had hand holds on both sides. I must say the speed mostly occured on the lake and there was plenty of distance from one boat to another, and it was during the morning run. The lake surface was better Friday and Saturday with much less chop. I knew the risks anytime I get into a boat, even our own, and if I felt in danger, I know I could have got their attention to take it down some notches.
The one accident that occured was prior to the event, as we all know "boats don't have brakes", the pro's defensive reactions probably prevented a real tragedy. You can't operate others boats when they make a 90 degree in front of you. I've had that happen on Lake Kissimmee in a monthly tournament, during the morning launch, when a boat passing us on the right decided to change direction to head to the Pigtrail on our left. We were doing about 60 and they obviously much faster. My husband took the same type of evasive actions and we ended up jumping the boats wake 10' behind it's motor. That was too close and I was seriously looking for the operator of that Astro at weigh in to give him a piece of my mind.
I believe your post presented the situations accurately and fairly. I feel that the fact that you felt strongly enough about it to even add it as part of your post meant that the subject does have merit. Olebiker addressed this matter at the very beginning of his post.
I realize that everybody believes that they are maintaining safety as their number one priority and it upsets us when someone suggest otherwise. As the stakes get higher, the boats get faster and faster sooner or later the safety of the passengers of these vessels has to be addressed, realistically. It happened in NASCAR and it will eventually happen in bass fishing. The question is which really famous person will be killed before officials and sponsors take action. ( ie. Dale Earnhardt)
This scenario plays out every weekend all over this great country. There are thousands of tournement anglers who read these boards as BR members. I hope that a few of them will read this and be reminded that the only safety device available on their vessel is the self-discipline and prudent throttle use exercised by the human being behind the wheel. That PFD you're wearing only helps after something bad has happened.
A-Jay
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
I understand your point, whereas I wouldn't drive that fast myself in a boat. But overall, I greatly enjoyed the experience, learned a lot of different techniques and made new friends..
Dinky reply :
On 3/31/2012 at 2:58 AM, A-Jay said:I believe your post presented the situations accurately and fairly. I feel that the fact that you felt strongly enough about it to even add it as part of your post meant that the subject does have merit. Olebiker addressed this matter at the very beginning of his post.
I realize that everybody believes that they are maintaining safety as their number one priority and it upsets us when someone suggest otherwise. As the stakes get higher, the boats get faster and faster sooner or later the safety of the passengers of these vessels has to be addressed, realistically. It happened in NASCAR and it will eventually happen in bass fishing. The question is which really famous person will be killed before officials and sponsors take action. ( ie. Dale Earnhardt)
This scenario plays out every weekend all over this great country. There are thousands of tournement anglers who read these boards as BR members. I hope that a few of them will read this and be reminded that the only safety device available on their vessel is the self-discipline and prudent throttle use exercised by the human being behind the wheel. That PFD you're wearing only helps after something bad has happened.
A-Jay
First: Every Pro I have ever ridden with is extremely safety concious and an excellent boat operator. I have never felt in any danger any more than when I'm in control of my own boat. All the boats have at least one handle for the passenger, most have more. Never been in one that didn't.
Second: Any time you are on a body of water like Okeechobee it can get windy and rough without causing undue safety issues to the pros, their passengers or other boaters. The length of time running in those conditions, rather than the operator, is what makes the experience exceptionally tiresome and tedious.
Third: your interpretation of our experience is either a) a reflection of some hidden bias or agenda 
based on a lack of knowledge/experience about high performance outboard boats and the pros who operate them c) a product of sour grapes or d) a combination of all of the above.
Fourth: Your comparison of Elite Tournament fishing to NASCAR is totally unrealistic: for example the tournament in question was on a lake covering over 500,000 acres--a somewhat larger venue than any race track NASCAR runs on; the fishermen have an aversion to competing near other boats--NASCAR drivers must get close to each other while driving one ton missles at 200 mph. Fishermen drive a relatively short time at high speeds-they can only catch fish when the big motor is shut off; while NASCAR drivers aren't even competing unless they are at high speed and pit stops are measured in seconds.
Fifth and final: Due to your post I will never again relate in a post any experiences whatsoever as an the Elite tournament marshall or individual boater.
If I wanted to be lectured to I would have stayed married to my first wife.
A-Jay reply :
WMD – Thank you very much for your response. Clearly your experiences in this matter have all been positive and I can see why you feel the way you do.
After 3 decades of serving our country conducting Search and Rescue (USCG), many of my experiences have been very different. Knowledge and experience regarding how various wind/weather can affect the operating conditions faced by boaters is something I know a bit about. Additionally, I am intimately familiar with the operation of several different types of water craft, high powered outboards included.
As for me having a bias or some hidden agenda – I will tell you that I definitely have an agenda and I make not attempt to hide it what so ever. I’m hoping that this kind of public discussion might help keep safe boat operation a priority and on the minds of every boater. I know firsthand how complacency and / or adrenalin can turn a fun day on the water into something else. I don’t know how many “Safe boaters” (or Parts of them) you’ve put in black bags, but the times I’ve done it – it was no fun.
Stay Safe
A-Jay
btw - I'm looking forward to meeting you at Gunnersville.
Dinky reply :
On 3/31/2012 at 7:28 AM, A-Jay said:WMD – Thank you very much for your response. Clearly your experiences in this matter have all been positive and I can see why you feel the way you do.
After 3 decades of serving our country conducting Search and Rescue (USCG), many of my experiences have been very different. Knowledge and experience regarding how various wind/weather can affect the operating conditions faced by boaters is something I know a bit about. Additionally, I am intimately familiar with the operation of several different types of water craft, high powered outboards included.
As for me having a bias or some hidden agenda – I will tell you that I definitely have an agenda and I make not attempt to hide it what so ever. I’m hoping that this kind of public discussion might help keep safe boat operation a priority and on the minds of every boater. I know firsthand how complacency and / or adrenalin can turn a fun day on the water into something else. I don’t know how many “Safe boaters” (or Parts of them) you’ve put in black bags, but the times I’ve done it – it was no fun.
Stay Safe
A-Jay
With all due respect, A-Jay, your 30 years of experiences in USCG search and rescue, as impressive and commendable as it is, gives you no right to use my posts as a jumping off point for your lectures on boat safety.
And neither do I appreciate the negative tone your original post/lecture attached to our experiences; the implication being we were engaged in some unsafe and ill advised activity.
You have no facts whatsoever to substantiate your claim that all my experiences have been positive. For all you know I could be retired military and a VietNam Veteran with extensive knowledge about S&R under extreme conditions.Please quit patronizing me and other Marshals.
We all get it--you are for safe boating. So are we. You have absolutly no right to imply that we Marshals or the pros we were with last week were guilty of 'complacency and/or [excessive] adrenalin'.
Please get down off of your self-righteous soap box and quit lecturing us like we are a bunch of undisciplined children.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/31/2012 at 8:10 AM, WMD in Kentucky said:With all due respect, A-Jay, your 30 years of experiences in USCG search and rescue, as impressive and commendable as it is, gives you no right to use my posts as a jumping off point for your lectures on boat safety.
And neither do I appreciate the negative tone your original post/lecture attached to our experiences; the implication being we were engaged in some unsafe and ill advised activity.
You have no facts whatsoever to substantiate your claim that all my experiences have been positive. For all you know I could be retired military and a VietNam Veteran with extensive knowledge about S&R under extreme conditions.Please quit patronizing me and other Marshals.
We all get it--you are for safe boating. So are we. You have absolutly no right to imply that we Marshals or the pros we were with last week were guilty of 'complacency and/or [excessive] adrenalin'.
Please get down off of your self-righteous soap box and quit lecturing us like we are a bunch of undisciplined children.
There you go, the perfect response.
And to the OP, I apologize for taking your good natured thread into another direction.
A-Jay
Dinky reply :
On 3/31/2012 at 9:54 AM, A-Jay said:There you go, the perfect response.
And to the OP, I apologize for taking your good natured thread into another direction.
A-Jay
Speaking for myself, I appreciate the apology and consider all above nothing but H2O under the bridge.
Your considerable experience regarding boat safety in general would certainly be valuable to all of us. May I suggest a separate thread on the subject. I know many of us would benefit.
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