Lesson Learned

[LD Fisher]

The wife and I had a great week on the lake.  Caught well over 100 fish in three days with one 21" Wally that will make a great grilled meal.  Most all on the drop shot and earthworms.

BUT, I was leaning over the side of the boat washing my hands after baiting my hook when a wave hit the boat and over the side I went, head first.  I popped up and grabbed the side of the boat and my wife tried to help pull me back in.....that doesn't work for a 67 year old   My automatic inflatable vest went off and I paddled to the back of the boat.  I remembered reading that you could use the trim on the motor to help you get back in the boat, so I straddled the cavitation plate and my wife hit the trim on the motor.  Trimmed the motor all the way up and after a bit of work figuring out how to step on the Talon bracket, I made it back in the boat.  All that being said, I learned two valuable lessons.

1.  Inflatable life vests work and if you are older like me with two artificial hips, you should have a life vest on all the time. Your balance and reaction time is not what it used to  be!

2.  You need a boarding ladder on a bass boat.  I didn't have one, but I will by the next time I go fishing!  And I will practice getting back in the boat with clothes on to make sure I can get back in.

 

This was a learning experience and I was ribbed pretty hard by my family, but if it wasn't warm and I was by myself, the story could've been a lot different.  My wife was too busy trying to help me back in the boat.....so no pictures.............Thank God!!

I really didn't want to tell on myself, but I think it's important to share this!!  I always thought I was careful, but was surprised how unexpected and fast this happened.  So be careful on the water and consider wearing a life vest even while fishing and if you don't have a ladder on your boat, get one!  That cavitation plate is not very comfortable to straddle and be raised while your on it!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[176champion]

Glad your ok!!

 

Im only 62 and i wear either my inflatable or my regular PFD at all times....i dont have a boarding ladder either but im working on that as well.

[dougdean]

Sounds like a happy ending.

[motoman]

Glad your okay there LD. And thanks for sharing, cause you're right; under slightly different circumstances; things could've been a lot worse.:-(

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After a lot of research for boarding ladders; I settled on the 'All Aboard Ladder' (link below). I have no dog in this hunt or direct interest in which ladder anyone picks; except I think every bassboat should have some type of boarding ladder.

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The 'All aboard Ladder' works great for our family when swimming too. Simple install on the jackplate, NO drilling, made locally, rock solid design and the company owner was great to work with and can even configure the ladder with lots of options if you want. But, all I had to do was tell him my boat year, make and model and the thing fit perfect and installed in minutes. It's simple to deploy by pushing a button on the side of the ladder; it easily slides right down to where you need it; once in the boat; grab the ladder with one hand and slide it right back up and it locks back into place. So simple our 7-year daughters deploy and retract it when swimming!........We couldnt be more thrilled with the purchase; worth every penny.:-)

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As always, stay safe out there!

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http://www.thebassboatladder.com

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[Quillback]

Glad to hear you made it.  Those wake boats can really kick out some big wakes. 

[Smithvillesteve]

Glad your story had a happy ending. One question: If you had a life jacket on why didnt you just paddle yourself into shallow water? Have wife bring boat to you and climb right in? Just wondering. And once again, glad you are ok.

[LD Fisher]

I thought about it.  We were in 75 fow and a ways from shore or docks.  Thought about setting on the motor after she raise me up and using the trolling motor to go to a dock. But I can tell you that setting on the motor while she headed to a dock through waves really didn't appeal to me. Would had been fun waving at other boats while I rode the bucking motor though. ?

But, while being risky, it's good to know I can get out of the water if I have another brain cramp!!  ?

[jim m]

glad you made back in the boat safely, I shudder to think what could have happened in cold water

[MOPanfisher]

Great stor and glad you remembered the cavitation plate method.  It might not be graceful but it will get you back in the boat.  Ladders are great, if properly designed and installed.  

[Nitro 750]

Great ending and some very good advice. Thank You!!!!