Capsized In Icy Water

[Money Maker]

Glad to hear all went ok!!

Mike
Freestyle Calls Pro-Staffer

[Montauker]

Great post-

Waders- especially neoprene will float you (or at least not sink you)- test it yourself- or see pitboss's dvd (he jumps into a pool)

One point to add - you should never jump ship unless the boat is absolutely going under- meaning basically stay in the boat until you are submerged or floating as this will reduce exposure time.

Glad to hear that this one came out ok.

[Tom Cannon, www.Outdoor-z.com]

Glad everyone is okay! number one rule on the water... wear a life jacket when operating the boat. Much like a seat belt it saves lives and should be automatically put on when you get in the boat.

[Chad Ryan]

very interesting about the waders....i have never had the nerve to jump into water with my waders.....i will gather some of my BEST friends and try that this summer...good idea cody

[Ben G Peterson]

glad everyones alright.

[Kent Contreras]

Some good points to remember and thanks for laying it out there. I can't say when it happens but at some point during the season we get a little relaxed and forget the golden rules, and that is to take our time, get the safety gear on such as PFD's, light and wader belt. Remember, it can happen to any of us in a heartbeat and I really hate seeing one of us become a statistic.
Thanks again for the reality check David.

[Honkers45]

I'm glad to hear everyones was ok...it can get scary out there on the water and it can happen in a split second before you realize it...Honkers41

[reel slick]

Glad your crew was able to be saved. Many people never get a second chance. All involved should be thanking their lucky stars. What you did wrong-Not wearing a life jacket. In a small boat you have zero time to prepare for a accident. You really should wear them any time the motor is running. Traveling in pairs saved your son's life. If they were alone it might have been fatal. Bildge pumps, VHF radios or SAT phones and a EPIRB should really be on board in a watertight box. I survived a capsizing last year in my duckboat but lost a great friend in the accident. The lifejacket I was wearing saved my life. If you care about your friends and family, put the jacket on whenever that motor is running. It might be your only help if you go over. 40 degree water is no match for anyone, with or without a jacket. I have been fishing the Northeast canyons for the last 20 years 80-100 miles offshore, I have over 200 trips under my belt. I would describe myself as a safe and careful captain. This kills me to write about it but please take a note and get the necessary safety equipment and know how to use it. Your life really is worth it. Glad to hear you had a happy outcome.

[Ryan Kleinschmidt]

I have been in that exact same situation myself. I was the guy in the water. I know the feeling and it will change the way you approach harsh weather and conditions in the future. Good to hear everyone is ok.

[Robert Nelson]

Thanks for taking the time to write this
very informative post. I like learning from
others, though this one is not the best
situation as bad things happend. I am glad
everyone is ok, and thanks again for sharing
some valuable information.

THIS ONE SHOULD GET A STICKY !!!!!, Especially for the new Guys !!

Regards,
Robert Nelson