Recently, I read a story on the forum
at YakAngler.com. Needless to say, the story made me think and re-affirmed, in
my mind, the importance of safety while kayak fishing. I decided I would like
to share the story in the hopes that it may make others think as well. So, I
contacted the person who wrote the post and received permission to publish it
in this article. I do not wish to “arm-chair quarterback” the incident but of
course there are many things that could have been done differently to eliminate
this close call. I just hope the story will make us all re-consider our
kayaking practices in regards to safety or at least give us a renewed
conviction about its importance. Without further adieu…
“All I can say guys, is wear your life
vest. I’ve been complacent. I bring it but I store it in the bow most of the
time. Yesterday I had a unique set of circumstances that almost cost me my
life. I fish the Mighty Mo up here in Montana. In most places I can stand up so
I generally don't wear the vest. I snagged my anchor and couldn't release the
anchor. I finally cut the trolley w/ my clippers (no knife) I paddled up stream
and pulled as hard as I could. It released and continued on w/ my day. I would
then tie the line to a RAM ball. This worked fine. I was a little off centered
but it worked. Here's where things went wrong. Fast! I saw this ledge in a
little quicker water. I figured there might be some smallies hanging below it.
I set the anchor and did NOT feather it out like I usually do. The line came
tight quicker than I expected and there was a sudden jerk! I think the anchor
slid and then really grabbed. I'm not sure. It happened so fast. Anyway, over I
go. Water's cold. 51 degrees. I said to myself don't panic. Just release the
anchor. I pulled and pulled and it wouldn’t give. Ok don't panic. Just untie
the anchor. The current was so hard that I couldn't get slack to untie it. I
tried and tried. I couldn't do it. Now I'm starting to panic. I've been in the
water 5-10 minutes or at least it felt like it. I'm getting cold. I'm on the
wrong side of the kayak. My brain just said you have to get to shore. It's only
40 yds tops. I started swimming. By this time my boots have filled up. I can't
kick. I'm just breast stroking it to shore. The current wasn't letting me get
there though. My arms were giving out. I was in complete disbelief. As hard as
I was trying I was making very little progress but I was making progress. At
this point my mind is telling me that there is a very real possibility that I'm
going to drown 20 yds from shore. I just told myself that I HAD to make it.
Give it EVERYTHING you've got! I did and about a minute later I touched bottom
and walked in. I've never been so scared in my life. Luckily a friend was
pulling out from the ramp and noticed my empty kayak. He searched the shoreline
with his binos and saw me waving. He launched his boat and got my kayak and me
to safety. I changed into dry clothes and went home shook up but at least I
went home. On the way home all I could think of was my family and how close I
came to drowning. I also thought about the many things I could have done
different. Fishing alone, didn't tell the wife where I was going, No life vest
on, life vest wasn't at least handy, no knife, faulty anchor system, faulty
anchor, no quick disconnect for the anchor line, my self-rescue step was
attached to my other kayak etc.”
By Rob from Montana (aka. 1Simplemann)
When there is a tragedy in the kayak
fishing community, it is felt by all. Thankfully, this did not end in this way
and Rob is able to live to tell his story. I appreciate him taking the time and
his willingness to share it with others. Hopefully we can all learn from his
incident and/or at least it will re-affirm our conviction for kayak fishing
safety so that this story or one similar does not become our own.
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