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Member
Posts: 1188
Location: Chicago IL. | Question: Your out fishing on a lake or river,a major storm pops up, sirens go off and then you look and a tornado has touched down and look like it is comming towards you. What would you do. I`m not looking to make light of what happened in Utica, I`m just looking to get a answer because I dont know. Of couse you would get to shore and get out of the boat,but then what? John Mannerino #473 |
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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | First,
Let's hope that none of us ever gets into this situation. Monitoring the weather channel on the marine radio is a must! It has saved me several times on big water where I screamed off the lake prior to a major front coming through. I remember one time when I was on Bago and it started looking nasty. Turned on the marine radio and the first thing I heard was "take shelter immediately"! I got off the water ASAP and moments later 50-60 mph winds came through. A couple of boats were flipped during this short but powerful burst of energy.
To answer your question, I'd take the shortest route possible to shore and look for a low area. Culverts, ditches, a home on the lake where it looks like someone is home (and hopefully a basement) are all good options.
I take great pride in knowing when to get off the water. Unfortunately I have cut it a little close and have had a couple of white knuckle rides back to port. I have also sided with safety during a couple of tournaments where I was one more fish away from a big cash payout and chose to head back. I lost money with the decision but have never had a partner complain.
One of the scariest times was during last year's Mercury Nationals when we got too close to that famous funnel on the way back. There were many of us fishing that tournament who thought we pushed our luck too far. And as it usually happens, right after we left the area that we were fishing, the fish went nuts for about 10-15 minutes and many of the "brave souls" (or stupid) that stuck around had some phenomenal brief fishing.
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Member
Posts: 194
Location: Northern Illinois | A timely question given all the bad weather of late. I would beach the boat, grab the truck keys and cell phone. Then run and duck into the lowest ditch, drainage, or culvert I can find. If the storm is in the distance, I would take time to anchor the boat on shore. In either case, call local sheriff to report what has occurred and monitor radio to help as possible. Mike Potaniec |
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Member
Posts: 39
Location: Cupar, Saskatchewan, Canada | I was just in that situation the other day. We were scared we just went into one of the back bays to stay sheltered. Lucklily it was only on the water for about 15-30 seconds. |
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Location: Rhinelander | I have been in that situation a couple times including the Merc National last year. Get to shore, and secure the boat best as you can. Find the lowest area you can AWAY from large trees and lie down. Wrap your head in an additional sweatshirt or coat, and hope for the best. |
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