My 18 year old son shipped out for training at Ft.Benning on Sunday. I came home Saturday night and he and I spent the night visiting his grand dad, aunt and friends. We said our goodbyes on Sunday and it was just a tough day. Sure wish I was going with him.
I took a heavy heart to Fork yesterday morning only to hear a buddy that stays next to us at Axton's uncle had been missing since Sunday. He went out fishing and did not come home. They found his pontoon and a few items.
Picked up my customers, got rained on, sat in the truck for two hours before we got to get back out. Struggled catching fish. Lake was up two feet, gates were open. Cloudy, wind at times, just a tough day to be on the lake.
We kept at it and finally found some fish. Ended up getting the clients a limit of real nice fish.
After I got back to camp my buddies were going to go help in the search for his uncle. They asked me to go because they know very little about side imaging. I agreed and we headed over to the area where game wardens were searching. Several other boats were helping. Saw Slade there along with the man's step son in another boat. We noticed the game wardens working one area pretty hard. They would toss a buoy and pick it up. Something caught their eye. I overheard Slad mention he saw something in that area also. On our first pass I saw it as well but on second pass it seemed to move and could not see it. Finally the wardens dropped another buoy and they and Slade located it again. On that pass we saw it again and it was very obvious to me what we were looking at
Wardens called for dive team and we all left the area. Got a text around 11pm that the body had been recovered by dive team.
Prayers go out to the family and friends. I can't imagine going through that.
Kudos to the Wardens and Slade and all who helped. I wasn't much help but was glad to be there for Jay.
Such an emotional day on the lake. My mind was on everything but fishing and thanks to my customers for having patience and not giving up on me as we searched for Crappie on a day where Crappie seemed so unimportant.

Tough to swallow just reading this let alone to be involved as you were. Tough, Tough, Tough....

Jerry what a story and heavy heart for sure. A very sad tragedy.

Prayers to the family of your friend.

Thanking your son for his service and wishing him nothing but a safe return home.

Your one of the best people I have ever met and I am honored to call you my friend.

Ditto on the thumbs up for the Texas Wardens, Slade, and all who helped in the search.

Please wear your Life Jacket folks "At All Times!"

Wear it PLEASE!!!

Thank you for sharing your day with us,

Wow. Sad news all the way around. I'm sure it was hard just fishing with all that going on. Congrats on your boy and hope for his safe return.

WOW!!!!! WIll lift up the family and also you Sir. Much Love from the TFF family.

Dang Jerry; tough day all the way around. Glad you were there for your friend.
And a special thanks for your son going to serve.

Stories like this make us all stop and think about what's really important. And I take note of how many good people are on this forum, those that put others first.

When people truly care for someone else. Only good things can happen. I get that all the time from people on here. Mr. Jerry you are a prime example of this.

Dang, Jerry, I don't even know what to say bud....... My heart goes out to you. As for your son, empty nest (for a guy, just missing your son) will gradually turn to just being a proud dad. Prayers constantly for a safe return.

Gary

Sorry to hear this. Tough day Jerry. Thank your son for us for his service to our country. Condolences and prayers for your friend and his family.

Angel's stationed all around your son sir!

So sorry to see this. Prayers up to our Almighty Father for everyone affected by this tragedy. Thank You to your son for his service.

>E

Prayers for your son,for the family that lost a love one and for you Jerry that GOD eases the pain from such a tough day. A special Thanks to all those involved in the search.

Things like this remind me of how short life really is. Praying for the family.

Prayers for all ... I know that wasn't pleasant ...

I recently had a storage unit broken in to and a large amount of fishing gear was stolen including two expensive kayaks. The total loss was about 9-10K. Insurance won't cover it because of limits,deductibles,etc.....
I have been obsessising about this since it had happened. I read a devotional today titled "The Good Shepherd". After reading it I read your post. I fell into tears realizing that my creator and savior doesn't intend for me to obsess about stuff( we tend to forget at times). God wil be watching over your son. He is the Good Shepherd that makes it so we don't have to be full of fear!!!! I will be praying for your family, your son and the mans family that lost their family member. Life sure isn't easy at times!!!!