I also wear an inflatable PFD. We keep 2 of track suits, we got on clearance, in separate bags. We used the seal-a-meal to to make the bags more compact. They are both about the size of a softball and are permanently in a compartment on the boat. This way they don't take up much room and are always there and protected.

I'm 64 yrs old, over weight and crippled. I fish alone most of the time. Last week I bought a rope latter at BPS and just this morning I began wearing a PFD at all times while in the boat. We old worn-out guys have play smarter.

I've been launched from my bass boat twice on Conroe fishing in the wind in stumps. Both times it was cold. That's why I quit using the little flip-over levers on the trolling motor foot buttons; I want it to shut off if I go overboard. I carry a beach towel, dry insulated coveralls, and matches in a waterproof bag in the winter. I always worried about getting hung up in a trotline when that happens....

Glad your ok!
I always bring my back pack with me, I pack a few small snacks, super bright flashlight, 9mm pistol, extra hat, extra sunglasses, extra pair contact lenses, towel, and complete change of clothes.
I have almost gone in a few times myself, mainly when I have the trolling motor on 100 and forget while the motor is sideways! But at least I have a ladder if I do ever need it!

Don't count on that rope ladder to save your life when you are wet, cold and running out of energy. They swing under the boat when you are climbing and make you fall backwards. I strongly suggest, since you are crippled (or not), that you get a rigid folding ladder that best fits your boat and try it out during the summer when you have a buddy with you..

Haven't done it yet, but I know my time is coming. Knees are weaker now so it's just a matter of time. Glad you are ok.

Mucho glad you made it , I have fallen in three times , it's not fun .

I used to never wear my PFD, last week I set the hook using a jig and dang near went over... I wear one now, I'm 67 and my balance isn't as good as it used to be..
Glad you came out alright, I've had two friends drown fishing.

I'm 70 and fish year-round and alone most of the time. I always wear my inflatable vest.

I wonder just how difficult it would be to climb back into the boat if I fell in while wearing my snowmobile suit! It's difficult enough to get it on and off when on dry land.

For proper inflation the manufacturer states that the life vest should go on the OUTSIDE! OK, that complicates the issue of how I take off a water-logged snowmobile suit in the water! Do I wear the vest properly and expect to REMOVE it while in the water to get off the wet snowmobile suit, or do I wear it under the snowmobile suit and take the chance it won't inflate properly? Maybe I shouldn't wear the snowmobile suit. Or maybe I should just fish when the water is warm enough to fall in!

Glad you made it back out okay, I am 38 and abiding by the same rules. In fact, just bought myself a new Mustang inflatable so I could wear it in better comfort.

Glad you came out. Won't forget my PFD






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piscifun

The boarding ladder on my ranger boat doesnt have enough steps deep enough for us seniors to use ... we stopped last summer and went swimming and for the first time tried to get back in using the ladder. Advanced age and all i finally got into the boat but if I had an issue, or if it was cold, or i had a bunch of clothes on, im not sure if i could have done it.Wife was unable to get up using the ladder...it was quite a struggle, probably easier to use the trim on the motor and cavitation plate in an emergency...Fishing alone mostly too, i always wear my inflatable and always carry a knife i can get to

Glad you are ok! Had to help someone back in their boat on Fork and let them borrow a sweatshirt a few years ago in early spring. I have been close many a time, hope I can avoid it altogether. I like the idea of a dry bag always in the boat.

I am diabetic and my feet are mostly numb which makes my balance terrible. I just purchased an inflatable PFD and will be wearing religiously from now on. Will either mount a handrail of some type at the back of the boat near the motor so I can use the anti-cavitation plate and power trim to lift my fat butt up on to the boat. Going to try to find a handrail about 12" long to mount to rear of boat.
I'm also 60 yrs old and don't have the wind or the strength that I use to have.

Glad you made it okay