so if you go over while running, do any of you wear your kill switch cord? i am trying to use mine, but forget to hook it to my PFD or shorts before i'm underway most of the time. i know some LOVE to fish alone, but its always best to have someone with you just in case something does happen. i am light enough to get into just about any boat going over the side,back or whereever, but would reather have a ladder. stay safe.

I pull the plug and sink the boat. Once it is low enough to get in I put the plug back and swim aboard. I then start the bilge pumps and re-float the boat.

LOL!! John!

i really wouldnt feel safe fishing alone if I knew I didnt possess the strength to pull myself back in... change your diet, exercise, do so pull/push ups....

iridered- there is a remote killswitch out there on the market = whereas you wont have to unhook it. it stays with you and kills the boat when submerged or distance from unit trips it. Basschamps used to have them on thier sponsor list. they were pricey, but what convenience isnt? I just leave my jacket attached, and take the jacket off when moving from seat to deck.

I also keep mine attached to the vest. My problem is I keep the vest on with high winds or in the winter and when I get up to go up and forget to take the cord off. I'm getting better about not doing that 'cause the cord slaps me silly when it lets go.

You are assuming that you will be able to "catch" or get back to your boat. What if the wind is blowing & your boat is long gone without you..now what ? I know that I wear my PFD all the time when I'm on the water just in case I do go overboard. If the water is freezing cold...your on hurting status. Something to think about !
Roger

you can make one using 1/2" rope and some wood planks.if you are fat like me you might want to use steel planks.

The back steps molded into the transom of our Redfin work great for getting back into the boat. Never fallen out, but we use them when wading, tubing, and skiing. They sit a few inches above the water, so they're not exactly a step, but pretty easy to lift yourself onto.

This thread got me wondering what I would do. Could I get back in my boat??? I'm not a small guy. Kind of freaked me out, but then I remembered, our lakes are so low I'd just have to stand up!

I have rocket boots....

TFP

I do the same, only time my jackets gets unhooked, is when im traveling to another lake. I fish alone 90% of the time, but one good thing, im not very big and dont have problems getting back in my boat.

If I were to fall out and couldn't climb back in, I would just climb on the motor and trim it up. Going up, first floor, aft deck.

I think I'm fat enough that I would eventually float to shore somewhere...

Unfortunately, for the first time in many years of fishing, I did the "big splash" yesterday at GV while in a tournament. I was able to pull myself in from the back corner of the boat. I'm afraid in a couple more years I will have to resort to other options.......probably the stand on motor and trim 'er up thing.

I was lucky enough to only have one other boat and obviously my partner watch my gracefulness.
The spring chicken has definitely left the room. Nothing like growing older and wiser.

Okie

install an E-Ladder. Very easy to install on a jack plate or motor mount. Light weight and not in the way of anything.