I had a very close call last night.. At about 9:15pm I had just finished reeling in all my rods, turned on my headlamp as it was just getting to dark to see, and started to pull in my kayak anchor. I was sitting in 30fow white bass fishing for the last few hours when it happened. The anchor hung some brush or trees and I couldn't free it. The wind had been howling pretty good and there were 3 to 4 foot white caps while I was fighting to free the little thing.. Right before I decided to cut it, I gave it one last pull and it freed itself. The sudden shift in weight, combined with a perfectly timed roller was all it took.
Before I knew it I was in the water with a flipped kayak, alone in the middle of the lake, with no pfd on, and I couldn't find any of my stuff -including my paddle. Something had banged me on the head pretty good during the flip and it had me a little disoriented. The first thing I found was my dry box which contained my keys, wallet, and phone. This was a start.. Then the paddle (my leash had broken somehow when I turtled). 10 yards away I see my pfd so I decide to leave my kayak and swim for it. I reach it finally, but when I grab for it I quickly realize my only rod that wasn't on the bottom of the lake was hung on it by the 1oz slab I had been fishing with. The barb buried deep into my hand and I couldn't get it out.
Time to swim back to the kayak. Somehow I manage to flip it over, I throw all I can that I see around me inside, and jump in. At this point I guess adrenaline took over and the next thing I know I am at the ramp. No one ever saw any of this..

What I was doing was STUPID and I know this. No one should fish alone, in the dark, without there pfd on, in the wind..

Glad you lived to fish another day. That was a VERY close call.

I'm glad you are alright!! Thanks for sharing. We all have the potential for this every time we are out and being ready, ie. wearing your PFD would have made a difference. BE Safe!!

PS Nice Fish!

Glad all is ok! Sounds like you learned a good lesseon...

glad you are ok .

Glad you made it out ok.
On the water, things can go from Zero to Sh!+ in a split second.

Close one for sure. Glad you survived with only a bump on the head and hooked hand.

On the lake I fish I see folks all the time in their kayaks without a pfd on. I put mine on before I shove off from the shoreline, and it doesn't come off until I'm back on dry land.
I commend you for posting as others should take heed as to how fast things can go bad.

Yep, you cheated death on that one, and glad you are still around!

I'm glad you are ok

Glad to see your ok. There are lots of people out on the water that don't realize in a split second you can be fighting for your life any day out there. No matter what boat your in.

Here's a pic of the blow to my dome. My momma always said I was hard headed. Guess it paid off for once..

Glad you are okay

i'm glad you are ok, when I go out with my 10' jon boat I let the kayak guys grab on to rest be for they start to head in or on there way out. I always use my pdf. the sign I use is two hands reaching out to grab, I fish brunig lake, and calavras.

good morning,

angels everywhere....god bless....glad you are OK...

good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2