Went fishing yesterday evening..about 45 min before dark I saw this guy cruising about 50yrds from me in a small jon boat with about a 40 on it. I looked up and was thinkn to myself this guy is an idiot....where he was at there were alot of stumps..normally it wouldnt be a problem for a small boat like that BUT the lake is about 3.5ft low. I was watching him by now I turned away for a second to grab something and about that time I heard a BOOM!...when I looked up he was in water and the boat was still on plane doing circles and he was in the water,he yelled KILL IT...KILL IT!..if there hadnt been another person in the boat that was able to kill the engine the outcome could have been really bad. The boat did about 2 circles before it was powered down. Both people were OK...Im sure the driver had a little something in his pants that wasnt there before....LOL!! Goes to show you that a kill swith and life jacket should be worn whenever the outboard is operating...this guy had neither on.

Come on people. Use some commmon sense! This kind of stuff is preventable! Dont tell me this was on Fork... Im sure there alot of people doing it right over there but seems Fork is a circus with some of the folks out there.

Wasnt on Fork...Lake Nacogdoches...ya there were some idiots on this lake to....had some people in a canoe...without lights cut right in front of me when I was idling to the ramp...had to throw it in reverse to keep from hitting them....told them that they need to have light on its the law...they never even responded to my comment.....idiots....LOL!

Idiots are everywhere. They exist for our entertainment and my job security. Keep em comin!

Sounds about right for Lake Nac.

Many years ago. I got thrown out of a boat. It was a clear windless day. The lake was like glass. I was running from the sanger ramp heading to Indian creek. I was making the turn to round the main lake point. When out of the corner of my eye I see the motor passing me. The next 10 seconds were all a blur. apparently I hit a floater although I never found what I hit. I was wearing my life jacket and kill switch or things could have been bad. Required 14 stiches in my head when I hit it on the prop when I came up from being thrown about 20 yards. I would guess I was running about 60 when it happen. I have always worn the jacket and kill switch, am grateful that I was taught as a young man that things beyond your control can happen. Life jackets and Kill switches for anyone in my boat.

I can attest to that. We need to go fishing, Bruce!

This is a good post for those of us who are teachable. It was just a stroke of coincidental luck that this didn't turn out much more tragically. One challenge I've encountered is that there doesn't seem to be a way to speak to folks who behave this way prior to having an accident. I've attempted to in a couple situations where risk factors were high and in my most accommodating tone that I know of. Usually I get the mind your own business look. Worse yet I get told that. Sad thing is there are a lot of risks on the dry ground which is our element. The water is not and you would think folks would recognize that and take necessary precautions, but many do not.

An old timer I knew did the same thing in Toledo Bend many years ago. Left to duck hunt at first light in the fog. Hit a stump and got thrown in full winter camo, no life jacket. He said he was down to his last gasp when he felt a stump under his foot. Stood on it while the jon circled him for a long time. Noise from the outboard alerted another hunter who drug his butt out. Reminder to always have safety in mind when on the water!

common sense should be a law for sure

"Life jacket, kill switches"

Lindy Roberts

+1

Lessons learned

Hate to say it but we need a law if the outboard is on you must have a life vest on with a kill switch. You get pissed off when you get a fine for not having your throw device out in the open or a low fire ex. and nuts like this are out there.

Dad and I were having a discussion on this very thing this morning while on the water. I diligently wear a life vest when under power and often when up front running the trolling motor (we are usually in some stumpy areas on Pines). Anytime we are out with kids or friend playing in the boat...I always hook up the kill switch. Yet, often when we are out bass fishing, in much more hazardous waters, we fail to keep the kill switch hooked every time we move. Its a bad habit and oversight!