went out in my 7' featherlite sit in side kayak tonight because i was too LAZY to take my 14' sit on top yak. Was out for about a half hour as the sun went down and scored a couple of 8 lb blues on top water. then i switched to eels. I hooked up with a nice 25-30 lb fish. when i got her boat side i tried to pull her up onto my lap but due to excessive gear and what nots i leaned a little too far towards the fish. the water found it's way in. I realized it and leaned back..... way too far back. now water is filling up the cockpit superfast but yet slooooow motion at the same time. I did the slow roll and watched all my gear disapear(leashes were home in the s.o.t.yak.) after collecting myself i realized i could not find my bailing bucket. so i tried to hold the yak above water and swim.. my line was still connected to the bass and to a plug and around my legs. i managed to grab my dive knife and cut myself free before dropping the knife out of sight. so now i am free of lines trying too figure out what shorline is closest???? can't really tell so decide to swim towards my parents house. All of a sudddon i realized my phone should be ok in the zip lock baggie. i reach for it but it was gone. so i'm swimming for maybe 45 miinutes trying to hold the nose of my yak above water so i don't lose it as well. getting colderr and really having trouble controlling my breathing and swimming as well. now i kick off my sneakers but it didn't seam to help much, than my rain pants came off. it helped a little i finally made it to a mooring or conch pot or something and wrapped the line around my yak handles as i could not tie a knot. limbs were'nt working as they should. THE COLD IS DEFINATELY TAKING IT'S TOLL ON MY LOWER BODY so i hang on to the bouy for a few minutes to catch my breath. when i decided it was time to swim on i realized that my legs were cramped up and would not do what i told them to do.. so now i bite the bottom eye of my lami, rest my cabo on my groin and do the back stroke for what seemed like an eternity with the wind and fuLl moon's current controlling my progress. finally well over an hour and a half into it i can touch bottom. as i walked up the bank i soon figured out that my legs were barely under me and hypothermia is setting in. i walked about a half mile to my parents house and woke them up. they through me in the shower and gave me dry clothes. i lost MY DAUGHETERS BRAND NEW PENN SQUALL, HER BOAT ROD, ALL MY GOOD PLUGS, EVERY BIT OF TERMINAL TACKLE, MY KAYAK AND OAR, MY PHONE, WALLET, AND MY TWO BLUES I SAVED FOR THE SMOKER. BUT BECUASE I NEVER YAK WITH OUT MY LIFE VEST I WAS ABLE TO BACK STROKE LONG ENOUTH TO HIT THE SHORELINE. .........................I LEARNED A LOT OF THINGS THE HARD WAY TONIGHT.....
NEVER YAK AT NIGHT ALONE, SIT INSIDE YAKS DO NOT BELONG IN THE OCEAN WITHOUT A SKIRT, pfdS ROCK! AND MOST INPORTANT

I AM NOT INVINCIBLE.


Later i called the police to report my yak out there so they do not call for a search and rescue at sunrise when someone sees my stuff out there.

SORRY FOR THE LONG WINDED POST BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT HELP SOMEONE OUT OF MAKING BAD DECISIONS JUST FOR A FISH

Glad you are safe!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Glad you are ok first of all and most importantly! Second of all ditch that death trap! Sit insides were not made for fishing!:uhuh:

Glad you are ok first of all and most importantly! Second of all ditch that death trap! Sit insides were not made for fishing!:uhuh:

i knew that when i left.. just an idiotic decision on my part

Near death experiences tend to make us remember how precious life is. Just glad you didn't die because you certainly could have. Water is still cold enough for hypothermia to have killed you.

Thank God, man.

Wow, scary stuff... Glad you're ok Jeff!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Wow.

As much as I hate wearing my PFD it is always on! You never know! :uhuh:

Geeeees! Be careful will ya! I'm scared just reading this .
Would have been much worse if you lost her Dad.

Wow, that is crazy. Glad to hear you made it out alive and thanks for posting as it will certainly make folks think harder about their choices.
Everything you lost can be replaced but your life could not have been.

Wow, still can't believe it happened. I . i usually have my whistle with me but didn't. there were two boats that came within a (guestimated) mile or so just after i capsized. they might have been able to hear it if i had it around my neck. I feel like i got dragged home. every muscle is tight and legs feel like i have been mountain climbing all night. gonna take a boat ride and see if i can find any floaters in mt hope bay this am. gup, believe me that thought kept going through my head. defiantely woulda put a damper on her father's days for while

Scary story, glad it ended ok
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

glad your all right and you are correct never fish at night alone

we have been trying to get out together to fish . I love going at night so no need to go alone I'll PM you my Number its easier

WOW.... when I yakked I never went out w/o my pfd. Dude. it saved your life.

2. more things:
1. ALWAYS wear your rape whistle.
2. ALWAYS have your cell phone in a aquapac ATTACHED TO YOU. they are cheap and EXTREMELY effective.


So glad to hear this was autobiographical, and not in the paper....

Thank god you had a PFD on and did what you needed to save yourself. I bet the yak shows up and maybe some gear as well.

Wow! What a scary experience. Given the water temperature,you were certainly endangered. Thankfully, your survival instinct prevailed. Your account captivated my interest and should serve as a warning to others.

Glad you made it in safe... Wow!

You saved yourself, and in sharing this you may have saved someone else.

Solo or not epirbs and waterproof vhf handhelds might be good things for the checklist.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thanks for sharing, it may save someone, as we all have to make those decisions sometimes to go "less than prepared", and sometimes make the stupid choice instead of the wise one....God was with you last night!

Glad you made it in safe... Wow!

waterproof vhf handhelds might be good things for the checklist.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

good point... forgot that on my list of necessities.

Wow,scary, glad it worked out!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

nice outcome. We are all responsible for our own safety.

Wow - you caught a few breaks last night and the PFD being the main one. I am thankful I am tuping this response rather than a heads up - Kayak Fisher missing thread linked to the news.

Geeeees! Be careful will ya! I'm scared just reading this .
Would have been much worse if you lost her Dad.

Yes

nice outcome. We are all responsible for our own safety.

BRAVO!!!

Thank God you are alright.

Even with a skirt they don't belong in the ocean. I had one with a skirt and they can easily slip off. Glad u made it back!!!!!!!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Glad you made it in safe... Wow!

You saved yourself, and in sharing this you may have saved someone else.

... waterproof vhf handhelds might be good things for the checklist.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Bought one last year from Back Beach. It's always in the ditch bag. Floats, waterproof and glows in the dark.

I have the whistle that came with the PFD.....but I invested in a couple of those small air horns you can by at any marine supply store. They are small enough to fit in the pocket of my PFD and my Wife has one also! They cost about $10 each....good insurance!:uhuh:

Thank God you're ok. Things can turn bad in a heartbeat.

glad you made it out, and can look back with some constructive criticism. that was close one, huh?!?

Happy to read this as an happy ending..lost gear can be replaced...loss of life cannot... glad to see your able to tell your tale..

glad your ok.... buddy up
post this to other yak forums
cool beans pontoon idea comes to mind...

Glad to hear you made it through. Scary stuff!

When the #^&#^&#^&#^& hits the fan, it happens quick. Glad you're ok Jeff. I never enter the water, even in a wet suit, without my cell in the life proof case and submersible / floating VHF.

Holy #^&#^&#^&#^& , glad you're ok.

wow glad you are ok and thank you for sharing - everybody can learn a lot from this experience

Glad you're ok. I wouldn't even sit in a kayak on the beach without a Pfd on.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Crazy stuff! Glad you're OK

yikes...glad it ended well...

Glad your OK ! Sounds like you kept your cool.

Wow...Jeff...sooo glad yer ok. I'll gather up some gear for ya!

Glad to hear you survived, stuff can be replaced, unless your a cat you only have one life. I think a lot of people don't realize how fast hypothermia can immobilize you. I've only had one brush with it, was fishing a bass tourney on the Merrimack River, typical sunny day forecast that turned into a windy cold rainy raw day and I didn't pack for it. Being a Federation Tourney, I was trying to tuff it out, but miles upriver, I suddenly began shaking uncontrollably. I had to lay down on the floor and laid out all the soft tackle worm totes I had on top of me until my partner could get me back to the ramp.

... I had to lay down on the floor and laid out all the soft tackle worm totes I had on top of me until my partner could get me back to the ramp.

I'm SURE that sucked.... but that's a pretty damn funny mental picture.

Yeah, but ever since I've always got a waterproof bag with spare clothing, lessons learned are usually either embarrassing or expensive. In my case it's usually both, but I like to make sure I learn throughout life:).

That was a close call, too close.
Glad to hear you are ok now
don't scare your family like that again, a fish just is not worth it

I almost drowned in a sit inside kayak in florida. It was a small river kayak and I could barely squeeze inside it. I flipped it in the surf and I could not roll it back and I could not get out. Scary as fahck.... Closest to death I have ever been.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

update: I let go too soon lol. police called to tell me my kayak washed up 2 houses away from mom and dads! I told them to keep it. Was an outgoing wind and tide at the time i went swimming. it travelled a ways after the tide turned. still had one bluefish inside it.

I cant say I have been in your shoes but I can somewhat relate. My husband and I have a friend that enjoys the outdoors as we do and we often have the "acceptable risk" conversation. If you don't understand what I mean by "acceptable risk" I will summarize it. Basically if you partake in any activity that has potential to be risky or dangerous and understand this is a reality but still partake, this is "acceptable risk". You choose to accept the fact that it could be dangerous because the reward is worth the risk to you. You can certainly avoid much of the risk by being conscious of the risks and act accordingly. You may avoid 90% of the risk by proceeding in a proactive way but the fact remains that accidents happen and S*&T can happen. The biggest risk I take in my life is when I get on my snowmobile. I ride everytime as if there could be some crazy corner coming up or some A$$hat coming around the next corner. I try to enjoy myself but also be aware, and as ready to react should I need to. You can only control your own actions and reactions. Tis past winter I broke down in zero degrees, 30 miles from the nearest road or home (yeah, try hiking 30 miles in snow, not happening) It was late in the day and even though I had my hubby for a tow or to double up on his sled to get out of there I worried about his sled not making it. Would I have to spend the night in the wilderness & cold? Yes, It was a possibility. Was I prepared? Yes. It would not have been a Hilton experience by any means but We had just enough survival gear and know how to survive the night in sub zero if we had to. Luckily it did not come to that but it was a grave reminder to never slack on being prepared for what could happen, whether it be a PFD or a bivy bag. Technology has brought us many great lightweight yet dependable items to allow us to enjoy what we love with a peace of mind. You can keep your load minimal and still easily take enough "gear" to save your life, so why not pack one more pound that could save your life to enjoy another day of riding, fishing, friends, family, etc.?

This is a great post and a great reminder of things we tend to slack on or take for granted.

Wow, glad your Ok. Close call, never thought of a sit in as that much of a death trap. Wont forget that...

I cant say I have been in your shoes but I can somewhat relate. My husband and I have a friend that enjoys the outdoors as we do and we often have the "acceptable risk" conversation. If you don't understand what I mean by "acceptable risk" I will summarize it. Basically if you partake in any activity that has potential to be risky or dangerous and understand this is a reality but still partake, this is "acceptable risk". You choose to accept the fact that it could be dangerous because the reward is worth the risk to you. You can certainly avoid much of the risk by being conscious of the risks and act accordingly. You may avoid 90% of the risk by proceeding in a proactive way but the fact remains that accidents happen and S*&T can happen. The biggest risk I take in my life is when I get on my snowmobile. I ride everytime as if there could be some crazy corner coming up or some A$$hat coming around the next corner. I try to enjoy myself but also be aware, and as ready to react should I need to. You can only control your own actions and reactions. Tis past winter I broke down in zero degrees, 30 miles from the nearest road or home (yeah, try hiking 30 miles in snow, not happening) It was late in the day and even though I had my hubby for a tow or to double up on his sled to get out of there I worried about his sled not making it. Would I have to spend the night in the wilderness & cold? Yes, It was a possibility. Was I prepared? Yes. It would not have been a Hilton experience by any means but We had just enough survival gear and know how to survive the night in sub zero if we had to. Luckily it did not come to that but it was a grave reminder to never slack on being prepared for what could happen, whether it be a PFD or a bivy bag. Technology has brought us many great lightweight yet dependable items to allow us to enjoy what we love with a peace of mind. You can keep your load minimal and still easily take enough "gear" to save your life, so why not pack one more pound that could save your life to enjoy another day of riding, fishing, friends, family, etc.?

This is a great post and a great reminder of things we tend to slack on or take for granted.

Great post Jenn.

YES, ALL MY FUTURE TRIPS ON MY SOT YAK WILL DEFINITELY BE DONE WITH A HEAD FULL OF WHAT IFS????? NOT GOING TO TAKE THE FACT THAT I GREW UP ON THAT BAY, HAVE SWAM MUCH FURTHER THAN THAT BY CHOICE (IN MY YOUNGER DAYS) HAVE BOATED COUNTLESS FISH WITH NO PROBLEMS(EXCEPT OCCASIONAL HUMAN HOOK REMOVAL) FOR GRANTED. FUNNY THING IS NEXT DAY WAS FRIDAY 13TH W/ FULL MOON.... I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO GET OUT OF BED FRIDAY(BUT HAD TO WORK). TODAY I AM VERY TIRED STILL, QUITE SORE, AND VERY THANKFULL. THANKFUL TO BE HOME WITH THE FAMILY AND THANKFUL FOR ALL THE GENEROSITY FROM S-B LAND. SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER/NEVER MET! THANK YOU

Glad your still with us

WOW


thats not long winded you needed that spout of words to make your mind right . Its good to put it writing . save it for another date and read it before you go yaking .

glad we were able to read it from you . Stay safe

Thats some scary chit there ,glad you made it out clean
Way to go Bro.
If I'm not mistaken this is you're third escape from the reaper.......
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thats some scary chit there ,glad you made it out clean
Way to go Bro.
If I'm not mistaken this is you're third escape from the reaper.......
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

ya, time to mello

ya, time to mello

Indeed. No fish is worth dying for. This is fishing for god sake. Take a little time off and reflect on how lucky you were.

I've had my share of close calls after 46 years doing this, both in the surf and boat, but none as close as yours.

ya, time to mello
Yeah ya gotta cool it, because you wouldn't be here for dad's day. Some of us count on ya for some more good laughs to come!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

most scary situations seem to happen in a blink of an eye, which is how it started but the swim was a long, slow scenario during which I definitely had some time to put my life in perspective.

That's why I have a SOT kayak, and also why I ALWAYS wear my PFD jacket. I wear the PFD all season long, whether it's 50 degrees or 95 degress.

Unfortunately, you learned an important (and somewhat expensive) lesson. Fortunately you had your PFD and were able to reach shore.

Calling the authorities about the kayak was an added plus, because as you stated, you didn't want them to think there was someone in the drink that could cost time, money and manpower to try and locate. There would also be a possibility of someone geeting hurt during such a search operation.

Glad you're safe and sound, and also a little wiser in the end.

Glad you are ok.