Do you fish alone?
- Thread starter nomadcruiser53
- Start date
Chris asked, so I have a story to relay. As you all know our C-Dorys attract some attention, and as usual, when I pull around and park the boat in the street preparatory for going out to the marina to launch, someone always stops by to admire. Last week as we were getting ready, a gentleman driving by, pulled up and stopped, got out and walked back to chat, I thought. He walked up and peered over the starboard cock pit rail and said, "You don't use a carpet in there do you?" Answering in the negatively affirmative, I asked why. "That's good", he said, "and here's why." Here is his story:
"Mind you this was several years ago, and we were both just over 70, he said, speaking of himself and his wife. We were out fishing, about 5 miles north of Ediz Hook, (That's Port Angeles, WA) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It was cool so I was wearing a heavy jacket, and had just pulled up the downrigger to reset and reached over the side to pick up a 10 pound ball, gave it a bit of a jerk to clear some seaweed off of it, and the next thing I knew my feet slipped, as the carpet slid and I was over the side and into the 45 degree water. Boat running at trolling speed, wife in the cabin, didn't hear the splash, but noticed the boat rock, and looked out in time to see me waving and yelling. Now she didn't drive the boat, ever, didn't know how to turn, stop or use the radio. There was a red line tied to the kill switch on the kicker, and I yelled at her to pull that. Finally she got it. She then grabbed the throwable, but when she threw it the line snagged and fell far short. Boat is 100 feet away by now and drifting away with the wind. No boats close by, and my PFD was in the cabin, nice and dry. I couldn't swim with the heavy coat on, all I could do was turn on my back and try and stay on the surface.
"Then I thought of the canned air horn, and yelled at her to use that and to start blowing it. She did, "blast, blast, blast blast, blast, blast, and... continued". As the can ran out, and the boat is now closing on a 100 yards down wind, 3 other fishing boats arrived from nowhere. Some big burly fisherman reached over his gunnel, and hoisted me up and into his boat by my belt. I could hardly move, and had been in the water nearly 20 minutes. They took me back to my boat and then someone took my boat, wife and I back to shore.
"So I wanted to admire your boat, and make sure that you didn't have a carpet in that cock pit to slip on. Also, make sure you always wear your PFD if you want to be sure you are coming back from your fishing trip."
We chatted a bit about the lessons learned, (1. everyone on board should know how to use the radio, and the safety equipment; 2.everyone Always wear a PFD; 3.Be prepared to have to get someone onboard over your gunnel; 4.your regular partner should be capable of driving the boat.) We left him with an invitation to come for a ride, anytime, and we would have a PFD for him.
By the way, his name was Bob. And this is a true story, and he is one lucky Bob.
Harvey & Deena
Sleepy C :moon
[/quote]
I've come close to falling out once under similar circumstances - e.g. leaning over to deal with a down rigger in some wake or waves and nearly losing my footing. And this was with dri deck, not carpeting. But even that can slip a little.
Another point of that story is that some of us are effectively single handing the boat even when others are with. That's part of the reason I was so impressed with Patty and Susan for taking their boats out single handed recently and am hoping that one of them will convince Joyce that she can do the same. (Also, for the record, I've always been impressed with Robbi - The woman can both single hand her boat AND fish!). I always make a point of doing a brief safety orientation whenever I take someone new on the boat. Here's what I do:
1) I introduce them to the radio and how to use it. It tell them that the coast guard can be reached on 16 and I show them how to set the radio to 16 and how to use the microphone.
2) I show them how to read our position from the GPS and how to say it back to the CG if needed.
3) I tell them the type and color of the boat and then I do a sample of what to say in a mayday situation. E.g. "Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is the SeaDNA. We are a 22' white with blue striped C-Dory at position xxx.xx N, yyy.yyW and we are experiencing the following problem, etc."
4) I explain that in a bad situation they may not get a lot of time to make such a call so that it is important they get the location, the size and color and a description of the problem relayed efficiently.
5) I show them how to take the boat out of gear and how to put it into gear and how to steer.
6) I show them where the fire extinguishers are and roughly how to use them.
7) I show them were the flares, airhorn and other safety gear is located.
8 ) I show them how to wear their PDF and how I have a flair and either a strobe light or a dye pack within the PFD.
9) I make them wear the PFD. I made a decision to equip the boat with inflatable PFDs and not to carry exclusively type V pfd's since they must be worn to be coast guard legal. (I also have the required type IV and one Mustang jacket that's a type II). I like the fact that with only type V's, I can tell them that the law requires them to wear it. No arguments from that.
10) I show them how to use the throwable and the how to use the heave bag (a bag with 75' of line).
11) I show them where the swim ladder is (I keep it in the cockpit) and how to deploy it.
12) I indicate the positions of the bilge pumps and show them that they work and how to manually turn them on (I have them on auto but have a manual override in case the float switch is stuck).
All of the above takes only 5-10 minutes and someday it might save my life. I would suggest that we all do the same for all our guests.
For my wife, I have also had her practice driving the boat to shrimp or crab pot buoys and throwing out the heave bag. I think she could at least get the boat back to me without running me over if needed and I think she could get a line to me and get the swim ladder out. However, if she was really nervous (as she would be if I went over), she might make a mistake or two like leaving the boat in gear. That's why I want her to gain more confidence by learning from another female. For better or worse, I may not be the best teacher for my spouse.
Another point of that story is that some of us are effectively single handing the boat even when others are with. That's part of the reason I was so impressed with Patty and Susan for taking their boats out single handed recently and am hoping that one of them will convince Joyce that she can do the same. (Also, for the record, I've always been impressed with Robbi - The woman can both single hand her boat AND fish!). I always make a point of doing a brief safety orientation whenever I take someone new on the boat. Here's what I do:
1) I introduce them to the radio and how to use it. It tell them that the coast guard can be reached on 16 and I show them how to set the radio to 16 and how to use the microphone.
2) I show them how to read our position from the GPS and how to say it back to the CG if needed.
3) I tell them the type and color of the boat and then I do a sample of what to say in a mayday situation. E.g. "Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is the SeaDNA. We are a 22' white with blue striped C-Dory at position xxx.xx N, yyy.yyW and we are experiencing the following problem, etc."
4) I explain that in a bad situation they may not get a lot of time to make such a call so that it is important they get the location, the size and color and a description of the problem relayed efficiently.
5) I show them how to take the boat out of gear and how to put it into gear and how to steer.
6) I show them where the fire extinguishers are and roughly how to use them.
7) I show them were the flares, airhorn and other safety gear is located.
8 ) I show them how to wear their PDF and how I have a flair and either a strobe light or a dye pack within the PFD.
9) I make them wear the PFD. I made a decision to equip the boat with inflatable PFDs and not to carry exclusively type V pfd's since they must be worn to be coast guard legal. (I also have the required type IV and one Mustang jacket that's a type II). I like the fact that with only type V's, I can tell them that the law requires them to wear it. No arguments from that.
10) I show them how to use the throwable and the how to use the heave bag (a bag with 75' of line).
11) I show them where the swim ladder is (I keep it in the cockpit) and how to deploy it.
12) I indicate the positions of the bilge pumps and show them that they work and how to manually turn them on (I have them on auto but have a manual override in case the float switch is stuck).
All of the above takes only 5-10 minutes and someday it might save my life. I would suggest that we all do the same for all our guests.
For my wife, I have also had her practice driving the boat to shrimp or crab pot buoys and throwing out the heave bag. I think she could at least get the boat back to me without running me over if needed and I think she could get a line to me and get the swim ladder out. However, if she was really nervous (as she would be if I went over), she might make a mistake or two like leaving the boat in gear. That's why I want her to gain more confidence by learning from another female. For better or worse, I may not be the best teacher for my spouse.
rogerbum":3w3z9y3b said:
I had a professional trainer (also is 100-ton captain and surveyor) train my wife for exactly that reason. Money very well spent. If nothing else, she has a much greater appreciation for the variables that I have to deal with when maneuvering the boat.
Warren
flapbreaker
New member
If you plan on doing a lot of trolling I seriously think a TR-1 autopilot for your kicker is a must have. They are not cheap but I can tell you from personal experience that it's like having someone else on board to steer the boat for you. And yes you could easily backbounce alone with it. They are very precise. Everytime I use it I'm amazed at how much easier troll fishing is. :thup
I had a TR-1 for the 9.9 Honda on my previous boat, a Hewescraft. Great product, but won't work on my Tom Cat as I only have the two 150 Yamahas and no kicker.
What follows is somewhat off the topic, but relates to other threads on the subject of autopilots, specifically Raymarine autopilots.
On the Tom Cat I have a Raymarine autopilot. I had a long discussion with the tech who installed it about low-speed performance (or lack thereof) and about how some people switch back and forth between displacement and planing hulls. He said that all that happens doing that switch is that a different set of default values get plugged in, and you lose any custom adjustments you have made (compensating the compass, etc.) He said the thing to do to improve slow speed performance is to turn up the gain. I haven't tried it yet, will report back what I find.
Warren
What follows is somewhat off the topic, but relates to other threads on the subject of autopilots, specifically Raymarine autopilots.
On the Tom Cat I have a Raymarine autopilot. I had a long discussion with the tech who installed it about low-speed performance (or lack thereof) and about how some people switch back and forth between displacement and planing hulls. He said that all that happens doing that switch is that a different set of default values get plugged in, and you lose any custom adjustments you have made (compensating the compass, etc.) He said the thing to do to improve slow speed performance is to turn up the gain. I haven't tried it yet, will report back what I find.
Warren
Warren,
I wonder why you didn't go with the TR1 Gladiator on the Tom Cat--it is used extensively on the Glacier Bays. The TR1 Gold is for small engines, but the Gladiator will work on almost any boat, including inboard diesels, tripple outboards, I/O etc. I realized that you have commited to the RayMarine at this point. It is quite possiable that in the future, you can use the same motor pump set with the TR 1 Gladiator.
TR1 now is owned by Garmin, so I wonder if it will have some special interface with the Garmin electronics. When Garmin gets AIS, then they will have a complete line of marine electronics.
I wonder why you didn't go with the TR1 Gladiator on the Tom Cat--it is used extensively on the Glacier Bays. The TR1 Gold is for small engines, but the Gladiator will work on almost any boat, including inboard diesels, tripple outboards, I/O etc. I realized that you have commited to the RayMarine at this point. It is quite possiable that in the future, you can use the same motor pump set with the TR 1 Gladiator.
TR1 now is owned by Garmin, so I wonder if it will have some special interface with the Garmin electronics. When Garmin gets AIS, then they will have a complete line of marine electronics.
thataway":2zcqgr4v said:
Bob, I don't have the knowledge and confidence that you do to make successful multi-vendor electronic decisions, hence I went with the integrated Raymarine solution. Additionally, I paid a premium to take advantage of the expertise of my installer (a specialty marine electronics shop), which recommended the all-Raymarine solution. We did discuss some multi-vendor options but we kept coming back to the Raymarine.
As for the Gladiator, I don't know how well it would interface with the E-80 route/waypoint system. In a previous life (sofware) I encountered too many instances of finger-pointing between hardware vendors during system integration to want to chance that happening in this life.
I know so much more now than I did then, but I don't regret making the decisions I did then, based on what I knew then.
Warren
Roger on the SeaDNA Has a very good, thorough safety orientation, and that sounds like something I am going to try and emulate. Thanks for that post Roger. At the Lopez CBGT, one of the boats I got to look in had some compartments labeled, First aid, Emergency, etc and I am working on compartmentalizing and labeling some spots in the same fashion. Another place in the C-Brats on Line I read of an orientation book to the boat. This is also a goal. I do enjoy taking folks out. I guess that stems from growing up, standing on the dock or the shore and watching everyone else get to go out in their boats. Think this is a good time to share when I can.
Harvey
Sleepy C :moon
Harvey
Sleepy C :moon
For future installations, the TR 1 Gladiator seems to work well with an 0183 GPS signals. There are a number of folks in the fishing forums who have them integrated with the RayMarine chart plotters--but there are also a number of people who have gone all RayMarine. Going all RayMarine does simplify the installation slightly.
Again not sure where Garmin will go with the TR1.
Again not sure where Garmin will go with the TR1.
As I said in an earlier post and Sleepy-C posting of the gentleman falling overboard, No one ever expects to take the plunge, I know I didn't. But It Does Happen!!
Even in "Around Alone" races, boats are found with no one on board. You can only limit your chances of falling overboard. Look at the Coast Guard, they all wear PFD's and you can't get much more safety training than they have, but the majority of recreational boaters never put one on and usually have them stowed away. So if we say there is Always a chance of anyone falling overboard whether alone or not, the next thing is recovery. My wife and I used to hold person overboard drills with the sail boat. I would throw a flotation ring in the water and we would both try and bring the boat around to within reach of picking it up. You be surprised at how a little wind or current can make it a very difficult task. I know in my mind I think I'm still in my 20's but I now know after my experiance of falling overboard I don't have the body strength I use to and pulling my self back on the boat was a life altering experience
I'm not saying that you can't go out in your boat alone safely, but the reality is if your alone a serious accident is a possibility...Period.
Even in "Around Alone" races, boats are found with no one on board. You can only limit your chances of falling overboard. Look at the Coast Guard, they all wear PFD's and you can't get much more safety training than they have, but the majority of recreational boaters never put one on and usually have them stowed away. So if we say there is Always a chance of anyone falling overboard whether alone or not, the next thing is recovery. My wife and I used to hold person overboard drills with the sail boat. I would throw a flotation ring in the water and we would both try and bring the boat around to within reach of picking it up. You be surprised at how a little wind or current can make it a very difficult task. I know in my mind I think I'm still in my 20's but I now know after my experiance of falling overboard I don't have the body strength I use to and pulling my self back on the boat was a life altering experience
I'm not saying that you can't go out in your boat alone safely, but the reality is if your alone a serious accident is a possibility...Period.
Like Dr. Bob, I'll prob still fish and cruise alone 'til the end. The sea is an addictive, and yes dangerous, mistress, but adopting more of your ideas should help me out should problems arise.
I'd just like to share some mistakes of mine that might help to prevent complacency on the part of others, or even me, in the future.
My main point is that, it seems that the most likely times to fall overboard do not involve obviously dangerous situations. We all seem to don the lifevests and take precautions when the seas are high, but become complacent to moderate seas and common fishing maneuvers.
Leaning over the side to do something with an expectation of certain boat movements, and then being surprised when the boat lurched a bit more or less than I was expecting has plopped me overboard a number of times. Everything all the others have contributed here would certainly have helped prevent that and lessened the problems of catching back up with the boat and getting back aboard. Fortunately, I was in the Gulf of Mexico or inland lakes for most of these "learning" experiences, but suffered from exposure and lowered core temperature in one case, even in what seemed to be warm water.
I've always used the lines fore and aft with a coiled clip to a harness on my sailboat solos when winds picked up, etc.. I'm thinkin of using an extension to the ignition cutoff when using the aft station. I think those new electronic ignition shut offs would really be great, but I am out of "toy" cash for now.
Very important point made by others here is that your boat will drift in the wind and current MUCH MUCH FASTER than your body will. It is difficult to explain that sinking feeling you get, swimming for hours, chasing a drifting boat when 30 miles out!!!! I can tell you, you begin to be alot more careful after that!
John
I'd just like to share some mistakes of mine that might help to prevent complacency on the part of others, or even me, in the future.
My main point is that, it seems that the most likely times to fall overboard do not involve obviously dangerous situations. We all seem to don the lifevests and take precautions when the seas are high, but become complacent to moderate seas and common fishing maneuvers.
Leaning over the side to do something with an expectation of certain boat movements, and then being surprised when the boat lurched a bit more or less than I was expecting has plopped me overboard a number of times. Everything all the others have contributed here would certainly have helped prevent that and lessened the problems of catching back up with the boat and getting back aboard. Fortunately, I was in the Gulf of Mexico or inland lakes for most of these "learning" experiences, but suffered from exposure and lowered core temperature in one case, even in what seemed to be warm water.
I've always used the lines fore and aft with a coiled clip to a harness on my sailboat solos when winds picked up, etc.. I'm thinkin of using an extension to the ignition cutoff when using the aft station. I think those new electronic ignition shut offs would really be great, but I am out of "toy" cash for now.
Very important point made by others here is that your boat will drift in the wind and current MUCH MUCH FASTER than your body will. It is difficult to explain that sinking feeling you get, swimming for hours, chasing a drifting boat when 30 miles out!!!! I can tell you, you begin to be alot more careful after that!
John
nomadcruiser53
New member
Great info from everyone. Thanks. I have a lot to learn.
Jack in Alaska
New member
I fish solo from my 22' CD maybe 6 times a summer. The wife does not like me doing it but I actually like it. A real challenge to get a large king salmon aboard alone.
I launch in the surf to get out fishing. Log skidders do it now for $45 round trip but i used to do it myself with a fat wheeled pickup.
I like the ladder idea. Anything to make it safer. I do use my PFD also when alone.
As someone mentioned above.there is always somebody that wants to "help" weather it is launching or netting a fish. Just get away and give me some room.
I do not anchor up to halibut fish alone. Too many things can happen and not enough hands to help.
I launch in the surf to get out fishing. Log skidders do it now for $45 round trip but i used to do it myself with a fat wheeled pickup.
I like the ladder idea. Anything to make it safer. I do use my PFD also when alone.
As someone mentioned above.there is always somebody that wants to "help" weather it is launching or netting a fish. Just get away and give me some room.
I do not anchor up to halibut fish alone. Too many things can happen and not enough hands to help.
Here's a little contraption I fashioned last fall out of an old bicycle mirror epoxied into a piece of teak. The teak is just wedge fit between the GPS/Sonar and the dash and easily removed. It allows me to watch the rod tip(s) for action without constantly swivelling my head when trolling alone. It works like a charm.
Al
Al
Al-
Good idea! :wink Can you see rods on both sides of the boat or just one?
I mounted a curved ski tow rear view mirror on the bottom of the electronics shelf just in front of and above my head where the closeness of the mirror provides a nearly 180 degree view to the rear from mid-cabin up to the horizon, except for some blockage from electronics units.
Mirror is mounted just above the starboard fan. Photo was taken with flash to show string of LED lights in cabin. Click on photo to see photo w/o flash.
Joe.
Good idea! :wink Can you see rods on both sides of the boat or just one?
I mounted a curved ski tow rear view mirror on the bottom of the electronics shelf just in front of and above my head where the closeness of the mirror provides a nearly 180 degree view to the rear from mid-cabin up to the horizon, except for some blockage from electronics units.
Mirror is mounted just above the starboard fan. Photo was taken with flash to show string of LED lights in cabin. Click on photo to see photo w/o flash.
Joe.