Hey guys,
Just a reminder, but never get too comfortable in the waters you are fishing. Things are always changing. Last night after fishing until after dark we idled back through an area in the river that has many obstacles, up to a point where I knew we were in the clear and ramped it up and we were on our way home. Seconds later we hit something that kicked my outboard up so hard it cracked the cowl when the engine actually contacted the splash well. Partially submerged log.
After s###ing my pants and assessing the damage, we made it back to the launch ok. I had my 2 kids on board and the impact was probably the scariest thing I've ever experienced on the water. We always wear life jackets when fishing, especially at night, so that moment of panic of what if we take on water was avoided and I was able to go right to checking the boat out and alerting a buddy that was on the water that we had hit something.
To shorten up my long story, which I apologize for, don't ever get complacent.
That being said, we ALWAYS have our safety gear in place and someone ALWAYS know where we are fishing and when I'll be home. Just be safe out there.
Just a reminder, but never get too comfortable in the waters you are fishing. Things are always changing. Last night after fishing until after dark we idled back through an area in the river that has many obstacles, up to a point where I knew we were in the clear and ramped it up and we were on our way home. Seconds later we hit something that kicked my outboard up so hard it cracked the cowl when the engine actually contacted the splash well. Partially submerged log.
After s###ing my pants and assessing the damage, we made it back to the launch ok. I had my 2 kids on board and the impact was probably the scariest thing I've ever experienced on the water. We always wear life jackets when fishing, especially at night, so that moment of panic of what if we take on water was avoided and I was able to go right to checking the boat out and alerting a buddy that was on the water that we had hit something.
To shorten up my long story, which I apologize for, don't ever get complacent.
That being said, we ALWAYS have our safety gear in place and someone ALWAYS know where we are fishing and when I'll be home. Just be safe out there.