Listen up, Knuckleheads!

If you're an avid fisherman, you are likely a few pounds overweight, not in the best physical shape, and/or stubborn as hell.  You're ripe for a quick death if you fall into the water without a PFD and a plan for survival.  I've gotten lazy about wearing my PFD, but no more.  I'm not gonna preach about the dangers of falling into the water in the winter, just do a quick Google search and you'll get all the info you need on what it does to the body and how little time you actually have to save yourself.

Many of us think we could easily swim the 50 feet to shore if we ever fell in.  To test this theory, go to your local swimming pool and see if you can swim ONE lap.  You couch potato fisherman are in for a big surprise.  Now imagine that water was 50 degrees, the current was ripping, and you had your layered winter clothing and boots weighing you down.  Still think it's gonna be easy?

Do you think you can lift yourself out of the water because your boat has low gunnels or a swim ladder big enough to fit a poodle on?  Honestly ask yourself, can I really lift myself out after being submerged in freezing cold water that has affected my ability to think clearly and the ability of my muscles to function? 

I don't want to see any of you guys doing that eternal fishing thing with the man upstairs just yet. So do us all a favor and wear your PFD, if not all the time, at least during the winter season.  Please do a quick Google search and read up on survival tips should you fall overboard as well as tips on preparing for a winter fishing trip. Thanks!

* Here's a great tip I read...if you fall in and can't get back into your boat, straddle your lower unit, and if your boat is so equipped, use the tilt button to raise you and your motor out of the water.  Can also be done if attempting to rescue someone but you can't lift them out of the water.
 
* A vast majority of recovered bodies (most not wearing a PFD, btw), have unzippered flys.  Hmmmm....wonder what they were doing when they fell in?  Hanging it over the side puts us in a compromised position and it doesn't take much to send you overboard.  Unless you have a fishing partner with you on the boat or have a rail you are holding onto with one hand, bring a pee cup or simpy piss on the deck of your boat and drain it through the scuppers.  No fish is worth your life, and no piss is worth your life either.