The Sixth Sense

[kygorski]

What you say about slight movement is correct, but sixth sense is something that comes with age. When its that miserable, WHY?I came here from the frozen north, so we had ice fishing to keep us happy. With the spring bobber you couls almost feel a fish breath on your lure or bait, plus a locater in your hole helped.But in open water like we have now, its only a matter of a few days before a warm up comes along. There comes a time when you have to consider that you may be putting your self and family in a difficult predicament,its dangerous to fish in some instances. Warm bulky clothes, warm boots and an icy boat carpet can be a disaster. Will a PFD keep you afloat with the added weight? I went through the macho fishing bit, and sometimes wonder why I'm still alive, went through ice twice caught in two tornados, driving in a white out. What I never thought about was someone else.That was pointed out to me one day, when we were going to salmon fishing, What happens to US if something happens to you?I'm at the age where I want to fish, not need to fish. Patience is a virtue, warm days are coming.

[Bonefish]

I can see your point, and I am sure most of us do not think about the negitives while we are fishing in the winter. However, I don't think the fear of falling out of a boat into 45 degree water will deter winter fishing for those who prepare, who don't mind the cold and wear equipment to keep them afloat and warm until they are off the water. I think the key here is...be prepared. I have been overboard in 45 degree water and made it out alive, but it was because of a ladder and floatation device that put me back into the boat. Winter fishing is not for eveyone, but for those that do, we must be prepared and safe.

[kygorski]

I wish I could practrise what I preach sometimes. I fish a lot in the winter here, and its open water, I have my doubts about my PFD keeping me alive and afloat in 45degree water too long. Frankly there are times when I ask myself what I'm doing out here. But next week will find me out on the water a couple of times.