please read, really strange...

[justlookingn]

Google lightning facts for some interesting stuff. Dude you are lucky.

[olgreenboat]

You had become the first part of a strike it's called steped leader , You had posative charge going thrugh your body and rod up to the clouds this strped leader is the first part of cloud to ground lightning strike the lightning found its easyest path going to the water.. Your very lucky and its a good thing the rest of your family chose to get away I'm sure one would have been hurt real bad. I dont fish in bad weather it's just not worth it but if you guy's are going to do your self a favor and buy a glass rod to take with you it will help.