Quinte Fishing

THANKS TO ALL THE FIRST RESPONDERS WHO PLUCKED ME B of Q. Thought I was a goner. If anyone finds any orange landing net or a black box with my fish finder attached to it near Mohawk Bay Trailer Park. Some debris from my kayak would have drifted into that bay with the wind today.
You know what was most curious,,,, some larger boats got of the water Andy headed in because of the waves, it was obvious that I was in trouble and not one person stopped to see if I needed help. A short time later I capsized.....
Update:
Yes I launched from there, 3” ripple first hour landed 11 pickerel, kept 3, everyone was catching. That was around 2pm. by 330 the wind whipped up and there were 3’ to higher with white caps. I started to head back but the waves came over the bow and filled the kayak with water. I knew I was in trouble and was trying to get closer to shore. I had to cut in at some point, I was no longer heading back to launch, I just wanted to get to shore. I turned directly around and headed straight for the point. I thought I was clear because the wind was at my back. It crashed over the back then brought me on top and when it crested it tosses me side ways and flipped me over.... I popped my vest, which by the way is also quite an experience. I yelled and blew the whistle until I needed to rest. I just kept kicking, it didn’t seem that anyone had noticed me. About 1/2 hour in, I saw people on the point yelling and trying to get some boats attention. I kept kicking, however it didn’t seem like I was going anywhere. I got about 50 ft from shore and the fire dept swam out with a rope and dragged me in. I tipped a couple hundred meters from shore. As I said before, you realize how small you are in that big body of water. Heavy winds and waves makes it hard to be heard and seen. Although people did tell me when I got to shore, they had heard me yelling, but couldn’t see me. Anyway, an hour in a hot ambulance got me warmed up. It definitely spooked me.... good thing is my fish were still on the stringer

Wow, glad to hear you are ok. Were you wearing a life jacket? If so do you think it saved your life? If you weren't ,would you ever suggest anyone to ever not wear one?

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U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain
Pure Fishing Ambassador

Yes I was wearing an inflatable, went off when I hit the water. I was dressed for it too. Still scared the *** of me. I’m a bit spooked by it. I was in the water an hour. No one hears me or saw me for 1/2 hour.

Maybe carry a Whistle or something ... glad your ok tho I’ve been waiting to get my yak off my brother on Hamilton hope I dont have any scary stuff like this happen

I had two whistles

Wow, glad your OK.

That would be scary.

I don't want to take away from your experience, because I know how unsettling it can be.

I really don't think most of us give much thought about going in the water.

I wonder about late season fishing and the chances of being found. I figure they'd be pretty slim.

Years ago when, I was much younger, I fell in the water in late November. No one around. Wearing a floater suit and luckily was able to grab the gunwale. I had the boat but the suit being full of water, I couldn't pull myself into it.

I worked my way to the stern and lowered the motor. I used the cavitation plate as a step and was able to get in the boat.

I found out that if there's a wind, you can't swim fast enough in a floater suit to catch your boat. If I had lost hold of the boat, I doubt I would have survived.

After that, I use to tie a cord to my suit so I could pull myself back to the boat. Don't know if that is good logic or not. I haven't gone in the water again.

Again, I'm glad your OK.

Glad you're okay and great lesson to share with us all.

Curious about the details, as I'm about to explore kayak fishing. Were you in a sit in kayak, and couldn't get back in, took on water ect. or, If it was a sit on, could you have gotten back on after immersion ? Sorry about my question, I'm just trying to learn what type is safer, for my colder water needs
PS..... Glad your OK!

Take your kayak out in shallow water when it warms up flip it and practice getting back in. It is harder than you think.

Impossible in four ft waves

Yes I launched from there, 3” ripple first hour landed 11 pickerel, kept 3, everyone was catching. That was around 2pm. by 330 the wind whipped up and there were 3’ to higher with white caps. I started to head back but the waves came over the bow and filled the kayak with water. I knew I was in trouble and was trying to get closer to shore. I had to cut in at some point, I was no longer heading back to launch, I just wanted to get to shore. I turned directly around and headed straight for the point. I thought I was clear because the wind was at my back. It crashed over the back then brought me on top and when it crested it tosses me side ways and flipped me over.... I popped my vest, which by the way is also quite an experience. I yelled and blew the whistle until I needed to rest. I just kept kicking, it didn’t seem that anyone had noticed me. About 1/2 hour in, I saw people on the point yelling and trying to get some boats attention. I kept kicking, however it didn’t seem like I was going anywhere. I got about 50 ft from shore and the fire dept swam out with a rope and dragged me in. I tipped a couple hundred meters from shore. As I said before, you realize how small you are in that big body of water. Heavy winds and waves makes it hard to be heard and seen. Although people did tell me when I got to shore, they had heard me yelling, but couldn’t see me. Anyway, an hour in a hot ambulance got me warmed up. It definitely spooked me.... good thing is my fish were still on the stringer

Thanks for the story....very scary, real life experience that will hopefully give people reason enough to ensure they have PFD's on board their boats. I learned a very long time after a scary close call that life jackets are a mandatory must have for a reason!! In my case, I didn't go in the water (thank God), but I got caught on a large lake in a storm in a 14' aluminum and no life jacket (hell...I didn't need a life jacket, I'm a strong swimmer). After having the bejezus scared out of me, I realized, sure, I can swim, but not for long in high waves and cold water. First thing I did when I finally made it back to shore after a very frightening situation was to purchase a life jacket and made sure I wore it every single time after that. Again, glad you made it back safely, and thanks again for the story!

http://kayakselfrescueladder.com/#2714

I 100% recommend buying this product or making your own. Makes flipping your kayak back over and reentering very easy . Also practice re entry. Proper cold water gear also recommended this time of the year.

https://youtu.be/uRd1ha2rE0A

First off, Notherner, hats off for having the courage to post your experience. It’s good to learn from others positive and negative experiences, and you certainly have both in your story.

Secondly, we do these things party because of the risk involved. Good on you and I can’t wait to hear about your next fishing trip.

Glad all is well and that you had some fresh fish to warm your belly!


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Northerner10,
I agree hats off to you for sharing your experience and giving us a chance to learn from it. I will be sure to make a mental note of kayaks when Im out in rough water.

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Dan Elliot - A bad day on Quinte is better than a good day at work !!!
http://www.quintefishing.com