Severe weather awareness.....

[rockman]

I am a week behind in posting this, but last week was Severe Weather Awareness week.Nevermind the fact that there was a blizzard in parts of Minnesota in the last couple of days.My point is, we as anglers need to start paying attention to weather conditions especially where thunderstorms are concerned.Most, if not all of us are aware how dangerous lightining, and high wind, can be for an angler in a boat,or fishing on shore near a body of water.Hail can cause major problems,too, and tornadoes,well,you're in it deep if one roars into the lake you're on while you are in the boat.Just keep these things in the back of your mind while out on the water, and/or planning a fishing trip.Check the forecast, and local radar, if available,before you leave.This public service announcement is brought to you by an angler that wants everyone to have a safe, and happy open water fishing season.

[polarsusd81]

Great reminder for all of us Rockman. It is very important to pay attention to the weather conditions while we are outside enjoying the outdoors cause it can turn on us in an instant. If you can hear the thunder, it is best to make your way to the boat landing or dock. No fish is worth loosing your life.

I have a cousin that was struck by lightning, not while fishing, but while watching a race up near Alex. The rain was still half an hour away, but by the time she was in the ambulance and on the way to the hospital it started raining. She made it through, but has some pretty serious effects after that.

[Sandmannd]

It's serious stuff. Watch the sky and for sure if you hear some thunder get yer booty off the water. Nothing worth risking your life for. Live to fish another day.

[rockman]

I can remember to this day the TV interview of the guy whos buddy was struck by lightning on Lake Independence a number of years back.The victim was musky,or northern fishing, and took a direct hit through his fishing rod.The lightning bolt traveled down his body, out his foot burning a hole in his shoe, and into the boat hull,cooking the northerns he and his partners had in the livewell.Both guys in the boat told of fishing line that hung in mid air during a cast,along with an electric smell to the air before the bolt hit.This lightning bolt struck about 2-3 miles out ahead of the front edge of the thunderstorm.Point is don't wait to bail to shore once you hear even the low rumble of thunder in the distance.Fishing is supposed to be fun,if done safely.Not a way to end up dead.Be aware,be safe.

[polarsusd81]

I took part in a first aid and cpr course over the weekend and this topic was brought up. Lightning strikes are not something to play around with. The police officer that was one of the two instructors told a story of a guy who had a foot completely blown off by a lightning strike.

I have another topic to post up about after taking that course, and you will be able to see it soon.

[muc33]

I attended our annual Skywarn training for weather spotting last Tuesday evening. As an EMT and firefighter on our city department, weather is just another way to put yourself in harms way. Biggest advice, unlike most everyone else out there. When you hear the sirens in a weather warning. Take cover, don't go out to look and see it. That's when people get hurt.

[giddyup99]

Thats crazy. My dad and I were out on the lake a couple years ago when the sky began to cloud up and become overcast. We were catching a few fish and there was no rumbling thunder or anything that looked too ominous so we got our raincoats ready and didn't worry too much about it. Then the wind got completely still and I made a cast and my line not only hung in mid air, but actually drifted UP off the water. We both kind of looked at it for a few seconds and I said to him that this is just the kind of crazy story you hear just before someone gets hit by lightning or something. We both reeled 'em up and got off the water as fast as we could. Halfway to the cabin the wind kicked up, rain started, and the lightning show was second to none.

We didn't smell the electricity in the air like those other guys, but just reading that story gave me goosebumps. It was definitely a surreal experience seeing my line peel off my spool floating in the air 15 feet off the water.

This was an odd storm and became obvious it was very dangerous with very little warning. I'm not saying to head in anytime a rain cloud shows up be sure to pay attention to the surroundings and if something seems wrong, better err on the side of caution and make your way to safety.

[Nick Kuhn]

I keep a radio in the boat and we're near enough to receive WCCO. I listen to that as it always gives me some idea where storms are (actually severe is better because they give more detailed reports then as to the locations affected). Any time the sky starts to look a little iffy I turn it on.

The other option is to have a friend or family member who may be around a TV or computer call your cell with weather updates when necessary. And when in doubt get out. Most of us have pushed it as far as staying on the lake. I for one can tell you that lightning in the distance becomes the immediate area a lot quicker than you think.

[SDbowhunter]

I have an ESPN fishing forcast on my phone. Sure it cost me a little money everytime I use it but I find it to be one of my most effective tools for fishing/hunting. Heck I even got lost one day and didnt have a gps/compass A quick check of the wind direction in my area got me headed the right direction.

[rockman]

 Originally Posted By: muc33

I attended our annual Skywarn training for weather spotting last Tuesday evening.

Muc, I had the same training a couple of years ago when I was a reserve deputy.Still am on the rolls at the NWS as a weather spotter.The training was decent, and yes, severe weather is interesting, but yet deadly serious at the same time.

[goblueM]

I was canoeing in Manitoba 5 years ago and two tornadoes appeared out of thin air, swept around the bend and became waterspouts. We pulled over, dragged the boats up and ran for the woods. dime sized hail fell for 3 minutes then it was sunny again. Coolest/scary weather experience ever

[DTro]

I have MyCast weather on my phone and it is one of the greatest things I have.

Just yesterday, I was going to head downstream a couple of miles, but it felt like rain. Pulled up the radar and sure enough, snow/rain mixture coming right at me. I knew I had about 10 minutes, so we pulled anchor and minimized our "wetness"

[moviking]

Last year while fishing Truman Res. We new there was a storm coming, but weren't sure exactly where or when. Looked down the lake and lost site of the shoreline, grabed the rain suits and headed for the marina, it rained so hard we had to use the GPS to find our way. Moral of the story, pay attention to the weather

[tisosy11]

Was out once last year on minnetonka and we just boated around the rain. Think we only had a few drops in the boat and we could see some serious downpour other parts of the lake!

[Daze Off]

We got caught on Coon lake a couple years ago in a club tournament. Homeowner came out on his dock and told us we had about 30 mins before we were going to get pounded. Partner forgot his raingear so we went back to landing and headed out again. Went south and looked to the west and sky was green and purple, etc. Wife called as I was banging a quick u-turn and busting back toward landing but storm was on us before we could even get back to the landing. Wife said it was moving at 65 mph. Trees were falling at the landing, lightening, hail, etc. When it was all said and done my bilge pump ran for 20 minutes before slowing down. Pretty bad stuff! Never finished the tournament.