Fishing in thunderstorms

[dartag]

Had a kayaker and bass boat out in a pretty bad storm this evening.  I heard the thunder about 10 minutes before the storm hit.  They both stayed out during the storm.  Someone must have panicked and called the Sheriff.  They came out in there little jump boat.  After talking to both of them they left.  My wife was worried But I told her there is no law that says you have to come in during a storm.  Not sure about you guys but when I hear thunder and see lightning I head for shore.

Didnt like the fact they had to put a sheriff deputy in danger also.

[djkimmel]

Not sure why the deputy launched?? Give them a stern talking to?? Maybe they're related and he was checking on their catch?

I no like lightning. At minimum I make sure whomever I'm fishing with is taller than me if I think there's a chance we won't get to shore fast enough... if we're still on the water when a storm hits (something I try hard to avoid) I usually sit down on the deck, or better, in the bottom of the boat.

I get weird questions from fishing partners about 'what are you doing?' I always just say, "I'm resting. Hey, how tall are you?"

[21XDC]

LMAO @ Dan

[bob o]

i was on cass with a buddy in a thunderstorm 18+ years ago, and our rods began to hum and our 1/8oz jigs wouldn't sink b/c the static electricty was keeping our line on the waters surface.

[Flippin222]

There is something about being the tallest point in an open area holding a 7' graphite rod all while sitting on top of 30+ gallons of gas with lightening around that just doesn't seem like a good idea...... Call me crazy.

[t-bone]

I fished in a tournament a few years back and a storm was approaching. Our lines were floating in the air due to the static electricity. It was a good sign to pull the boat and wait out the storm.

[Waterfoul]

I've never let one actually chase me off the lake... but I've had a few make me seek shelter.  Down at Table Rock, Ed Dyer and I have more than once tied up in an empty covered slip.  Kinda nice down there... all the slips are covered.  Great time to have a sandwich and a Coke!

[Flippin222]

I've never let one actually chase me off the lake... but I've had a few make me seek shelter.  Down at Table Rock, Ed Dyer and I have more than once tied up in an empty covered slip.  Kinda nice down there... all the slips are covered.  Great time to have a sandwich and a Coke!

We have made the mad dash to some covered slips in the past as well when down south and the storms roll in. Have had breakfast, lunch, dinner and the occasional nap while the storms pass through. Some of them get pretty intense though even when you are in a covered slip.

[Got Fish??]

My boat is aluminum, so I try  to watch the weather. I have got caught out in bad weather several times. Have ever seen pink lightning from an aluminum boat, in the middle of lake St Clair? I carry a NORAD weather radio always now.

[Waterfoul]

I've never let one actually chase me off the lake... but I've had a few make me seek shelter.  Down at Table Rock, Ed Dyer and I have more than once tied up in an empty covered slip.  Kinda nice down there... all the slips are covered.  Great time to have a sandwich and a Coke!

We have made the mad dash to some covered slips in the past as well when down south and the storms roll in. Have had breakfast, lunch, dinner and the occasional nap while the storms pass through. Some of them get pretty intense though even when you are in a covered slip.

Oh yeah.  We've gotten wet even while under a covered slip meant for a 30+ foot cruiser!  Their thunderstorms makes ours look like the casual rain shower.

[Rangerman]

Well guys this Fat Boy does not stay on the water with lightning First bolt I see it head for shelter or the ramp. A buddy of mine in the bass club way back when on Santee was running in when it started and lightning stuck his front seat. No one hurt but it welded the steering and pistons in the motor and totaled the the wiring On LSC second spring trip we were coming out of the Middle River and hit a storm. Pulled in the boat club in the river and got out under a shelter. They had No Trespassing Signs everywhere. Told my buddy they can just hall me to jail in this storm as long as it's by car and not boat Sure nuff guys. Lightning is nothing to fool with, Be Safe and live to fish another day.

[djkimmel]

Yes - nothing to take a chance with in ANY tournament or fishing day. We have had one fatality I'm aware of in a federation tournament (Lake Okeechobee) due to lightning and it wasn't a real obvious, bad storm.

I've had the floating line, even having it float higher while watching in light pound test! The day of the most 'impressive' floating line, when not reeling the line would continue to rise until it couldn't drag the lure up anymore (on Elk Lake), my partner started getting repeated shocks from his fishing rod every time he moved it at all.

That's a clear sign to call it a day! Of course, some of the stuff we take shelter under probably isn't the best choice either according to experts I've talked to. I keep thinking there's a good article to be had about this some day.

[Rangerman]

For sure head for the hill Yes I am a scared of the IRS, My Wife and Lighting not sure which order