I generally fish alone.  Sometimes me and a bud will go fishing at the same lake, but we will both take our own boats.  The primary rule about fishing by yourself is don't do anything stupid..  I always wear my inflatable life jacket.  Back when I first got my boat, I took one afternoon ( in 85 degree water) jumping out of the boat and practicing getting back in it.  That little exercise paid off once, i.e. the time I was fishing in 15 mph+ winds in March in 45 degree water, I hit a stump and went over the side.  I remembered how to get back into the boat and it wasn't a big deal.   Launchng & loading your boat by yourself is just a matter of practice.  I try to confine my fishing to lakes that have decent ramps.

 

In the anticipation of on-rushing old age (I'm 68) I installed a swing-down ladder on the back of my boat several years ago.  I wear my PFD only when the big motor is running, so your post caught my attention.  Not once have I ever practiced getting back into the boat using that ladder.  Come warm weather, that task will be very high on my agenda.  Thanks for the heads-up.

In the anticipation of on-rushing old age (I'm 68) I installed a swing-down ladder on the back of my boat several years ago. I wear my PFD only when the big motor is running, so your post caught my attention. Not once have I ever practiced getting back into the boat using that ladder. Come warm weather, that task will be very high on my agenda. Thanks for the heads-up.

I plan on doing a similar exercise with my kayak. I will purposefully flip it over and practice turning it back and getting inside. This has been quite the helpful thread!

I agree with u Jakob this is a very helpful thread. Thanks for all the input guys!

Wear that PFD -- the life you save may be your own.

I really think it depends on where your fishing , Up north we have to worry about water temps early on...Down south I would assume there's different issues ... I wear my pdf and keep my cell phone handy  

This is why you wear your kill switch lanyard. You get thrown out and chances are you're gonna get hit or someone else will

This is why you wear your kill switch lanyard. You get thrown out and chances are you're gonna get hit or someone else will

 

I've had to do that a few times.  Twice there was a human who had collapsed still in the boat.

 

It's a lot easier to do when there are no occupants.

 

A-Jay

Those tiller controlled obs  are really  death traps,  IF     the kill switch is not tied on to you & working.  I converted my 16 '  fisher  to a center control just  to get far enough away from the prop, if I go over the side.  I have had freighter wakes 4 to 5' take shots at me in that little boat  It does clean out the floorboards. 

I fish alone most times. Keep your cell phone in a ziplock bag in case of a quick dump in the drink.

That's what I ALWAYS HAVE in my left front pocket. I use the storage bags with a double zipper.  My wife can understand me talking thru the plastic.