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JackHarris

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Yes I was the man overboard - but it was on purpose.... Launched at Eshback, ran my 2 miles south to anchor... Motor seemed to have 2x the HP it normally did, it was screaming... Idled down and it stalled, gas gushing everywhere. Took the cover off, squeezed the ball and gas just gushing out right before the carburetor... Would not start... Paddled to the island (one folding paddle). Had my buddy with me, but as the Captain, it as my duty to tow the boat 2 miles upstream back to the launch. I waded testicle deep to the PA side, and tugged it along shore between knee and ball-deep the whole way... The worst was the mucky sections, had to work 3x as hard.. Could be fuel pump, or the float - it's at Offshore Marine in Branchville now... At least my boots were neoprene, it kept the feet manageable... I am just starting to get the feeling back in my legs... The things a man can do on adrenaline... I did this once before about 6 years ago, and started bringing my electric trolling motor with me, then I stopped doing it after some time... I really need to start fishing "upstream" of any boat launch - it just makes sense. Never said I was the sharpest tool in the shed, but I have a lifetime of stories to tell, this being another one :)

Don't be like Jack - fish upstream of the boat launch or have a better contingency plan (like even fishing when other boats are out so you can get a tow).
 
Holy hell, dude, now THATS an adventure!
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Did you noodle any catfish on the trip home?
Saw some holes with potential, but it seemed more important to at least keep the part of my body above my waist warm and dry given the challenge... Hell I could have probably gone another mile if I had to....
 
Reminds me of a night out on raritan bay in the kayak during the fall striper run years ago. Back then, before kids, I'd be out there almost every night. Same routine, night after night. This particular night a guy happened by, started a conversation, and started asking all kinds of questions. He distracted me enough to throw of my typical pre-launch prep. I eventually got out there and paddled into the darkness. Later, a few miles from shore, I hooked into a nice fish. As I fought it, I threw my leashed paddle overboard to better position myself for the fight. After a few minutes, the fish got off the line and I lost it. Grabbed the leash and went to pull my paddle back up and, you guessed it, I forgot to attach the leash to the paddle. Called my wife on the cell and told her to bring an extra paddle down and meet me by the shore. Jumped in the drink and swam back to the beach towing the kayak. Luckily I never head out at night without my wetsuit, gps, and handheld vhf. Since having kids I don't even chance it at night anymore
 
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