Wrong Way!!!

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,065
This past Saturday evening I was invited to do some cat fishing on Lake Champlain (not in my boat). 3 of us launched at about 7 pm and headed North on the lake in a small 16' with a 50 hp on the back. The portion of Champlain we were in was very weedy and shallow. At about 1:30 am we decided to head back. We had running lights and flashlights for the trip.<br /><br />Fog was rolling in and visability was low (only about 50-100 feet. We basically moved at trolling speed for quite a long time but parts of the Lake were hard to recognize. When we finally saw a large group of lights we pulled into a marina (about 3:00 am).<br /><br />We had gone the wrong way! We were about 15 miles North :eek: of where we launched. The guy who owned the boat checked the gas and stated he doubted we had enough to make the return trip. Our flashlights were not holding up with the battery useage either....<br /><br />I called my wife and woke her up.... :eek: I asked her to bring us gas so we could get back to the ramp. (My wife Jennifer is the greatest and I owe her for her rescue trip). Jenn brought us 5 gallons of gas (we had oil)and a supply of batteries and we headed back to navigate South in the dark.<br /><br />We once again ran into the fog and it slowed us to an idle.... but, the sun was rising so the flashlights were not needed. We arrived at the ramp at about 6 am and headed home.<br /><br />We never used the batteries or the gas! Arrived home at 7:30 am REAL tired but safe. I can't lie to my wife and when I told here that we did not need the gas and batteries she actually laughed! I really owe here.<br /><br />Bob<br /><br />We did have a good night of fishing :D
 

Braxton

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 16, 2005
Messages
575
Re: Wrong Way!!!

thats scary, glad you made in safely. and you do have a good wife for helping, id like to think all wifes would help us out if we need it. how many cats did you bring in?
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
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May 19, 2001
Messages
26,065
Re: Wrong Way!!!

We caugt 2 decent size channel cats and a constant flow of bullhead. Constant action for the 3 of us. We released everything.
 

reddog349

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 23, 2005
Messages
331
Re: Wrong Way!!!

Knowing you have the gas on hand is better then worring about running out anyday!
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Wrong Way!!!

Fog is nasty when you dont have a compass. I did a rather large circle one time in the fog. I now carry a small compass. At least I can tell if Im going in a straight line.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: Wrong Way!!!

Don't know about the fish but that wife sure sounds like a keeper. Hope you showed your appreciation for the rescue efforts.
 

brother chris

Commander
Joined
Jul 28, 2002
Messages
2,063
Re: Wrong Way!!!

Glad you made it back okay. And you got yourself a great wife. Definetely a keeper.
 

fondafj

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 3, 2004
Messages
132
Re: Wrong Way!!!

Triton II,<br /> GPS, RADAR (and good wives). Experince learned while boating on the Maine coast: GPS to keep off the shore, RADAR to avoid the lobster boats and wife to look for lobster pots.
 

jtexas

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Messages
8,646
Re: Wrong Way!!!

My opinion, just because you didn't use the gas don't mean you didn't need it. Reserve fuel is not a luxury!<br /><br />Sounds like a fun adventure, but missing your launch at night in the fog isn't exactly stupid.<br /><br />BTW, what's your phone number...in case I need somebody to bring me gas in the middle of the night! ;)
 

Dan Both

Cadet
Joined
Jul 9, 2005
Messages
16
Re: Wrong Way!!!

Glad to hear everything turned out ok,<br />I might have got my wife to pick me up and drive me to get the trailer instead of running around in the fog at night.
 

stan_deezy

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 18, 2003
Messages
1,539
Re: Wrong Way!!!

That must have been quite a trip!<br /><br />Still, look on the bright side: at least your wife paid for the gas :D
 

KRS

Banned
Joined
May 15, 2004
Messages
2,383
Re: Wrong Way!!!

I carry an engineers compass in my pocket at all times, a cheap one can be purchased at walmart for a few bucks.<br /><br />It only helps if you have a map and tracked your way in, but it's better than nuttin
 
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