FS Digest

I flipped my kayak yesterday and it was all my fault. I went fishing on the Delaware River yesterday, trying to catch some shad. I've been on the river before in my friend's boat plenty of times, and I did not think that the current was too bad. I drifted for a while, but once I started paddling back upstream,I I realized it's a lot stronger than I thought. After finally getting back to a decent spot, I decided to anchor. Looking back, I know I did a few things wrong, the biggest being having my anchor trolley facing downstream, and trying to lean the other way in a panic while trying to unattach the anchor instead of moving it to the bow or stern. I did manage to unattach it, after I flipped it back over. Paddle clip failed, so I lost that with most everything else. Not a fun day.

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by mwsgris

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Sounds like you found one of many ways not to do something. You have to be careful, because there are the Darwin awards, but to win it, it often costs the winner his/her life! Just Sayin...RJS

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

What a nightmare. I am a yaker too and lessons learned nearly every trip. Bungee that paddle the next go around and have gear bungeed as well. Its a pain while fishing to un do, but you now know the reason why.

Better luck the next trip.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Lesson learned, glad you’re here to tell about it!

WiBob Loc: NE Wisconsin

Had a similar experience a couple years back. I knew better, but it was 4 in the morning and I wasn't thinking clearly. Was mighty glad I had my PFD, but still a little concerned that the current was going to take me somewhere I didn't want to be before I could get back to shore. Recovered my kayak downstream the next day, so I guess it all worked out.

RuffplayOR57 Loc: Klamath Falls, OR

Glad your still here to tell the story. Some bad experiences don’t turn out that way. Hopefully all that get to read your story learn from your lesson. Sorry you lost your gear, glad your still here to chase a few more fish.

Kayakfishing Loc: Crystal river fl

Wow, thanks for telling your story. I really need to pay attention when I am in strong current. Especially when the tide switches directions.

14idaho Loc: Pa and Idaho

Delaware river is really deceiving when it comes to current. Years ago my brother was going upstream under power and a discarded anchor line got caught in his prop and flipped the boat. My dad was with him and almost drowned. My uncle, who is a scuba diver and a couple of his buddies dove in the area and found numerous anchors wedged in the rocks with cut lines. Statistically speaking the Delaware is the deadliest river in Pa.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Many lives have been lost to a vad anchor point. Not everyone gets to learn from their mistakes. When i first started boating i read alot of boating magazines. I read an article about anchoring n current. On current the one thing i may have screwed up on if not for the article. Never dock your boat on the up river side of a dock. It said in strong current your boat can get pushed under the dock.. When anchoring never from stern. In tidal water make sure you have enough rope to compensate for the raising tide. Stay safe guys. Mother nature can be that cruel MISTRESS

Capt. Lou Loc: PA

All this is basic that was mentioned . If you do not have any experience on boats or kayaks , talk with or better go out with one to pick his brain and gain actually experience.
Rivers aren’t like lakes !