Tournament Questions (Big Lakes)

[Ralph_198]

When on Mead or Havasu or any of the big impoundments, what do you do if your motor breaks down and you're far away from the home marina? is there something you should do to prepare for such a problem? thanks,
Ralph.

[Brian Linehan]

Obviously, bring your cell. If you are in an area that doesn't have service, it will be interesting. It's always good to have a signaling device on the boat whether it's a whistle orange flag, or better yet...a flare. However, you'd probably have to start using the trolling motor to get in an area where other boats could tell that you were stranded. Also if you are really that organized and prepared, you can always get the phone number to the lake patrol from the various marinas around the lake. Good luck.

Brian

[Hollywood]

Oh man I remember pre practice for the US OPEN one year me and a Japanese friend Yoshi were out in my ranger when the lower unit blew on my EvinRUDE again and we were stranded past the narrows and a nice house boat towed us back to Calville. What a ride. One dude, 8 chics, 3 were topless and all the beer we could drink on the way back. The look on Yoshi's face was priceless and wish we didn't have to leave that house boat.

But bring your cell. It is so valuable in these situations!

Kevin

[Ron C]

...It is always a good idea to let someone (like a close fishing buddy) know the general area where you plan to fish. If you change your plans or move, give them a shout on the cell phone. If you are over-due, this narrows down the search area big time and can mean the difference between being found relatively quickly or having to spend a long (and usually very cold and wet) night in your boat.

You should also carry a set of jumper cables, a First Aid kit (thanks Ray L), and some matches in your boat at all times, too. I always carry a few extra bottles of water and extra Power Bars (etc.) whenever I am on big water - just in case.

[Ray L.]

What Ron said is correct. These are all things you should carry.
At Havasu and Mead there are tow companies like vessal assist on the water. Get the # and carry it on your boat.

[Dewayne]

Spare food & Water.

The Necessary clothing to survive a night.

Spare weight in bags in case you break during the tournament - This saved me last week.

An anchor in case you have to abandon the boat as you do in FLW events.

[Colebass]

me of the time Byron Velvick was out on his boat at Elephant Butte in New Mexico all night or part of the night.

I rememeber him telling me about how cold it was and he crawled into the rod locker. Hell I can't get in my locker!

[tunaman]

You should also consider taking a UHF radio, in case you don't have cell service.

Also, a high-power spotlight can be of help at times.

Shoot Hollywood... sounds like you found nirvana!

[Vern]

As a tournament director on Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Havasu, I know the problems.
At my tournaments I hand out tournament sheet with The Host Marinas , Park Service Emergency Number and Mine. If your director does not do this ask him for his contact info they will all give it to you.
To be prepared I will give you a list of thngs you should always have on big water.

1. Cell phone
2. Some kind of signaling device (Flare, Flag, ect)
3. Extra food and water.
4. Extra clothing in case you get wet or have to spend the night.
5. Jumper cables
6. Anchor
7. Tool kit and duct tape.
8. First Aid Kit
9. Out board Motor Oil.
10. Matches
11. Spare Prop
THERE IS ONE THING ANGLERS ALWAYS FORGET. MEDICINE. If you are on medicine such as for Diabetis you should always have some with you.

If you are going to make a long run let someone know where you will be.
And always start with a full tank of gas.
Vern

[DanWarme]

One thing to add, and this is gonna be a judgment call.
Depending on the time of day/ when weigh in is, you can use your trolling motor .

If you can make it to the main channel of the lake, you stand a far better chance of being seen and helped by a fellow competitor or passerby than if you are way in back of a cove somewhere.

The rub with this is if it is late in the day and you'll never get there in time or during safe light, then don't waste your batteries. Also, if the weather is bad, don't do it. Get to calm water if you can, shore is even better. Getting back late or the next day is better than in a body bag.