SECTION THREE
MAN OVERBOARD by Kyle Sanson
“ As I ’ m getting closer I said , ‘ oh my god ’! His kayak is turned over .”
Although spring fishing can be some of the most exciting times of the year , it may also be the most dangerous . Ice may still be on the lake in certain areas creating obstacles for boats , and where open water exists it ’ s likely to be extremely cold . Falling in the water at this time of year may be potentially fatal if you aren ’ t able to get out and into new clothes quickly . A kayak angler from Massachusetts experienced how dangerous the spring conditions can be and what can happen if people don ’ t take extra care .
Paul Lopes has been fishing for his entire life . Being on the East Coast , he started fishing the salt for Strippers and other fish that hang out near the shore , but eventually worked his way inland and started fishing some fresh water . He found the shore to be too limiting , so he invested in a kayak to expand his options . After fishing from the kayak for four years , he entered his first tournament in 2017 and got hooked . This year , he joined the Rhode Island Kayak Bassin ’ series and fished the first event on April 21 at the 1043 acre Worden Pond in Rhode Island .
Paul woke up on the morning of the tournament to a temperature of 30 degrees fahrenheit . After an hour and half drive , the temperature rose to around 35 and he was
PHOTO COURTESY KYLE SANSON
feeling good about the rest of the day . He unloaded his kayak and got it all set up , but he was feeling the effects of the cold weather already .
After everything was ready to go , the directors had a captains meeting and they decided to let the participants get out on the water about 10 minutes early .
“ My feet are cold . I ’ m gonna go back in the car , put the heat on , and warm up my feet and hands , and then I ’ ll go out ”, he said .
After warming up and seeing all the other anglers on the water , he decided to brave the elements and get out there , as well . Despite a cold wind that was creating white caps and water temperatures in the low 40s , Paul hopped in the kayak and went out . After about 10 minutes of paddling , he saw some commotion further out on the water . One of the participants in the tournament had a side mounted trolling motor and Paul thought the kayak was stuck on something causing the motor to make some splashes in the water .
Lopes recounted , “ The propeller is making all kinds of waves in the water and it looked he was stuck and trying
Volume 02 No . 03 | 2018