Wow...I am sure like many others, my list of screw-up's is as long as SOL wishes his Johnson was...

Here is one from the more recent file...

Early Oct. 2005 found me tossing my home-made Colorado spinners for Coho from the bow of my old Clacka. I was on anchor, and since the front bench was removed for the days fishing (I was out solo) I just stepped up to the knee brace moulded in the bow and proceeded to cast into a big pool of pond water that was sure to hold a few fresh Ho's.

Rather than an overhead back-cast, (and due to a bad rotator cuff) I often use a backhand/backflip style of cast. I can cast just as far as an overhead back-cast, but without the shoulder pain associated with it.

Well, since I was fishing solo, I was wearing my Stearns inflatable vest. the "release handle" was hanging out of the pocket, and during one of the backhand casts the yellow handle apparently caught up in my sleeve, but I didn't realize it at the moment.

Just as the spinner hits the water I hear this big WHOOSH, and thinking to myself "what the hell was that???", I soon realized I was puffing up like a green Pillsbury Dough Boy!

Did a quick look around to see if anyone else had seen this clamity, but fortunately I had the river to myself that day and no one was in sight to witness (or laugh) at the site.

I was surprised at how tight that vest got, and had to quickly find the release valve (didn't know where it was till then!) and let the air out of the vest so normal breathing could resume! (I loosened the straps after this, so if I am in the water and have to use the vest I won't suffocate while floating along).

At least I found out the thing would work, if used!

Mike