Reminder to self...it's April dummy.

Like all of us in Central Illinois, getting on the water consistently after a cold hard winter can be an exercise in patience. April is not the time to push your luck. After waiting the rain out this morning I knew it was gonna be cold and windy. I was going out come hell or high water. Strong west winds immediately grabbed my boat off the trailer as I struggled to wrestle it back. Waves smacked my boat against the landing dock and broke my aft lightpole clean off. I should have put the boat back on the trailer right then. I battled heavy waves and swells going here and there. I realize now that pursuit of my passion needs to be more careful, controlled, and safe. My return trip to the ramp was frightening. Not much scares me. Huge swells, heavy spray coming on board, 20+mph wind, and sub 50 degree water gets your attention. Note to self: don't be stupid, April can giveth and taketh away.

Glad your okay, sometimes we need a "reminder", that there'll be another day.

Glad the light is the only casualty!

I had a similar experience this weekend, sometimes we just need a reminder.
Glad the light was the biggest casualty.


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Glad you made it back safe ..I too was going to take boat out Sunday but after seeing white caps and rollers decided that unplugging culverts at the duck club from the beavers this spring would be safer.

Glad to hear you made it back safely!
Mother Nature sure has been fickle this year,what with 60's and 70's in Feb,
and now 30's and 40's in April. Please be careful if you decide to hit the water!

I've been going out since March 1st, rain, snow, wind, it don't matter. The fish don't care. I fished Sangcris, Clinton, and Shelbyville so far. Clinton was the worst by far. The 20-30mph winds, 3-4' rollers, white caps, and 30 degree temps made for an interesting day and slow fishing. Boat control was tough and crossing the lake was a challenge and tested your captain skills to keep the crew dry. Today was the best by far, temps at launch in high 30's and rose to mid 50's. Light winds, and some cloud cover. Fishing was tough for some, but it was great to get out. Even took off my Carhart coat today, first time this year. Maybe your fishing the wrong weekends?

haha...all weekends are bad...I avoid em whenever I can. I fish all winter & just had a rough early spring day! Just need those reality checks sometimes. Good fishing Hanr3:ThumbsUp