Hey, kids...

On Feb.6th, my freind Craig Acosta, who worked with me at Sportco was taken tragically in a drift boat accident on the Wynooche. A few days later, as we all know, Nick Amato (who I consider my brother) was nearly drowned in his Hoh River accident with *****. Having two people close to you involved in in horrible accidents make you look at your safety on the water closely.

I've been guity as anyone, for two decades I've floated our steelhead rivers- and guided- without wearing any sort of PFD. I can only say, think about your moms and dads, your brothers and sisters, wives, sons and daughters and think how they would feel if you were to have a fatal accident. From now on, and this was one hell of a lousy way to finally get the message through, I wear SOSpenders and my clients or fishing buddies will wear a Coast Guard approved vest. Like it or not, or you don't get in my boat. I consider myself an excellent oarsman, but...

I was Craig's mentor project all through his senior year of high school. What a wonderful young man he was. He wanted to be a fishing writer. And remember, even though the person rowing the boat with Nick on the Hoh is possibly not the most revered person around, she is still a mother of an 8 year old daughter that could have lost a mommy. Think about that. Please swallow some pride and wear a PFD, fellow board members.

Sincerely,
Bill Herzog.

That's 5 drift boat accidents that I know of in the last 2 weeks. Wearing a PFD is one of the most important things a person can do.
My fishing club has a water safety class every so often, both in the pool (exiting float tubes, swimming/floating in waders, dealing with throw bags, etc.) and at the meetings. We have done CPR classes and this month will have a formal water safety program. Works for us.

Starting with 2nd grade, all
Tigard students from Tigard, OR get 2 weeks of
swim and safety instruction every year through
5th grade. A great program....

Thanks Bill, I too reflected on that very subject after Craigs service. When I got home, I went in the house and told my wife that I was going to purchase one of those SOSpenders. I have three little girls and two sons that I am sure would miss their "Daddy" if lost.

I would also like to commend you for the speech that you gave about being "Craig's" mentor,and how he affected your life, his family appreciated that for sure.

Last fall our PSA group had an outing on the Fraser River, and Craig and Todd slept on the floor of our room. Craig mentioned your name several times in our discussions. The last time I saw Craig he was telling me about the fantastic steelheading trip he had with you.
Those were good times and like everyone said, we will miss him. Lets all be safe on the water......wear some type of PFD.

Thanks for the great post Bill.

After some reflection I too am going to purchase some sospenders...you just never know when something unexpected will happen, its just not worth the risk when something like this is avialable.

Gusty

Thanks for the wise words, Bill. My condolences to you and anyone who knew Craig.

I've been meaning to get the Sospenders or a Stearns inflatable vest for some time now, but just haven't done it. You know how it is--it's much more fun to spend my expendable income on new rods, reels and lures than a piece of safety equipment. But your words have convinced me to get one NOW, before my next fishing trip.

Question for anyone who's used the Sospenders or a Stearns vest: what's the best choice for a wading fisherman? I'm thinking the Stearns vest seems more functional, since I'll be carrying all my gear on me. Can you wear the Sospenders with a fishing vest, or do they get in the way of each other?

Thanks.