Lightning Safety Tips For Fishermen
Super moisturized air whipped by strong southwest winds had baked all
afternoon under an intense June sun along the New England lakeshore we
were fishing for bass and trout. The heated, humid air rose sharply
into an unstable atmosphere and soon towering cumulous clouds darkened the
sky - the process of convection (basically, the transfer of heat) had
begun. It wasn't long before we heard the first rumble of thunder and
could smell the metallic odor of ozone, a byproduct of rapid
condensation in rain or storm clouds. Considering the forecast called for severe
thunderstorms, now was the moment to pack up our fishing tackle and
seek shelter inside the nearest gas station or Mickey D's - we didn't
want to be struck by lightning. Not even a record largemouth bass is
worth getting fried over.
I love the phenomena of thunderstorms. Like many of you, I'm
fascinated by the crackle of lightning bolts and house shaking thunderclaps.
Also, like too many people, I've unwisely continued fishing while a storm
approached when I should have been long gone to safety. Lightning
strikes kill an average of 80-100 people every year in the U.S., more than
hurricanes and tornados combined. A little more than half of victims
were engaged in outdoor recreation like fishing or boating. Ten times
as many are struck but survive - many with severe, life-long injuries
or disabilities. With the height of lightning season upon us, it's time
for fishermen to consider lightning safety.
According to the National Weather Service, lightning can strike as many
as ten miles away from its source cloud. This is why it is recommended
to stop fishing and move indoors as soon any thunder is heard. And
because the debris clouds trailing behind a thunderstorm can produce
their own lightning, fishermen should wait 30 minutes after the storm has
passed to begin fishing to be completely safe. While inside during a
storm stay away from doors and windows, plumbing, wiring, appliances and
telephones.
A somewhat less conservative response to seeing lightning involves the
"30/30 rule." Upon spotting lightning, if you can count to 30 before
hearing thunder, the odds are you're out of range of the lightning. A
count of five before hearing thunder equals roughly one mile of distance
from a lightning strike, a count of ten equals two miles, etc.
However, thunderstorms can move as fast as 50mph so the next bolt of
lightning could be right on top of you.
William Becker, of the University of Florida, notes that lightning is
very unpredictable and bolts contain as much as 100 million volts - a
minimum of 500,000 times the electricity needed to power a sparkplug!
Lightning follows Ben Franklin's "path of least resistance" rule, and
guess what? The path can easily be through a fisherman's body, which
happens to conduct electricity quite well. So, if it's impossible to seek
indoor shelter and you are trapped outside during a thunderstorm,
reducing your exposure is critical. First thing to do - lay down your
fishing rods, they could act like an antennae and draw a lightning strike
right to you.
If on land, seek like-sized shrubs or a group of small trees, get low
and avoid touching the plants. On open terrain like fishing beaches or
desert potholes with no form of cover, find a low spot and crouch on
your heels. Never move towards solitary trees and avoid isolated
structures like gazebos or picnic table covers (especially if they are
constructed of metal), lightning can travel as much a 60 feet sideways after
striking an object. An automobile - but not convertibles or cars with a
fiberglass roof - offer some shelter but put your hands in your lap
and avoid contact with the steering wheel, radio, ignition, etc.
Boaters are at great risk because they are often the highest object on
the water's surface. Even distant thunder or lightning flashes should
trigger an immediate move toward shelter on land. As a last resort,
lower all fishing rods and radio antennas, then crouch down without
contacting any metal railings, wiring, or the motor; don't get in the water
or dangle your legs or hands in the water. If there is time,
disconnect the VHF radio and GPS, this way they may survive a lightning strike.
Lightning protection systems are available for some fishing boats but
getting off the water is safer.
Lightning strikes the United States around 25 million times per year.
Most Florida fishermen won't be 'shocked' to hear their state annually
has more strikes than any other. However, NOAA notes that lightning
occurs in all fifty states. Lightning can occur at any time, but late
afternoon hours are the most dangerous periods for lightning strikes, and
folks spending time outside in open areas like fields or beaches are
the most common victims. So make yourself aware of the weather forecast
before heading out to fish and if the predictions include
thunderstorms plan on returning home before the storms are due to bubble up.
Fishing for bass, walleye, trout, catfish, bream, or whichever species
you favor, can be a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors if you keep in
mind lightning safety whenever you grab your fishing rods for a day on
the water.
About the Author: Paul and Ken have a combined 60 plus years of fishing experience at many of the top spots around the US and the world. Goto Fishing Lightning Tips for more of our tips on how to catch more fish and have fun doing it.
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