That time of year for lightning

[Ecat]

The very same thing happened to me and a friend while fishing Sam Rayburn about 20 years ago. I was using Berkeley rods and it shocked me as well. We were on a school of huge fish and didnt want to leave but when our hair started standing up (yes, I had hair back then…lol) the DUH factor hit us and we got out of there right before a strike hit where we were. To this day, if lightning is anywhere around us, we are back to the ramp! It is simply not worth losing your life over a few fish! Glad you made it out ok and are here to share your story with everyone.Tight lines!

[Mike Whitten]

My friend, you need to think about what it function of a “lightning rod” is–to draw lightning strikes and to send the energy to ground. If YOU are holding that rod–YOU become the fusible link to “Ground”. In other words, by the time that rod is building a static charge, you are in severe danger of getting killed.Thunder is the warning sign–not your rods static charge. This is one conversation I have with all my tournament partners–dont mind rain, can work with wind, but lightning is “game over”, or at least “game suspended”. Im off the water until it is gone.Mike Whitten

[Tx76]

Ive been stuck in a storm and all we could do was crouch and pray. Wont happen again. Ive had my rod hum while I was wade fishing– couldnt get to the truck fast enough. Simply dont mess with it. My duh moment came as a teenager when I realized I was 64″ holding a 7 rod straight up while fishing in an aluminum boat. I squirm every time it pops…fishing or not.

[1958]

I agree Mike. I dont really use it as a lightning rod – its just the nick name I have given it.We were not hearing any thunder and the rod humming was my sign to get out.Only thing I should have listened to it the first time and not wait till it had to zap me to wake me up.My point here is to hopefully bring it to the attention of others.

[MossBoss]

I am a lightning runner as well, when it bolts I am gone, but I am wondering what happens in the Elite series and other top level big $$$ tournies. Do most (some, any?) of those guys run for cover when it lightnings, or do alot of them risk it on the big stage? Figured some here are connected enough to know.

[dbasketman]

The scary part is that if you can hear thunder you are at risk. And in Arkansas we would never get to fish this time of the year if we didnt get out in a thunderstorm now and then. Dont get me wrong, if its coming a toad strangler before i put in and lightening, i will wait it out in the truck. But once i get on the water and any distance from the ramp im fishing, or worse case scenario pulling up on a bank and sitting down in the boat if no dock is available, until it passes ! Some area lakes the fish actually go nuts in a storm and bite like crazy, and i need all the help i can get !

[stealthycat]

forecast as of right now for zip 72658 ThuMay 1340% chance Scattered T-Stormshigh 81°low 57°FriMay 1440% chance Showershigh 70°low 57°

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