Strange Happenings: Fisherman Kills Himself With 3oz Sinker Attached To His Own Pole

A Long Island man has killed himself, unvoluntarily, with the 3oz. lead sinker he was using while fishing.

Channel 7 News, out of Boston, MA, is reporting that the fisherman was fishing off the end of Jones Beach, in Long Island when the accident took place.

A neurologist at Nassau University Medical Center says the lead weight from Chicas’ fishing pole hit with “so much force that it kept going” and lodged in the back of his head.

The force of the sinker caused severe head trauma and herniation to the man’s brain.

I really can’t even picture how this could happen.  I have done a lot of fishing and I don’t ever recall hitting myself with the sinker.  Sure, I have lodged a fishing hook in the back of my head, my back, and my hand, but who hasn’t?  Hooks are a bit different than sinkers.  They have points.

It just goes to show you that lead sinkers are not only a cause of concern for the environment and wildlife, but if not in the right hands, they can also lead to a tragically weird death.  Just something to think about next time you are casting away-

Illinois Approves Bass Fishing As Latest High School Sport

The Illinois High School Association has recently approved a plan to make Bass Fishing a state sanctioned high school sport.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors at its regular June meeting on Monday (June 9) approved Terms and Conditions for the new Bass Fishing State Series to be inaugurated during the 2008-09 school term. Sectionals in the series will be held on Friday of Week 42 (April 24, 2009), with the state final being held on Friday and Saturday of Week 44 (May 8-9, 2009). Sites for the event have not yet been determined.

This is coming directly from the IHSA website.

I have to say that this is a pretty cool idea, albeit about 15 years to late for me. Instead of being on the football or basketball team, I probably would have resorted to Bass Fishing if it were offered.

This is a great way to introduce thousands of kids to the great sport of Bass Fishing and get them outdoors.

The Press release goes on to state that each school will be allowed to enter two boats into each tournament, with up to three kids on each boat. Those that prove they have the angling down pat, will then advance to sectionals, regionals, and state tournaments–just like the other scholastic sports.

From the IHSA Executive Director, Mary Hickman:

We believe it will be the first bass fishing tournament in the country sponsored by a state high school association. The tournament is a great way to reach out to high school students and give them an additional opportunity to compete in interscholastic activities.

This is kind of exciting for the world of fishing.  I might try to contact Indiana’s High School Association on this one.  Could be just as well served in my home state.  I might make the suggestion and see what they say.

If this takes off, though, perhaps it would spawn other high school fishing tournaments.  Nothing can be as exciting as watching a bunch of kids getting grimey with rotten chicken livers while fishing for catfish from the bank.  That, my friend, would be a good time.

The recent news of the Illinois High School Association will spark a few questions such as:  Will there be a teacher present on every boat?  Will the schools supply the boat?  What does a Bass Fishing Coach get paid? I might have to move to Illinois–Also, who brings the beer?  Sorry, that was uncalled for.

Michigan’s DNR Proposes New Fishing Regulations

The mention of new fishing guidelines always conjures up a a feeling of “Oh, great! What can’t we do now?” That may not be the case in Michigan–

Michigan’s DNR is proposing to up the number of fishing rods allowed by one angler. For over 80 years, Michigan’s limit of two rods per angler has been enforced. They are now proposing to up that limit to three. On a good day, two rods can be to many, especially if you are fishing for panfish or even bass and salmon, depending on where you go. On other days you could have a whole Cabelas store at your disposal and still catch little more than a mosquito bite (or twenty).

Michigan’s DNR are currently looking for public input on this issue and want to hear what you think.

This information is coming from Spinal Column Online. (Yes, I know it’s a weird name–but they offer up a great article on all of this.)

Currently, the number of lines (rods) an angler may use on most waters is limited to two. Several years ago, however, angler groups worked with the Legislature to allow three lines while in the act of trolling for trout and salmon in lakes Michigan, Huron or Superior. This discrepancy reportedly has caused confusion among anglers and has created law enforcement problems.

Not sure what kind of problems this has caused for law enforcement other than people suggesting they did not know the law, which is not an excuse, but none the less…

If Michigan does indeed change it’s current policies in regards to the “Rule of Two” rods, I could see this being a positive effort for most people who partake in fishing as an activity. On the one hand, more poles will be bought and more tackle will be purchased to support the new regulation. On the other, you will now have the opportunity to fish with three rods, perhaps bringing in a better catch. Then again, this may not help you out at all.

On the downside, it is noted that positions that support quite a few anglers at one time, such as your favorite pier or fishing hole, could possibly get a bit more crowded with anglers taking up more space. I, personally have never found that to be a problem. I go where few venture–sometimes into the lake or river, itself, but usually I look for those easily accessed out-of-the-way locations that 90% of the time will be empty.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

By the way, I have to give my home state of Indiana some credit. It was mentioned in the article, over on Spinal Column Online, that Indiana has allowed three-pole fishing for quite some time. Now, if they could only figure out a way give us all a third arm! Actually, make it four-you have to have a beer hand-

Photo Courtesy of Water and Woods Magazine

MyOutdoorTV.Com Launches “State Explorer” to Showcase Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Recreation

This Press Release is being featured in it’s entirety from PRWeb.com.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BusinessWire EON) September 20, 2007 — In addition to the television programming and educational videos streamed through State Explorer, the section provides links to all 50 states where hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife and waterways law enforcement information, and other materials are provided. Shows and videos provided by the states are also searchable by topic or keyword on MyOutdoorTV.com. Hunters, fishermen, and boaters can even purchase licenses through the State Explorer or make donations to the wildlife agency.

MyOutdoorTV.com announced the State Explorer’s launch this week at the annual meeting of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in Louisville, Kentucky. ‘It’s strategically important for the states to stay on the cutting edge of technology, and with MyOutdoorTV.com, they can do just that,’ commented Rachel Brittin, the association’s Public Affairs Director. ‘They’re giving our member agencies a way to share incredible video with people who wouldn’t otherwise see it.’

States from Washington to Maine have signed on to have their shows streamed through MyOutdoorTV.com, bringing an international audience to their wildlife agencies’ TV shows. Additional states are added weekly. ‘With more and more people accessing news and entertainment through the internet, this is the ideal vehicle for expanding our audience worldwide,’ said Richard Roberts, executive producer of Texas Parks & Wildlife, one of the first state shows appearing on the site.

While hunting and fishing are regular topics of outdoor programming, the wildlife agency shows cover a range of other outdoor recreation topics, such as gold prospecting, crabbing, visits to historic sites, wild game cooking, non-game species, hiking, and much more. ‘We are very proud of Tennessee’s Wild Side and its great programming of family-oriented activities,’ commented Don King, the show’s producer. ‘Our goal is to appeal equally to men, women, and kids.’

‘State wildlife agencies from all parts of the country have joined our State Explorer section,’ said Chris Moise, CEO of MyOutdoorTV.com. ‘We congratulate these states for their progressive wildlife agencies that were quick to recognize the benefits of showcasing their resources on the internet, and we look forward to having every state represented soon.’

Use of MyOutdoorTV.com is always FREE to viewers, 24/7, with no registration required. The site streams shows featuring some of the leading names in the outdoors, including Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Mark Sosin, Larry Czonka, Babe Winkelman, Jimmy Houston, and many others.

MyOutdoorTV.com is the world’s largest internet network for outdoor TV programming, currently streaming over 100 show titles on the shooting sports, fishing, boating, and conservation. In addition, it hosts radio shows, outdoor videos, the new State Explorer section, The Showroom product video section, MyOutdoorWiki, and sections for cooking, travel, guides, outdoor news, and much more. Visit our website at www.myoutdoortv.com.
Media Contact:
MyOutdoorTV.com
Sherry G. Kerr
256-236-3133

A Few Notes From The Adventurist

This seems to be a great new idea.  As many, many sites move from the “print” to the “broadcast” stage of internet exploration, people will be looking to get their information in a quicker fashion.

All 50 states will be represented and should open up the doors to all of you that have always dreamed of being able to educate the public on your particular area of interest. 

Along with that, how nice would it be if you were planning on taking a fishing trip to upper Michigan, to be able to make a couple clicks and instantly find out the laws and pertinent information for the area in which you are planning on going.

A couple of keys from the MyOutdoorTV.com Press Release:

While hunting and fishing are regular topics of outdoor programming, the wildlife agency shows cover a range of other outdoor recreation topics, such as gold prospecting, crabbing, visits to historic sites, wild game cooking, non-game species, hiking, and much more.

This site will actually have the opportunity to not only educate those among us interested in the Outdoors, but may also bring more of the outdoor joy to people who would otherwise not take part in outside activities..

Use of MyOutdoorTV.com is always FREE to viewers, 24/7, with no registration required. The site streams shows featuring some of the leading names in the outdoors, including Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Mark Sosin, Larry Czonka, Babe Winkelman, Jimmy Houston, and many others.

By bringing big name people onboard at the beginning to help in this project, the site is almost guaranteeing a certain success factor.  I can attest to Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston myself–who else could keep you intrigued in the world of fishing?  These guys both add a certain personality flare that is rare to find in the outdoors and am sure they will bring their own personal aspects to MyOutdoorTV.

There is one more HUGE benefit of this site.  Being able to purchase your state hunting or fishing liscence, no matter where you live, will definately add to the viewer participation factor.

Plus, It is all free.  Where else can you find programming like this for free?  No sign-up, no registration..that is unless you purchase a liscence.  Swing on over and check out MyOutdoorTV.com and decide for yourselves.  They are already boasting over 100 different programs in a variety of fields, with new projects being added weekly.  I will definately have to keep my eye on this one.  Let’s all wish them success!

The Next Big Thing: The Adventurist Teams Up With Adventure Sports Weekly

The old saying goes –when opportunity knocks, you had better answer the door.  Well, in a sense I have answered the door.  A couple of days ago Editor Wina Sturgeon from Adventure Sports Weekly contacted myself and was interested in discussing what I do here at The Adventurist.

After a lengthy discussion about our sites, our future goals, and what we are both looking to achieve, it became real evident that we have more than a little in common.

Adventure Sports Weekly is destined to not only be the first of it’s type on the Internet, but also a leader in the Adventure Sports industry.  Adventure Sports Weekly, the Brainchild of Editor Wina Sturgeon, who many of you might know through her extensive Olympic coverage for Sports Illustrated,  will be the first Online Magazine devoted solely to the Outdoor sporting world. 

I have been very open and straight-forward with all of you, my readers, about trying to put together the best site on the internet dealing with Adventure.  Keeping that in mind, we have decided in a sense to team-up.

Over the course of the next few days and weeks ahead The Adventurist and Adventure Sports Weekly will be sharing some content.  Their dedication to the sanctioned sports side of the outdoor world, IE..Mountain Bike Racing, BMX, Skateboarding, Climbing ect..will actually be bringing something to the table that I have desperately been wanting to add.  Adventure Sports Weekly offers top notch sporting news live from the field, allowing for exclusive coverage and content that just isn’t found anywhere else on the Internet.

I will also be working with Adventure Sports Weekly offering new articles, and maybe even a weekly column I have in the works in the world of Adventure.

This is a very exciting opportunity for myself personally.  I have dedicated myself to the Adventure world and writing.  With Adventure Sports Weekly I now have the opportunity to not only garner a bigger readership, but to also bring about a new direction….a bigger direction that hopefully will help build upon what I have already been able to do.

The adventure sporting field is getting ready to explode.  I have done this now for almost a year, and just about daily there are new sites emerging.  More coverage is being given in the media to these athletes that have pretty much remained under the table.  Just a couple of years ago, you would have never had the opportunity to see JEEP: King of the Mountain on a nationally televised program.  It is building.  It is growing.  More people are noticing and the money is slowly starting to come into these fantastic outdoors sports.

I am happy to say that I am very comfortable in knowing that I have aligned myself up with perhaps the leader in news coverage for these types of events.  Hopefully this relationship will flourish and all of us involved can bring even more exposure to the great athletes and sporting events throughout the years to come.

So what exactly does Adventure Sports Weekly bring to the table?

• It is ran by one of the top Sports Journalists in the world.  Editor Wina Sturgeon has written for Sports Illustrated and The New York Times, to only name two.  She has nearly 40 years of experience at being at the top of the game.  She knows how to do things, and do them right.
• Experience.  Being a leader in the sports writing industry, Wina Sturgeon brings her vast knowledge to a growing field.  She automatically brings  her credibility and dedication to an area that has been lacking in national coverage.
• National Coverage.  Simply put.
• Adventure Sports Weekly is currently the only publication of its kind on the Internet.  It is new with a very big potential in the future to not only lead the way, but to be THE way.
• Future.  Adventure Sports Weekly is currently developing a system to bring top-notch video coverage of these sporting events as they happen–this will make it not only the leader in the Adventure Sports industry, but will also raise the bar on what the internet can bring to you, the viewers.
• Credibility.  I have been straight-forward in telling all of you my eventual goals of writing in this industry full-time.  This gives me a great opportunity to work with some of the best people in the industry and hopefully build on what I have already been able to accomplish.  It is a fantastic opportunity and one that I never would have been able to do without all of the continued support and guidance from you, my readers.  So THANK-YOU very much!
• Oh yeah– and Lastly, Adventure Sports Weekly is FREE.  Can’t get much better than that.  All the great news coverage and articles are completely free to you the reader.  Eventually this will also include the great video coverage that is currently in developement.

I am hoping to recieve your continued support and that you will enjoy what the future has in store.  The Adventurist will still be covering everything it normally does…with a bonus of adding new content from time to time from some very special events.  Also, if you enjoy my writing, keep your eyes peeled to Adventure Sports Weekly, as I will be bringing some further exciting articles their way in the very near future.  Let’s all show Adventure Sports Weekly our support in what they are trying to achieve and welcome them in to The Adventurist family.

Shark Attack on a Sea Kayak

No, this isn’t a reference to a new Dr. Seuss book–this is actually a true story. 

On July 21, Dan Prather was out doing a little fishing on his sea kayak along with 16 other people.  They happened to be fishing a remote island about a mile south of San Francisco.

Suddenly Dan was in the water.  He surfaced to find the front end of his sea kayak lodged in the mouth of what he thinks was a Great White…so what does Dan do?  He climbs right back on his Kayak…then falls back off once again.

Dan finally makes it back on to his Kayak for the second time, and it seemingly scares the shark away.

This is a great story coming by way of Canoe and Kayak Magazine.

When Dan finally high-tailed it back to shore (the shark had punctured a small hole in the front end of the kayak)..a fellow fisherman asked him if he had any luck fishing, he said, “Yeah, caught a shark…”

Swing on over and read this interesting and ARTICLE.  I think that this is one fishing trip where I would have been glad to get the smallest catch.

Backcountry Survival: Do you know what to do?

Many of us often get side-tracked with our exploring.  That trail ahead just looks mighty boring compared to the rugged rocky peak that lingers right off the path…Come on now, we have all done that.

Would you know what to do if you actually lost your way though?  The Outside Blog is currently running a few pointers over the course of three days, if you would indeed find yourself in this situation.

The first tip they have offered if you are lost is to stop.  Give yourself time to relax.  It seems that getting lost makes us lose our sense of what is going on around us.  It also makes our heartrate go haywire.  In order to get our minds back to where they need to be–which is thinking rationally, they suggest stopping for a half hour or so, drinking some water, and then think about what is going on.  This will give your body the chance to calm down, as well as relax the mind a bit. 

I think that is a good idea.  Any of us who have been caught in this position can relate..we want to find the quickest way out possible, yet, almost always, we just get more frustrated and even more lost. 

Their second segment  talks about a few of the biggest killers known to the Outdoor Adventurer…that is right, Bees, Wasps, Spiders, and Ants.  For some reason we all here about the killer bears, but never the Bees, Wasps, Spiders, and Ants that tragically kill more people in a year than has ever been killed by bears in the wild.

Actually I did learn something with this information that I did not know.  Did you know that a Bee sting actually carries Pheromones that attracts other bees?  This is where the trouble begins.  One Bee hits you then before you know it, your swatting at a slowly gathering swarm.  The safest thing to do for Bees and Wasps is to either get inside, get covered, or Go underwater.

Also, it is noted that a Bee or Wasp sting can bring up a highly alergic reaction which could cause Anaphylactic Shock.  If you are aware of any allergic reaction to this type of sting, it is recommended that you carry an Epi Pen (which is available by perscription only) with you anytime you are out and about.

As far as Spiders go, they only attack when they feel threatened.  There are close to 50 different Spiders that are known to bite people in the US–with the feared Brown Recluse being the most dangerous.

The Brown Recluse Spider can deliver a devastating bite that will actually start dissolving your tissue and can lead to death in severe cases. 

The best advice they give for a spider bite of any kind is to get away and seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

In order to tell if it is actually a Brown Recluse or not, you will have to look at the spider’s back.  There is a tell-all sign–the weird marking that actually looks like a violin found on it’s back–even if that little sign is there, don’t fret to much if you discover the bite right away.  In most cases you will not die and it can be treated.

Here is a real life example:  I work with a lady who was working on her farm.  She tripped going into their grain silo and landed on a whole nest of Brown Recluses.  She got bit close to 200 times.  She did not die, but she does have some nerve damage from this unfortunate event.  Needless to say, the best advice is to seek medical attention for any kindof spider bite.  For the most part, you will not even know what got you, as spiders tend to hide pretty well.

As The Outside Blog posts more to this ongoing series, I will update you.  There is definately some good information, and who knows, perhaps one of these tips could just save your Life.

Lewis Gordon Pugh SWIMS at North Pole

Lewis Gordon Pugh, 37, A british adventure swimmer, has become the first person to ever swim at the North Pole.  Doing the stunt to bring awareness to Global Warming in the Arctic, Pugh dove into the 29 degree water.

His swim lasted aproximately 18 minutes and 50 seconds and went for a distance of 0.6 miles.  The water, at 29 degrees, is the coldest known temperature that a human has ever been able to swim in.

I hope my swim will inspire world leaders to take climate change seriously. The decisions which they make over the next few years will determine the biodiversity of our world.

I want my children, and their children, to know that polar bears are still living in the Arctic. These creatures are on the front line up here.

I am obviously ecstatic to have succeeded, but this swim is a triumph and a tragedy: a triumph that I could swim in such ferocious conditions but a tragedy that it’s possible to swim at the North Pole.

Pugh’s swim was conducted in a free-flowing waterhole.  The hole was used to demonstrate the effects the climate has been having on the arctic.  He went on to explain that over the next years, waterholes like these will become more prevelent in the Arctic.

Lewis Gordon Pugh is best known for having swam on 5 of the seven known continents of the world, as well as being the first person to ever swim the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord.

Summit Stones: Giving Back Adventure Joy

DSD over at Summit Stones & Adventure Musings has been embarked on a quest to bring a little bit of light to all of us Adventurers.  The mission is what it is..

DSD has seemingly been placing these very artistic stones where ever the adventure takes us..and part of the fun is discovering where they are found….Somehow DSD gets there first…haha

Nobody is really sure who DSD is..the website is pretty vague, only giving in to the cause:

My ‘Profile’…?

After being asked about this a few times in comments, I still am of the opinion that my profile is really not what this Blog is about…

I’m simply another average adventurer you might meet out on the trail, see wandering across the backcountry, maybe say hi to as we paddle towards each other, or share a few jokes at a common belay station…

What DSD does though, on the site, is emblazen that adventure spirit in all of us.  Those brightly colored stones, when found, become something more…a piece of an adventure….a wondering of who…it drives us to get out and find another, wondering where the story will lead.

The stones have been found in various places of adventure…mountain tops, trails, ect., and now these findings are also making their way across the web.

A recent topic in a forum on Outdoorsy.com brings this search and findings to light.  It is entitled “A Summit Stone.”

It is nice to know someone like DSD exists.  Someone who has embarked on the challenge of giving back something they consider small, yet has such a big place in our hearts.

As if the Summit Stones are not enough, DSD has also put together a very well written Website discussing this journey of Adventure that we all share.  Here is just a small piece…

Adventure is not just about the choice of activity, nor only about wilderness talent, or just one’s outdoor skills, and is not really at all about age… I used to think that to be an adventurer it was necessary to bag summits, count climbs, record stats, accumulate kayak exploits, even tally up many epics… but that kind of collecting, while serving a purpose, doesn’t always sustain us…

Adventure can be about being the person you want to be in a geographic place… as in what we may find in Geomancy… and that gets us closer to the essence of being an adventurer… as in what is reflected in our attitudes, desire, enthusiasms, and motivations… These things are more about energy, feelings, and emotions…

The next time you are wanting a heightening of spirits–something to really make you think—something to give you that new, refreshing bit of drive….head on over to Summit Stones and Adventure Musings, you won’t be disappointed.

The next time you are heading up that trail or looking over that mountain, remember that all great things won’t be seen above…take a momment to look down…perhaps you will even find a Summit Stone at your feet…

Lincoln Hall “Dead Lucky” on Everest

 

Lincoln Hall Was Dead

May 25, 2006 will go down as one of those days in mountaineering history where nothing seemed to be going right–but then the miracle happened..

Stranded in the death zone, 250 meters from Mt. Everest’s famed summit…Lincoln Hall was lost.  A group of Sherpas climbing with Hall made the decision to descend without him.  If they stayed, they would die as well..but if they left they would have a chance, but Lincoln Hall would perish.  They left.

Lincoln Hall was a famed climber from Australia. He already had one Everest summit attempt to his credit in 1984–that attempt ended with him turning back near the summit due to illness. In 2006 he was heading back–not for himself, but as a favor–he was going to be a cameraman on a new documentary about Everest.

After reaching the famed Everest summit, Lincoln Hall began his descent.

High on Everest’s slope, Lincoln Hall came down with Pulminary Edema–a climber’s worst nightmare.  The lungs slowly fill with fluid, cutting off your ability to breathe, leaving you with a slow gurgling death in freezing temperatures.  Not a fun way to die–

The decision to leave Lincoln Hall high on Everest is nothing new.  When a Climber goes down in the death zone, it is pretty well known that your chances of getting back down are slim to virtually none.  Are you to die as well, or walk away?  It is just a part of mountaineering. 

Lincoln Hall’s death was broadcast the world over.  This report comes from ExplorersWeb and goes through a momment by momment synopsis of what occured on this tragic day as it was happening.

A day later, ExplorersWeb released another report.

Lincoln Hall was Miraculously Still Alive

Lincoln Hall had survived a night with Pulmonary Edema.  A climber heading towards the summit had noticed Lincoln Hall and made a dispatch to camp.  A massive rescue attempt was enacted and underway.

Lincoln Hall was eventually rescued and brought back to safety.  He was partially blinded, suffering from pulmonary Edema, and had frostbite on both of his hands and feet and part of his face.

But he had survived.

Lincoln Hall ended up losing his fingers to frostbite and eventually had to have them amputated.

His story is the miracle.  He was one of very few people to ever come out of the death zone after 24 hours alive.  He was reported as dead.  Friends, family and associates all thought he was dead. Lincoln Hall was the only one that knew he was still alive.

Dead Lucky

Lincoln Hall has just published a book about this whole ordeal called “Dead Lucky”–which promminently features a photo of him on the cover lifting his hand, with amputated fingers, and a smile on his face.  He, as well as the world, knows why this momment could bring a smile–He was Alive and lived the tale that he has now had published.

This is not Lincoln Hall’s first book, as a matter of fact it is his eighth book. He was already an acclaimed Mountaineering journalist–but on the evening of May 15, 2006–it all became so very real.  This is his first attempt to put this whole story together and try to come to grips with what could have very well been a tragedy.

I encourage all of you to pick up this book and find out what true survival and the will of man can accomplish.

 

This book was released in May 2007 through Random House Australia.  It has a cover price of $34.95

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