Finding your way home

By Tom Lester II

I can remember the first time I took my boat out on an unfamiliar body of water for a fishing trip.  Although I had studied
a map of the lake I was going to be fishing, I found it a bit intimidating to find my way around once I was on the water.
The creeks and landmarks that appeared so visible on the map, where not nearly defined and easy to find when puttin'
around on the water.  I'm sure that this happens to almost everyone that goes boating at some time or another.

I recently talked with one of my local fishing buddies that went fishing with another friend of mine at a nearby lake.  After
a morning of fishing that produced a couple of fish for each fisherman, they were ready to start home before the heat
became totally unbearable.  There was just one problem; they couldn't find their way back to the boat ramp.  They
searched and drove around for quite some time before finally finding the cove that contained the boat ramp they had
used to launch their boat.

After burning up more gas finding the ramp than they used to find fish (according to the friend that wasn't driving), they
trailered the boat and returned home.  This story, funny as it was, brought to mind a couple of points I wanted to share.

It is always important to familiarize yourself with landmarks when going out on the water, especially if you are not familiar
with the lake.  A boat house, a large rock at the mouth of a creek, a peculiar looking tree or whatever you can use to
mentally mark your location is always a good idea.

With the technology of a GPS (global positioning system), it is a good idea to mark a waypoint at the ramp before heading
out on the water.  I know I've used mine to help me find the exact location of the boat ramp after a long day of fishing on a
new lake.  These units have become more affordable and user friendly over the past couple of years.

In the event you do become lost, the first thing to do is to stay calm and not panic.  Most lakes will have some place you
can stop and ask for directions, such as a marina or another boat dock.  You can also ease up to someone else on the
water and ask for directions to the boat ramp you are looking for.  Most people are more than willing to help you out.

Finally, it is always a good idea to carry a portable cell phone with you in the boat.  This can be a lifesaver in the event
of an emergency. I have known more than one individual that has used their cell phone to call for help after witnessing
an accident on the water or being involved in one them self.

Last March, my Ranger boat dealer, Gary Wendeborn of Gary's Marine in Gatesville, TX came upon a boat wreck in the
middle of Lake Amistad.  They had a phone and were able to summon an ambulance and other authorities to be waiting
at the boat ramp when they brought in a badly injured fisherman.  The fact that the ambulance was at the ramp waiting
for them when they got the man out of the water, in their boat and to the ramp, probably saved his life.  Don't leave that
phone in the truck!  Take it with you and turn it off if you don't want to be disturbed.  If you need or want it, you can always
turn it on.  As for my buddies, they got home safely.  Fortunately they had enough drinks and cigars to help pass the time
until they found their way back to the ramp.

Until next time, enjoy the great outdoors.