Check those bilge pumps it could save your life and your boat.

  A fellow tournament angler fishing the last tournament I fished on Okeechobee went out to fish the reef in a friends boat and ended up sinking the boat. The boat filled up with water and was flipped upside down by the waves. Fortunately, he and his partner were unharmed because they were able to use there cell phones and call for help. Of course the boat was pretty torn up. I don't know the details of what caused the boat to sink but I do know there was a pretty good chop out there and the boat he was using has a low stern. I think this accident might have been prevented by taking a couple precautionary measures. The bilge pumps should always be checked before leaving the dock. It's so easy to forget about the pumps because we have these auto pumps that kick on and off when needed. Guess what, they don't last forever, that's why the bilge area and pumps should be regularly monitored while the boat is in the water especially in rough water. Always have a spare pump available just in case, and know how to install it quickly. Also, two very important things to remember when anchoring, always anchor with the bow facing the waves, and never reverse into waves.   

Okeechobee tournament win

 The fishing was tough today on the big O. It only took 13.52 lbs to take the win in Carmen's tournament out of Roland s today. We didn't make allot of money but it feels good to win again. Linda Robinson my good luck charm, and I fished together.