I like your boat. Is it still available? Thanks, Arnie

Powers was your typical untouched lake, we never kept anything because we knew we would be back. Then the neighborhoods started to creep closer and soon there was a new road with a clear view of the lake. I showed up one day and some guy was parading his 4-6 lb bass around, telling me he was headed to the bait store to brag. I tried to ask him to not do that but… The lake quickly declined from there. There is a very shallow lake to the North and I believe that was the rearing pond. Years before the old farmer told me him and his buddies swiped some walleyes from there and took them to Powers (named after the department store owner who had his summer home there). Once the building got closer the water quality quickly declined. A diver showed up on day, he was writing a book on the decline of water quality in the metro area. He found a fence post with 10′ of water on top of it. I had lost another gem of a puddle.

You could try checking your knot strength at home or inside the boat. Be careful, braid will cut your fingers. The information inside the PP box used to have suggested knots. Run your fingers down the line, I have seen some manufacturing problems on sections of line

Just heard from a buddy who stopped by Gander and a clerk there said he was just back from Monticello and dead fish were everywhere, he never got a bit. We were there Monday and Friday and the big fish were feeding.

Hey buddy, glad to here you will a strong proponent for water safety. Hard way to learn that lesson. Went to P2 yesterday and the tugboat operator came up and started telling us about a crash on the river. He said he thought the boat was brand new, then the crane operator called and said “watch this” as you guys were headed back to the bridge. He saw your boat fly up, flip over and come apart. Said he had never seen a boat come apart like that. Said he had saved several people over the years but his tug had a top speed of 4mph and didn’t think he could make it up to you in time. He was glad someone else was around ( He didn’t know it was us). He also said the gal in the suv was filming you guys, but I’am sure see could’t see you when you crashed. Yesterday we noticed how many people do not where lifejackets. Sure don’t want that experience again, it was as scary for as as it was for you.

Steve, this is Arnie from Distration. We were just in the right spot at the right time. In fact we had motor trouble and might have already been at the ramp when it happened. Just lucky we were there to help. Now if I could just get lucky enough to find your honey holes.

We sure are glad to hear that you both are ok. We were worried about hypothermia. Lucky no bones were broken. Saw you take off in front of us before the barge channel. When we came around the corner I could not see you and thought they must have a very fast boat. As we got closer, I first saw the gas can and slowed down because I had that” uneasy feeling” that something was wrong. My partner turned to see the gas can and yelled “quick turn there is someone drowning”. You guys were pretty spent as we hauled you in and thank God there were two of us because I don”t know if we could have lifted you alone what with the wet jeans and all. Thank you for letting us know you made it only a “little worse for wear”. Saw only a piece of your craft as we headed back to the ramp but did”t really look around because all we could think of was to get you guys some place warm. Good thing your friend was at the ramp with a warm vehicle. Once again, so glad to hear you are ok.

Yesterday was the first time we have been out since last December when the water froze. Sure was a long time coming. Can’t remember last time the river froze so early, really liked those warm late December and January days when you could sit down there for 2-4 hours.

Mike, you know my fishing buddy. He said you were in the store last week. His name is Roger and he works at Joes.

They were in their 20’s, indestructable (remember your younger years). The crane operator saw the whole thing and said they had been racing up and down the river. They were very thankful, water temp was 37 degrees and they wanted out.