Went swimming

[Thumper]

I was out setting for coon in a trout stream that I go to every year. Its between several farms and is bordered by corn fields. I was wading up stream and it occurred to me that the water seemed higher than usual. I thought this a little odd as it was a particularily dry summer.  I was pushing my way through a matt of thick weeds when all of the sudden I hit a drop off in the creek. The creek bottom was soft and I began to sink fast. My chest waders began to fill as well as my gauntlets. I didn't have much choice but to just keep going and swim for it. I only had to go about 10 feet, but with the extra weight it felt like 100. I got my footing and went up on shore to empty out. You know, that water is cold! The air temp was about 35 degrees to boot. I walked back to my truck and stripped down to my longies and drove home to change and dry out. Moral of the story? Do your land sets first!

I went back 2 days later and found that beaver had moved into the area down stream. This explains the high water. I guess I'll be back in December to set for them.

 

[RdFx]

You didnt have a belt around the top of your waders did you???   Get one and put it on.  It will keep air in your waders and acts in a way like a life jacket.  I run long lines for mink and  carry a complete change of clothes as its not feasible to drive all the way home to change.  Saves time and you are on your way trapping again.  THen again if your close to home  its differant.. be carefull out there.  Good luck

[Bogmaster]

 A belt for the waders,is as important as a life vest.I don't know how many hundreds of times I have gone over my waders--I have even sunk a couple boats.Every time I got less than a cup of water inside of my waders---because of the belt.Makes it easier swimming,when the water isn't pouring into the waders and pulling you down.
 Tom

[Thumper]

Good advice! Thanks guys!