I wanted to take this topic off another thread. I was singled out as the official pinata for everyone to beat on because I don't use a PFD every time I go out. The LAW requires a PFD and other items to be on the boat. They don't require use of a PFD unless it is a child. The law doesn't even require a PFD at all for water under 200 acres for float tubes.
I ALWAYS have a PFD it is the law. I normally use it if the weather is not too hot. If the weather is hot I take it off, there it is.
Is this forum and the people here going to chase down everyone that posts a picture without a PFD. Are they all going to be asked if they have a PFD and how much they ware it?
Most of us are adults. We adults ALL make decisions to do things our own (legal) way. Are we going to be belittled and harassed for things that others feel is not right even if it is legal? I have been singled out because I don't always ware a PFD. Fine do you smoke??? Do you drink alcohol? Do you use your cell phone in traffic? Have you saved enough, or any at all for retirement? Do you have health and life insurance? Are you in debt?
I have seen pictures with people smoking. I have never told a person that was in the picture that my father died from lung cancer so I don't think they should smoke. I have seen pictures and read stories about people drinking alcohol during and after fishing. I don't drink so should I now tell them that I think what they do is wrong?
All adults have the freedom to not ware a PFD if they choose. We also have the freedom to base jump off a bridge, Sky dive, walk a tight rope over a canyon, free climb a rock wall, or ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Life is full of risky things. Isn't risk what makes some things fun? If there were no risk at all where would the fun be? If you step up to bat and the pitcher throws a curve ball. Do you walk away because that is a risky? Sturgeon Jump, and it is that risk that adds to the excitement of the catch. Same reason people fish or swim for that matter with sharks.
I understand that not wearing a coast guard approved life vest when I am in temperatures over 70 has some risk but heat stroke also is a risk. I know there are other types of vests. I know there are ways to keep cool like not going on hot days and splashing your face with water or what ever the advice is. I am an ADULT! I am not your child, or your grandchild, or your nephew. I don't have to be spoken to like I am a CHILD! If I need your advise I will ask for it kindly and thank you for it.
I understand that some have said they just want whats best for me. Okay I get it and I appreciate it. But I got a job 30 years ago and I moved out on my own. I pay my own bills, and have I raised a family. I will ask again to those that are so worried about me. DO you have health insurance? Do you have life insurance? Do you have a fire extinguisher in you home checked yearly by a professional? Are you tires in good shape? Are you over weight? Do you drink? Do you smoke?
Here is the main point. The next time you decide that someone is not doing something the right ( your ) way. Think about the things you do in your life that others would not approve of. If something is legal and not hurting you keep your opinion to your self.
Ron
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WOW! I knew you had it in you just didn't think I would ever hear it! LOL. I agree !!!!!
I wear mine if I'm in a tournament and it is required!
All other days they are under the deck where they won't do me any good if I crash the boat! Guess what it's the (law) to have them but it is a (choice) to wear them!
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Its a personal decision. I respect yours Ron. I have mine sitting at my feet. My little boat has foam under the seats, it's supposed to be unsinkable. Doesn't stop when I take friends with me though asking how they are in water, if they have swimming issues I make them where the PFD when we are moving, up to them if they want to take it off when we are stopped. Wouldn't want one of my friends going down to Davy Jones locker and having that on my conscience. Follow the laws that we are given and from there it is up to each individual.
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I respect that. It is your boat it can be your rules or they get a different ride. Ron
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Well I was just tired of it and the PM with people treating me like a child. I even had someone tell me I was wrong because in the book it says all people on a PWC have to ware them all the time. This next piece is not aimed at you mr.jigr12.
In case anyone else is so wrong that they can't understand. This is from the web page FAQ. The definition for a PWC is this.
"PWC's are small, jet-propelled boats designed to carry one to three people that sit on top rather than inside the vessel. Often referred to as "jet skis," "
Ron
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I thought you were just going overboard with it but damn...PM's about it?? I understand people trying to suggest you wear one but when they lecture and preach about it...THATS taking it overboard. Tell 'em how it is Ron [
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I'm kinda late to the party and don't know what was said other than in the thread but cpiece may have just been looking out for you given that you float some fast water and take on fish that could roll you over pretty easy. In my opinion it should be up to the person where the pfd is and how it should be used.I respect your right to choose. Mine is always close but not on unless im in waders and on a stretch like the south fork. I think referring to her as mother was a little disrespectful. Been on a lot of drownings its never pretty My first recovery i can see clear as day. I'm not lecturing you or telling you are wrong I'm just saying you play with big big fish and why you may be fine in your steelheader the pontoon you just got that is smaller would give some people reason to be concerned especially where you cant swim.
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Ron, just tell 'em to move to New York City. The land of the free where the mayor know what size soft drink you should be allowed to have.
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I wasn't going to reply to this, but I think I need to. I am very sorry if you felt I was treating you as a "pinata" and beating you up in the other thread.
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...ead#unread
I may have worded my response poorly. I was shocked that you can't swim, but don't wear a pfd. My conscience would not let me just say nothing. All I wanted to point out was that in my opinion inflatable pfds are worth the money, and comfortable to wear even in hot weather.
I am also sorry that you took it so extreme. Obviously it must have been mentioned to you before, and it is a sore point with you.
The other comments to you on the other thread were more about how you replied, not about telling you to wear a pfd.
As for any PMs you got.... I didn't send any. Someone else must have cared about you too.
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You'd be better off investing 30 minutes in a swimming lesson. Takes longer than that to get a will in order. It's a free country and you're an adult so good luck out there regardless.
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Whatever the case Ron, please don't stop posting. I love your posts and the quality of your remarks and videos are top notch.
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I know that some of you say you care about me. Some of you don't know me at all but just like to hear your self lecture someone else.
I appreciate that I really do. I care for you guys too. So here is the list again of the things I want you all to be better with.
1- are you over weight?
Being over weight will lead to health problems and death.
2- do you drink coffee?
The caffeine in coffee can be linked to health issues.
3- do you drink soft drinks with sugars in them?
Soda is one the leading cause of obesity.
4- do you eat sweets?
doughnuts, cake, candy,cookies? these will lead to an increased chance of diabetes.
5- do you have health care?
You need to go see a doctor once a year for a checkup at least.
6- Do you have life insurance?
Most people do not carry life insurance. It is for the ones you leave behind.
7- Car insurance do you have it?
It is for the other people in your car and the people you have a wreck with.
8- Do you have a retirement account?
Living paycheck to Paycheck won't work when your retired you need a plan now. Just a few dollars is not enough. You need to hunker down and think about what your life will be like when you don't have a paycheck and the government is broke.
9- Are you in debt?
Most people live paycheck to paycheck. They rack credit card bills like there is no tomorrow. You have to do something about the amount of debt your in.
10- Do you smoke?
Smoking will lead to lung cancer. My father died of lung cancer. I watched as he took radiation and eventually coughed out a chunk of the tumor causing him to bleed through his lung. He died coughing out the tumor. Smoking not only kills you it also affects your family. Your family has to watch as you die a slow and painful death.
My mother died of Diabetes and Congestive heart failure. This was all brought on by weight, sugar filled drinks, coffee, an overall poor life style.
Now to all of you that care about me. I want you to think about just these areas of you life. Do you have them covered? Are you doing the right thing? Have you?
I have seen how these things can happen to people as fast as being landed on by a big fish. I have seen how peoples lives are ruined by these things. I urge you to make the choice to do these things. For you and your family's. If you said yes to one thing your taking a huge risk and need to get that fixed. Others depend on you and your letting them and us down.
Ron
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[quote idahoron]I know that some of you say you care about me. Some of you don't know me at all but just like to hear your self lecture someone else.
I appreciate that I really do. I care for you guys too. So here is the list again of the things I want you all to be better with.
1- are you over weight?
Being over weight will lead to health problems and death.
2- do you drink coffee?
The caffeine in coffee can be linked to health issues.
3- do you drink soft drinks with sugars in them?
Soda is one the leading cause of obesity.
4- do you eat sweets?
doughnuts, cake, candy,cookies? these will lead to an increased chance of diabetes.
5- do you have health care?
You need to go see a doctor once a year for a checkup at least.
6- Do you have life insurance?
Most people do not carry life insurance. It is for the ones you leave behind.
7- Car insurance do you have it?
It is for the other people in your car and the people you have a wreck with.
8- Do you have a retirement account?
Living paycheck to Paycheck won't work when your retired you need a plan now. Just a few dollars is not enough. You need to hunker down and think about what your life will be like when you don't have a paycheck and the government is broke.
9- Are you in debt?
Most people live paycheck to paycheck. They rack credit card bills like there is no tomorrow. You have to do something about the amount of debt your in.
10- Do you smoke?
Smoking will lead to lung cancer. My father died of lung cancer. I watched as he took radiation and eventually coughed out a chunk of the tumor causing him to bleed through his lung. He died coughing out the tumor. Smoking not only kills you it also affects your family. Your family has to watch as you die a slow and painful death.
My mother died of Diabetes and Congestive heart failure. This was all brought on by weight, sugar filled drinks, coffee, an overall poor life style.
Now to all of you that care about me. I want you to think about just these areas of you life. Do you have them covered? Are you doing the right thing? Have you?
I have seen how these things can happen to people as fast as being landed on by a big fish. I have seen how peoples lives are ruined by these things. I urge you to make the choice to do these things. For you and your family's. If you said yes to one thing your taking a huge risk and need to get that fixed. Others depend on you and your letting them and us down.
Ron[/quote]
What about cheese with whine?
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I am surprised you could read my post from up on the high horse of yours.
Like fog horn leghorn says. "Go away boy you bother me."
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After having one of my boats in an accident and about losing a close friend, I always wear my inflatable suspenders. I am a US Marine and I've jumped off a perfectly good boat and swam to shore. One thing I know for sure is when something happens on the water, it happens fast. Your right on about it being your choice. The first photo you had with a sturgeon and your toon my thought was "what if". Do you strap in? What if a fish pulled you off? Or line wrapped around your leg? But you do as you choose, that is a freedom we enjoy. I'm more worried about my honey hole getting crowded, there have been more people in the last 6 months than the last 15 years.
When I see some douche on a jet ski with no life jacket, I always
and think "dumbass".
Signed: just another jackass in a boat
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I almost always have a 5 foot 1/4" rope tied to the boat and to my belt. Just in case a catch a big one [
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Ron
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Atta boy, I figured you had a safety plan. What you do is an extreme sport and ya gotta have a plan.
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While I didn't bring it up a couple of things come to mind.
I have a great deal of respect for you and who you are even though I've never met you in person Ron.
Pointing to other bad behavior doesn't excuse bad behavior.
As you pointed out, maybe people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones however.
I believe everyone that has someone who counts on them or who has asked someone else to love them or even those without but who's body would have to be pulled out by some other responder have an obligation to wear a PFD.
In the end, as you pointed out, it's your choice. As long as you don't feel that choice could negatively effect other people you are free to do as you like.
I'll still like you no matter the choice you make. I hope you'll do the same for me!
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Well said. This is an interesting thread. I can see both sides. I enjoy everyone's posts so much. I hope no one quits posting because of this.
I have been known to participate in some high risk behavior, in some cases I still do. I also don't hold it against the people who care enough about me to say something.
Windriver
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CPIERCE if he drowns will be one less person posting.
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