Two Fisherman Die After Boat Capsizes on Patoka Lake - Boat Safety

Two fisherman lost their lives on Saturday after their boat capsized on Crawford County's Patoka Lake. The anglers were taking part in a fishing tournament when the boat capsized and sank. Officials and DNR diving teams are still investigating how the boat turned over. With cold water temps and nearly 8,000 acres of open water, help was nowhere to be found. Our thoughts are with the families of these two fisherman.

 As a fisherman and duck hunter, boat safety is of high concern. I too have used up one of my 9 lives after capsizing my boat on the White River during a December duck hunt in 2008. Luckily, my partner and I made it home that night, but things could have easily gone the other direction. I've put together a list of the 5 safety tips that I stick to each time I hit the water.

  Being out on the lake is a ton of fun, and for people like me it's a way of life. However, there are times when it can be dangerous also. Take your time, have a clear head, be aware of your surroundings, and most of all catch some fish!