A wayward lobsterman from Long Island was recently plucked from the water after more than 12 hours by using his rubber boots to stay afloat. He was eventually found more than 40 miles from his boat (44ft Anna Mary). He was dragging a cooler to the stern of the boat at 3:30am when the handle snapped. Most lobster boats have open sterns and he plunged right off the back of the boat into 4-6ft seas. The rest of the crew was sleeping and did not notice he was missing for 3 hours. The Coast Guard found him 9 hours later. He was flown to Falmouth, MA and treated for dehydration, exposure and hypothermia. He is going to be just fine and back to work in a few days (because he’s a fisherman!).
Not surprisingly, John Aldridge, a veteran fisherman for nearly 20 years, was not wearing a life jacket when he fell in. He emptied the water from his boots and then put one under each arm for flotation and warmth. They basically saved his life.
Best Fishing Boots
Having the right gear is crucial when it comes to fishing. In the Northeast, rubber fishing boots are a popular choice for anglers due to their insulation, height variations, and insoles that provide long hours of comfortable standing. The quality and price of the boots usually depend on the lining insulation and insoles, with some anglers opting for cheaper boots and replacing the insoles.
Click to view the Northeast Angling guide to the Best Fishing Boots
Frequently Asked Questions
The lobsterman survived by using his rubber boots for flotation. After falling into the water, he emptied the water from his boots and placed one under each arm to help stay afloat and retain warmth, which ultimately saved his life until rescue.
The lobsterman fell into the water around 3:30am, but the rest of the crew was asleep and did not notice he was missing for about three hours, delaying the rescue response.
After being rescued by the Coast Guard, the lobsterman was treated for dehydration, exposure, and hypothermia at a medical facility in Falmouth, MA before being released.
Rubber fishing boots are favored in the Northeast due to their insulation properties, various height options, and comfortable insoles that support long hours of standing during fishing activities.
The quality and price of fishing boots usually depend on the lining insulation and the type of insoles. Some anglers choose to buy more affordable boots and then replace the insoles to improve comfort and performance.
In John Aldridge's case, he was not wearing a life jacket when he fell into the water, which is not uncommon among veteran fishermen; however, wearing life jackets is a critical safety measure that can prevent drowning incidents.
