Lightening Strike

[Lunker Larry]

This may make you reconsider fishing that "hot bite" that tends to occur just before a storm.
Have your sound on.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=929579627467262&id=100012457002743

[philaroman]

NICE!!!  was expecting standard carbon rod turned into broom/wig

[PacRat]

I've been in the lightning protection industry for over forty years. We got real excited when we first saw this but it was quickly debunked by others. They insist that this was an underwater explosives detonation.
With that said; be very careful on (or even near) the water during electric storms. In the flat topography a fisherman with a rod is a very likely target for lightning. I knew a woman in New Mexico who was killed near a small pond. Her rod was likely the trigger mechanism.
Every lightning event is a competition and you want to limit your exposure.
Stay safe
-Mike

[Midway Tommy]

I've been in the lightning protection industry for over forty years. We got real excited when we first saw this but it was quickly debunked by others. They insist that this was an underwater explosives detonation.
With that said; be very careful on (or even near) the water during electric storms. In the flat topography a fisherman with a rod is a very likely target for lightning. I knew a woman in New Mexico who was killed near a small pond. Her rod was likely the trigger mechanism.
Every lightning event is a competition and you want to limit your exposure.
Stay safe
-Mike

If I hear thunder, even in the distance, I'm off the lake. It doesn't take a brainiac to realize when you're in a boat on water you're the highest thing for probably a few miles.  I fish in aluminum, a great conductor. 

[nelz]

Ever have your rods start to make a crackling sound as a storm approaches? I did, and I grabbed all my gear and ran like hell! Another time my braid line started to shock my fingers as a storm approached. Again, RUN!

Btw, yeah, that vid looks like it was caused by explosives.

[oc1]

Being struck by lightening while fishing is an honorable way to die.

[Wompus Cat]

Being struck by lightening while fishing is an honorable way to die.

It would certainly make a SHOCKING NEWS STORY !

[philaroman]

Being struck by lightening while fishing is an honorable way to die.

what -- interrupt a day of fishing    where's the honor?  ...shoulda' been DUCKING 
I'd rather die peeing in a comfy bed, when I KNOW I CAN FISH NO MORE

[PacRat]

Nelz, You did the right thing by running. The philosophy is with only one foot on the ground you are less susceptible to ground surges. As you've noticed with your rods; you don't need to be struck directly to suffer the affects of lightning. All soil and all humans have various levels of conductivity.  If you happen to be more conductive than the surface you're standing on, you will become part of the electrical path. There are lots of variables and there's anecdotal evidence that even body electrolytes can play a roll on how much a lightning strike will affect you.
If you get caught in the open it is best to run to the nearest vehicle or dwelling. The conundrum is that topography has a lot to do with your potential to participate. Some people say to lay on the ground but the experts say don't do it as you will have too much direct contact with the soil. I like Tommie's approach about getting off the lake ASAP. If caught in the open with nowhere to run to; one strategy is to crouch as low as you can with one foot atop the other...but it ain't easy. The best advice is to be aware and know where your shelter is.
-Mike

[Bill B]

A few years back while staying in my Redneck Condo (a 30' trailer  ) in Sacramento, Ca, a lighting storm started approaching from the north.  Now being a suburban SoCal native, lightning is a rare occurrence for me, and always fascinating.  So I grabbed a beer and a lawn chair and sat outside to watch the show.....then in a moment of clarity I figured out sitting in a lawn chair, in a trailer park, watching the lighting storm was not a very good idea  .  So I abandoned the chair for the safer  confines of my metal Redneck Condo......oh did I mention the tornado that came with the storm?     Well at least I'm here to tell the tail....Bill

[Brewcrafter]

And for all of us rod geeks out there - that graphite rod...well,,,graphite...kind of a really good conductor...- john

[JasonGotaProblem]

I think when talking about lightning, people assume that if you get struck, you're dead, end of story. But a large portion of those struck in fact do not die, though some wish they had.

Lingering permanent nerve pain, nerve damage including loss of sensation in extremities, brain damage, organ damage, impotence, 3rd degree burns, and calm people suddenly developing an uncontrollable and permanent anger problem have all been reported.

There's a lot of risks you can be a tough guy about ignoring, and some people really do make a big deal about the risks of some fairly innocuous things. but if you act like nearby lightning is no big deal, to me you sound foolish 100% of the time.

Besides I can't check out just yet. I got more fish to catch first.

[nelz]

Totally agree Jason. I've seen the damage lightning can do to houses and trees, and have been near a strike too.

Once, while driving in a storm, all windows closed, it struck somewhere around my car and the blast sounded like someone smashing a beer bottle against my window. It was super-loud and freaked me out! I was convinced it had hit my car, but I found no signs of any damage. Can't even imagine what would have happened if it actually had hit it.

[Ron Jones]

1.21 Gigawatts!

The Man

[nelz]

1.21 Gigawatts!

I've heard it's hotter than the surface of the sun too.