OK what about lightning?

[Dyllan]

Was watching a fishing show this past weekend and these guys ended up in one heck of a storm. I was courious, if I get caught in a lightning storm here in VA. what precations should I do as far as getting hit by lightning?

[greenline8]

ahhhh. I would'nt worry about it. You have a better chance of falling out of bed and dying than getting struck by lightning. Just make sure you have updated your will.

[Bob H.]

A direct hit is a small probability, but hit the deck and lower antenna's if it's severe. If the hair on your arms starts standing up turn off and stow the electronics if possible...unless you're like me and needed a reason to upgrade.

[BUDC]

Greenline,
Small consolation, but falling out of bed has a much better survival rate than lightening............

Personally, I head for port or try to circumvent the storm--evasion or not being there is the best prevention. Lots of advice regarding staying away from any metal, gettin low in the boat, etc. I've read about "bonding" all metal on the boat together with a heavy cable and grounding via a through-hull Ground Plate. Perhaps a good idea and better than nothing, but I really wonder how effective any off it would be on a small boat.

At 24', I just don't want to be there when the Stuff hits the fan!!!
budc

[Capt. Skid]

If you have outriggers on your boat lay them out as if running a spread..
This will make your boat a wider target. Lighting usually strikes smaller
area objects. I read this somewhere and haven`t used this suggestion
but once. I didn`t get hit but then again the storm wasn`t too violent either.
Also store all the feeshen rods in a horzontal position, glass or graphite doesn`t
matter. My .02 worth.

Capt.skid

[Jim Hodge]

Fishing poles do conduct so be careful not to lose your manhood:


Check this out...

Taitung angler's genitals struck by lightning - The China Post