Thread: Most Dangerous Outside Activity Related to Lightning Deaths?

"From 2006 to 2012, 238 people died after being struck by lightning in the country 82 percent of them male. Of the total number of victims, 152 were taking part in leisure activities, according to new findings from the National Weather Service .

Fishing topped the list with 26 lightning deaths, followed by camping with 15 deaths, boating with 14, soccer with 12 and golf with eight, NWS officials said. Other lightning victims died while at the beach, swimming, walking, running or picnicking."

Live to fish another day, when threatening weather approaches, get yourself to a safe place.

Jim, I keep a really keen eye towards the sky when fishing. And Brian will tell you that I have called him several times to let him in on that fact and to get off the water.
In 1996 I was with freinds fishing for spawning cats in the rocks on the banks of the Arkansas River when a fast moving storm came overhead with heavy rain and lightning. "WE STAYED WAY TO LONG" I gathered up my fish and carrying the fish,bait,longpole down the rap towards the boat to take cover I saw the brightest light I have ever seen. Never heard the thunder. The next thing I knew I was picking myself off the rocks and when I stood up my left ankle and leg went out from under me again. My leg and ankle hurt so bad I though I had broke it. What really happened I think is the lightning bolt was so close that I recieved the static charge off it threw the Graphite Rod I was carrying straight up in the air, and when I was able to move with assistance of my Dad he noticed the 7' Graphite rod was burnt and had a burnt smell to it also. To this day I have trouble with my left ankle at times. For several weeks after the charge of electricty the hair on my arms and head stood up and without using crew wax couldn't get them to lay down..lol...I was lucky and I encourge anyone fishing or doing outdoor activities take cover and not under a tree when a storm heads your way.
Ranger