Missing Fisherman at Blackmans Lake

[ncwflounderer]

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[BlakeP]

Wow.. Always loved readings his reports. Reading his reports it seemed like he really had fun out there. Very sad to hear this.... Thoughts go out to his family and friends.

[force_of_nature922]

Hi,

I'm whorde's hiking partner. I've been at the search every day with his family, yesterday was to be the final day. However, in the final seconds, as the sun was setting, on the final day, there was a blip on sonar. They found something! There was an object resembling a body in the area not far from where his gear was found.

So once again, I found myself standing by the shore of a lake waiting for "one last cast" if you will while the sun disappeared and darkness overtook us. Though it was a short walk across the parking lot and not a traverse through a ravine this time the irony wasn't lost on me, this is how whorde rolls.

Unfortunately conditions had become unsafe for the dive team so they called off everything for the night. I'm on my way to the lake now with high hopes for some closure today.

Thank you so much to everyone who has befriended whorde and taught about fishing this year, especially jonb. It meant the world to him, literally nothing made him happier than the feel or sight of the first tug or tip of his fishing pole. I've had the pleasure of spending the last few days with his family and they've said numerous times how they'd noticed how much more genuinely happy he seemed these last few months. They're quick to credit our friendship, which was special and impacted us both, but his new found hobby and associated buddies had just as much of a positive impact on him. So thank you to everyone who met him, shared their knowledge, read his reports and argued with him. He loved a good "heated discussion" ;)

I'll repost when there is any news

[Amx]

I stopped at the lake/launch yesterday while I was in Snohomish. The Police boat was out on the lake, but nobody in the parking lot. Was about 11am. Hope final closure is soon today.

[Mike Carey]

Thank you force of nature for the update. This is so sad and tragic. I'm very sorry for your and his family's loss. Whorde's enthusiasm and joy of fishing came through with each adventure he shared. He will be missed by our community.

[strider43]

Thank you force of nature for the update. This is so sad and tragic. I'm very sorry for your and his family's loss. Whorde's enthusiasm and joy of fishing came through with each adventure he shared. He will be missed by our community.

Well said Mike.

[force_of_nature922]

I'm sorry to report that despite the excitement last night we've still been unable to locate Nick. The Snohomish search and rescue team have been absolutely wonderful, going above and beyond any of our expectations. Today was the last day of dedicated recovery efforts. They will continue to monitor the lake and work with some of the technology they've been using. Again, all of them are amazing, dedicated and kind professionals who brought great comfort to all of us.

Some people have expressed confusion over the report of a blue kayak found at the site. I don't think it would bother anyone to post more details at this point so I'll clarify some of the information. There was no blue kayak, it was the little orange rubber raft. It wasn't found partially submerged, it was upside down with the oars attached. The search crew was able to narrow down the search area when they contacted me and learned his fishing habits (yes Nick, despite what you think I WAS paying attention to what you told me about fishing ). His fishing pole and net were found with a fish on the line and one in the net. No, I don't know how big they were or have any photos, I asked. I'd like to think they were trophy sized. His hat and bait container were also found nearby. The most likely scenario seems to be that he fell out of his raft while netting a fish and his waders filled with water dragging him down.

I'm not usually one to lecture on water safety but I will get on my soapbox briefly. Another member already mentioned the value in life preservers. I'd like to point out how dangerous waders can be. If you've never had the experience of water filling them, don't underestimate how difficult it can be to manuvere once that happens. I'm not just talking about open water, one misstep in thigh high river water can have the same result. If you wear them, practice getting them off. It's harder than you'd think, especially in a moment of panic.


I will post an announcement when he is found. He will be, they are quite confident about that.

[The Quadfather]

Thank you for the update.

[force_of_nature922]

My mom says I should share a picture of Nick. This is from when he just started fishing this summer and got burned as all hell.

[Amx]

Looks very happy. I'm sure he'll be missed by all who knew him, and those of us here who 'talked' to him.

[chwong]

Thanks for posting this picture of Nick. This is exactly how I remember him the last time I fished with him and jonb in September ... a big happy smile on his face while he was fishing!

[coretron22]

This really sucks. I saw so much of myself in his reports and really lived vicariously through them when I couldn't get out. The events that have occurred really had a "it could happen to me too" vibe, which has given me an even greater sense of caution for sure. I'm really thankful for that, but very sad to hear this news.
Condolences to the family & friends.
-Corey

[obryan214]

never met him but enjoyed his posts. you all be careful out there.

[fishinChristian]

Similar sentiments. Looks like they called off the search. Missing some other way? Praying for him and his family. Seems like a good guy. http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/201 ... h-co-lake/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[fishinChristian]

And I've been part of searches like that, and know that in water that isn't clear it's easy to miss boats, people or anything. I reviewed some of his posts, and he really had the enthusiasm of a potentially great fisherman.

[Idstud]

Thanks for clarifying about the kayak. I can fully respect having your waders fill up with water and drag you down. In my high school years I was fishing a river in Idaho in chest waders with out a wader belt. I was fighting a fish and stepped into a hole in front of me and off I went. It is way scary when you know the hole your fishing is well over your head and your dragging the bottom. My Dad, Grandpa, and an Old timer who got me into fly fishing stressed to me what to do in a river. My Dad and Grandpa filled my waders with water while I was wearing them. I was lucky and able to get my waders off. I will never forget that day and bouncing off the rocks hurts. A person that lived in the area I made it to seen me walking towards the highway (as I needed to figure out where I was) wondered why I kid was soaking wet walking in socks down a gravel road. They gave me a ride back to the camp ground my Dad thankful I was alive and tried to pay the person for the kindness but refused. I almost didnt get another pair of waders from my parents. The second time around I also got a wader belt and a life vest that was suppose to not inhibit casting. I pray for some closer for his close friends to come sooner than later.

[zen leecher]

I found out once just how bad hip boots are when one falls in. I was in a boat that sank and we had to swim for it. I needed another boat to corral me or....

I hope for whorde's family he's found soon.

[fishinChristian]

Anything come of this?

[The Quadfather]

Anything come of this?

I was thinking about this as well this AM. I have not heard anything.
I did though purchase a belt for my waders, yesterday.

[tnj8222]

Just terrible