$$$ Rod & Reel Overboard

[BW]

I keep a chain type fish stringer in the boat in case a rod accidentally decides to take a swim.  I pitch a marker out a few feet in front of where I think the tip of the rod is. Then I tie the stringer to the heavy braided line on a flipping rod, open all the snaps and spread them out a little.  Position the boat so you can cast or pitch the stringer where it will be on the other side of where the rod went in to the water.  Let it sink to the bottom then slowly reel it back to the boat.  Most of the time within a few cast one of the open snaps will catch the rod or line.  Continue reeling till the rod is back to the boat.  No artificial respiration is required, just clean and lube the reel at the end of the day.