Two Mosgiel men took an unexpected dip at Taieri Mouth yesterday after their boat capsized when it was hit by a small wave.
The men, aged 60 and 42, had been out fishing in the 4.3m Stabicraft when it was tipped over about 11.50am.
The men, who declined to be named, had been fishing since 7am and were about 300m from shore when the boat was hit, one said.
It was pulled to shore by a nearby fishing boat.
''I just went too far north and the wave hit us on the side. We weren't looking,'' the driver said.
''It's not rough out there - that's the silliest part.''
An Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter and an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) from Brighton were initially sent to the scene but were turned back once it was learnt the men were safe, inside the bar area, Constable Jim Jordan, of Milton, said.
The men were in 1m-deep water when the boat capsized. Both had been wearing life jackets.
They were in no danger as the water was quite warm - about 14degC - one of the men said.
''If it was the middle of winter, it would have been a different story.''
One of the men lost a cellphone, and a chilly bin containing about 40 fish, mostly blue cod, was also missing.
Damage to the boat was minimal and easily fixed, he said.
