Sorry to hear Chris. I did the same a few weeks ago- I just hadn't admitted it yet
I'm not sure why, but I only leash things down 3 out of 5 times or so.. should probably be everytime. I landed in the dark the other night, and caught a wave in.. Put my feet out for extra drag which helped prevent the dreaded turn sideways, but you never know when things might surprise you out there.
Hope someone finds your rod.