Kayak safety info

[LivelyBaits]

Safety is something that needs to be addressed regularly, for the sake of the veterans and the new participants to kayak fishing.

I know that Jerry White (PAG yaker), Dave Loger (Dirty Dave) and others have written various articles on kayak fishing safety. I think that those should be put up in this section for all to benefit from.

It will be a great reference point that could save lives. Check that: Someday it WILL save someone's life. Perhaps given the information, some people will think up a Plan and react accordingly during a precarious situation.

Great addition to the website!

As an item to contribute to this site, the following is an article that was done to list all the possible safety equipment you can consider for your trips:




By Neil Taylor
Adventure Kayak Fishing
www.adventurekayakfishing.com

Especially with so many people using these waters now that are brand new to kayak fishing or relatively new to it, this topic really should be brought up frequently.

1. The proper equipment and supplies:
a) Required safety equipment:
*Visual Signaling devices (Light, mirror, waterproof reflector decals)
*Audio signaling devices (whistle, horn).
*Personal Flotation Device.
*Communication Device- Highly recommended: Submersible VHF radio and/or a dry bag for your cell phone. (Calling a Mayday/Coast Guard-they monitor channel 16)

b) The right watercraft: Various kayaks models have different Stabilities. An angler who is going to be in the shallow oyster laden waters should choose a boat that isn't going to be too "tippy" and flip them face down onto an oyster bed.

c) Compass and handheld GPS: A great couple of tools that can be very helpful in the event of an emergency or for finding your way back to your launch.

d) Spare batteries: The GPS and Flashlight can run low on you and having a spare pack of batteries for each should be standard practice.
For the VHF radio, set a schedule for getting it on the charger at intervals to make sure it has the power needed to operate.

e) First Aid- I carry some general supplies that include but aren't limited to: Bandaging, peroxide, Neosporin and tape. You might consider this: Take a first aid class and learn to give a shot and how to stitch up a wide cut.

f) Sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide brimmed hat- Important items to reduce exposure.
Spare clothing: Keep in a large nylon travel bag. In it you will find spare shorts, t-shirt (long sleeve & short), windbreakers (Jacket & pants) 2 sets and a couple of extra hats.

g) WATER! This is critical. Don't dehydrate yourself!

h) A spare paddle. If you are somehow separated from or your primary paddling device becomes unusable (or "missing") a spare kept in the hull is a fantastic "backup".

i) An anchor: A good anchor to hold you in place is important. It can keep you from drifting into trouble areas and if rescue is required will keep you located in one precise location.

j) For night time trips: A 360 degree light is needed if you're going to be getting out of your kayak. It's not a bad item to have on your boat anyway, but required if you exit your kayak. In addition to that item, dependable flashlights and/or headlamps are equipment that should be well maintained and taken along on any trips where you could see low light conditions.

k) Proper dry storage: Cell phones that are your only electronic method for calling for assistance. (Zip lock freezer bags work well, with a couple of paper towels added)

2. The Buddy System:

a) Don't fish treacherous areas alone. Unnecessary risks are dumb even when you have someone with you, but if you want to do a special trip with some unusual challenges, don't do it alone and I strongly suggest putting your Life Jacket on in any of these situations.
b) Maintain visual contact with your fishing buddy. Once they turn the corner on you, sometimes you will have a terrible time finding them again.

c) Leave a float plan with someone and some kind of plan of action if you are overdue (see VHF radio and cell phone in dry bag: Let them know what channel you will monitor on the VHF). Perform a “radio checkâ€