Kayak Fishing Safety

This is the most important topic that can be discussed in relation to kayak fishing. Often we take it for granted but not anymore. Improper or undue respect for the elements can result in tragedy. By bringing this topic to the forefront through regular EDUCATION, DISCUSSION, AND AWARENESS, we hope to eliminate/minimize any catastrophes occurring to any of our members or guests. *** Many potential problems or tragedies can be avoided by exercising some forethought, planning, and a good dose of common sense. Thinking of foreseeable threats, meeting these threats with a planned process/procedure along with any required equipment/materials may avert or minimize problems on the water. Capitalizing on the experiences and ideas of our contributors, we hope to raise everyone's level of knowledge and awareness regarding safety resulting in an enjoyable experience on the water.

We cannot stress enough that you must exercise caution. If in doubt don't or seriously consider what you're about to do.

First we want to say that we at KFS are not the type of people who live in some calculated world where every move is considered, pondered and the risks of everything we do are considered. We don't drive a Volvos and don't own gas masks. We do fish from kayaks and understand that there are some inherit risks in this mode of fishing especially when one considers the manner in which we sometimes participate in the sport. We think the most important thing that a person can do before heading out on the water is have a fear of it, respect the indiscriminate power Nature possesses. Things can go wrong while being out in a kayak, throw in some hooks and unpredictable fish and you could have a recipe for disaster. Now that we've scared you into heading for the party boats or grabbing your surf rod, let me say that with a little common sense and some well thought out equipment you can be ready when Murphy's Law kicks in. You can be very safe kayak fishing with proper preparation however you can't eliminate all risk.

There isn't a better place to start then with a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). WE highly recommend that you don't choose this piece of equipment as a place to save money. A cheap PFD will feel like wearing a tire inner tube and you will never wear it. If you don't wear it then you won't have it on when you need it. Spend a little more and get something that will be comfortable and do buy a PFD made for kayaking not just general boating. The more comfortable the PFD the less you'll know that you have it on. Our favorite, the Lotus Midwater, is has a mesh back. We often forget that we have it on as it's so comfortable and because of this its on when we will eventually need it. In kayaking we hear of tragedies periodically and the vast majorities of drownings could have been prevented if the victim had their PFD on. All of the stories of drowning kayakers we've heard about over the years would have been prevented. The Coast Guard only requires that you have your PFD accessible however if something goes wrong you won't have time to put it on while on or most likely, in the water - WEAR YOUR PFD ALL THE TIME! As to PFD type we're not in favor of the suspender types. The reason being is that you're dependent upon a mechanism to inflate the PFD when it's going to be needed. Should the mechanism fail you could be in big trouble when you most need it to function flawlessly. One of the scenarios where this could be very dangerous is in the surf zone. A miscalculation in the surf can result in a significant wipeout. There is the real possibility of the kayak hitting you on the head and either leaving you a bit dazed or unconscious. Should the auto-inflate of the PFD fail you would have a very serious problem.

The Coast Guard requires that you have a noise-making device such as a whistle or air-horn. Keeping one handy in the pocket of your PFD or attached to it is a smart move. You may never need it but it is required and may one day come in handy. An air horn as a backup to a whistle is a very good item to have along too. They're much louder and this might be important someday.

If you intend to do any night kayak fishing, something we do a lot of in the summer season, you are not required to have navigational lights even though many kayakers rig them. However the CG requires some type of white light like a lantern or a flashlight. This is insufficient in our opinion. We use a battery operated stern light that can be purchased at any marine store. We don't rely on only one light though. We also have and use a very bright LED headlamp. Not only does it make a great secondary warning light its great to use for changing lures, tying knots, releasing fish and anything else that requires direct light. Another important light is a PFD light. This is a waterproof, 360-degree light that is attached to your PFD. Should you become separated from your kayak you can be seen for a couple of miles. Extra batteries in a waterproof case are a must. A light with dead batteries isn't going to do you much good.

The CG also states that any vessels operating between sunset and sunrise have pyrotechnic devises. Flares being the must common used. Last year a kayaker got stranded on Execution Lighthouse rocks on a cold March night when the weather turned nasty. He couldn't make the return paddle and was on the verge of freezing when he used his flare. Luckily someone on the shore noticed and called harbor patrol.

We have covered what the Coast Guard requires you to carry as a non-motorized vessel, however other items are invaluable on the water if something goes wrong. Of course our considerations of how we access safety should vary dependant on where we are going to fish and when. However one must expect the unexpected and be prepared. It is far better to have an item and not use it then to need it and not have it.

A good knife is an important item to have along. There are several lines that are used in conjunction with kayak fishing and so there exists the possibility of entanglement. There are fishing, anchor, drift sock, rudder control, tethers, etc. all of which pose a possibility. Having a knife handy to cut line could be a lifesaver.

Weather is the single biggest factor that you must prepare for and be aware of. Don't get fooled by it and get complacent as conditions can change suddenly. There are several variables when considering weather and each is important in their own right but combined become even more important.

1. The first is wind. A fast kayak used for fishing isn't going to allow you to travel at more then 5 knots sustained speed in light to non-existent winds. Factor in wind and rough water and you may not be able to do half that. Sometimes it feels like you're not making any progress at all however we have confirmed that we do using a GPS but progress can be meager into a strong wind. Much depends upon the efficiency of the kayak you're using. A paddler in reasonable shape can paddle against a 20 to 25-knot wind with an efficient hull but the same person may not be able to make any headway against a wind significantly lower in a less efficient kayak.
2. Rain is always a possibility while on the water. A storm or squall can come up suddenly. Weather forecasting is a very inexact science and often a beautiful day with little or no wind turns out to be much different. We've had it happen to us on several occasions. Temperatures can drop dramatically and the combination of being wet, with wind will produce wind chill. This can cool your body quickly if you aren't prepared. We experienced this is Florida in July when we got caught on an off shore key during t-storms. We had to wear our PFDs for warmth while we hunkered down underneath some trees in the jungle. Our teeth were chattering. If we had rain jackets and pants along we could have easily prevented it. Now they are items that we always take with us stored in a dry bag. This past summer we ran into a similar situation. The forecast called for a beautiful warm day and no expected precipitation until late at night to early morning. However a squall caught us as it came suddenly. We had enough warning to paddle to a nearby shoreline and put on jackets. We sat out the rain that only lasted a half hour at most and then got into some fantastic fishing.
3. The temperature of the water is the most important factor that you have to deal with. Cool to cold water upon your becoming immersed in it, is a life-threatening situation. Water will quickly rob your body of temperature and make it impossible to function. So if the water's cool you must prepare for it. You do this two ways. By staying dry and then having enough insulation to keep warm. The most dangerous time of year is the spring. The water is cold and the air can be very warm. Often in April in the northeast we'll have air temperatures in the 80s while the water's in the 40s. Should you become immersed in such water temps and you're not properly dressed you only have seconds before you'll succumb. You can't change reality and this is one of the most important truths. Cold water will kill you quickly if you become immersed and aren't prepared.
4. You have to consider the sun and its affects too. There's a tremendous amount of reflection occurring on the water. It's a good idea to wear sun block and lip balm. Also have plenty of water along for drinking and be prepared for the possibility of getting marooned somewhere for a while. You can't go very long without water so have plenty along as a precaution.

Electronics and gadgets have become a vital part of our modern world. There are devices that add to our safety too. They aren't a substitute for common sense but they can help to avoid trouble and should you find yourself in a situation they can help you out of it too.

1. A compass is a simple item that will help keep you on course. There are many types and it's easy to have one along.
2. GPS is a modern compass of sorts but it also provides additional information. It will let you know very accurately where you are at any given time. It also will let you know the direction you're traveling at, your rate of speed or drift, etc. If you have a means of communicating you can let rescuers know where you are.
3. Communication devices are great to have along. There are several and each has its uses and advantages. A VHF radio is a very important item that may save either your life of one of the members of your group. Cell phones in a waterproof case are good to have too. So is an FRS radio for communication within a group of people.

So what should you bring along? Some items are dependent upon the time of year and the weather but some are universal. Here's what we recommend after years of experience.

1. Extra clothing in a dry bag. This should include rain pants and jacket. There are sets that fold up into small pouches. Layers of clothing that are multifunction and insulate when wet and dry quickly. We always have a set of Mysterioso with us in a dry bag as it's a modern miracle garment. Clothing should include a warm hat and gloves.
2. Water and food. If you have the room it's a good idea to bring a gallon of water. Food can consist of energy bars.
3. A paddle tether or leash. There's a saying that you don't want to be up the creek without a paddle. Being on the water and loosing one can be anything from inconvenient to disastrous.
4. A PFD that has a PFD light on it (for night time fishing) along with a whistle and a knife.
5. Insect repellent might not save your life but you may think so if you end up in a situation where you need it. We're glad that we had some along when we had to take refuge in a Florida jungle during a t-storm. We would have been eaten alive without it.
6. Lights because you never know if you'll end up being out there in the dark and that includes having a flare along.
7. A compass and consider a GPS.
8. Communication devices such as radios and a cell phone.

*** ULTIMATELY, SAFETY IS A VERY PERSONAL ISSUE. WHAT EACH OF YOU DO TO ENSURE YOUR OWN SAFETY IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU AND TOTALLY IN YOUR CONTROL. ACCORDINGLY, SMALLMOUTHS.COM & KFS, ITS MODERATORS, AND PARTICIPANTS CANNOT/WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY RESULTING FROM THEIR ADVICE OR OPINIONS IN THIS ARTICLE.

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Provided by: Joe Cambria
website: www.kayakfishingstuff.com