Hard Learning...

[GregAndrew]

Tough lesson Jim. It is way too easy to get complacent in kayak fishing, and probably the cause of most lost gear after the first year (I know it is for me). I have gotten to the point where I try to dumb-proof my yak, just because I know how I am. Kinda makes me think we should make a sticky on safety issues to consider when you set up and fish from your kayak? Something beyond the basic safety gear. Tight drags would be a start, but Tony just showed me a rope ladder he added to the back of his PA today to help in remounting. Things like these can be far more important than simple "Innovations". Maybe title it "Confucius Says".

[jorluivil]

Sure Am glad you're OK.

[ful-rac]

Yeah glad your still alive. Hearing about the situation from robys perspective...definitely made it sound alot worse. He had a better vantage point, so he could see the whole situation/disaster. Spectra wrapped around body, flipped kayak, hooked seal, night time, waders on....this could have turned out really bad...glad it didnt.

About that PA rope ladder.... Definitely not my idea, but a damn good piece of safety equipment for PA owners. Makes re-entering the PA just too easy. I tested it out this weekend and once you get your foot on it, all you have to do is lean forward and your back on. Ill post some pics tomorrow....

[mrJB]

Jim -

After getting wrapped up in rigging after pitchpolling a Hobiecat many years ago, I always wear a diver's knife strapped to my leg for those type of emergencies. No sense in having a knife in your boat when you need it in the water; good to have either on your vest, leg, or any other easily accessible place. Glad it all came out OK...

JB

[bus kid]

$hit Jim, Glad your ok.

[jruiz]

Glad you're okay Jim.

[Old Man in the Sea]

I have a safety t-handle line cutter in my pfd but realize now that I need to add a loop for my wrist so I don't lose it cutting line from my feet...and I also need a new wader belt today...