Hammerhead on kayaker's tail.... LJ

[Mr. NiceGuy]

While we are on the subject of safety and lessons learned, what would be the benefit of a VHF radio on a kayak if nobody can see or hear you? Do the VHF radios kayak fishermen tend to use broadcast GPS coordinates?

I have thought about buying one, but I am unsure of the benefits or which model to choose.

I do carry my iPhone. I use the iPhone GPS features for the Navionics chart plotting app as well as the regular iPhone map functions. Are there other good apps for pinpointing GPS coordinates?

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What else is good for a safety checklist?

I carry a bilge pump and a tow rope. I always have a knife handy. I have a roll of radiator repair tape that is strong like duct tape but sticks to itself on wet surfaces. I have a cloth wrap bandage in a packet in case someone gets gaffed or ripped by a fish hook. It can be used as a tourniquet or other multi-purpose applications.

I discovered a few weeks ago that I should carry a Phillips screwdriver in case the rudder strings come off or need adjusting. Three of us were fishing together. I couldn't fix the loose rudder with a knife tip or what else I had on board. We ended up holding both kayaks together and I steered for the both of us. From far out, trying to paddle an Outback on rough water with the rudder up is a huge pain in the butt. Peddling in together and steering from one boat was the better choice. A screwdriver and fishing buddies could have solved the problem out where we were fishing. The one I added to my safety kit is drilled with a nylon wrist strap so I don't lose it in the water.

Just trying to think ahead a little so we can be better prepared in the future.

[Bert Vega]

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

While we are on the subject of safety and lessons learned, what would be the benefit of a VHF radio on a kayak if nobody can see or hear you? Do the VHF radios kayak fishermen tend to use broadcast GPS coordinates?

I have thought about buying one, but I am unsure of the benefits or which model to choose.

I do carry my iPhone. I use the iPhone GPS features for the Navionics chart plotting app as well as the regular iPhone map functions. Are there other good apps for pinpointing GPS coordinates?

Your phone will cut out and not work 5-7 miles out. The radio will grab coast guard and other boats in area. I take both with me at all times. If just fishing LJ radio stays in dry bag. If offshore phone goes in dry bag.

[Zed]

Originally Posted by Bert Vega

Your phone will cut out and not work 5-7 miles out. The radio will grab coast guard and other boats in area. I take both with me at all times. If just fishing LJ radio stays in dry bag. If offshore phone goes in dry bag.

Ive found it to be between 10 and 12 miles myself. All the way to Avalon from Dana Point --half hitting mainland half hitting Avalon. Not 4G but signal.

[Bert Vega]

Originally Posted by Zed

Ive found it to be between 10 and 12 miles myself. All the way to Avalon from Dana Point --half hitting mainland half hitting Avalon. Not 4G but signal.

I have VZW and don't get a strong enough signal to place a call out of LJ 5-7 miles. I know Dana and San Diego have more cell site then LJ. Installing them is what I do for a living.

[Zed]

A-ha! There had to be a downside to La Jolla.

[YTHunter]

I say f these HHs and whites. You need to figure out a way to protect yourself and a VHF radio may not cut it when you're 3 miles from the nearest person. I had one of these Aholes following me for about an hour and all the while circling my yak and banging the back of it. There's only one way there going to learn. And f PETA too.

[MITCHELL]

6 encounters hooking three in one day I changed my light pole to a spear pole...a little jab a do ya....

[nickc5]

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

While we are on the subject of safety and lessons learned, what would be the benefit of a VHF radio on a kayak if nobody can see or hear you? Do the VHF radios kayak fishermen tend to use broadcast GPS coordinates?

I have thought about buying one, but I am unsure of the benefits or which model to choose.

I do carry my iPhone. I use the iPhone GPS features for the Navionics chart plotting app as well as the regular iPhone map functions. Are there other good apps for pinpointing GPS coordinates?

-----

What else is good for a safety checklist?

I carry a bilge pump and a tow rope. I always have a knife handy. I have a roll of radiator repair tape that is strong like duct tape but sticks to itself on wet surfaces. I have a cloth wrap bandage in a packet in case someone gets gaffed or ripped by a fish hook. It can be used as a tourniquet or other multi-purpose applications.

I discovered a few weeks ago that I should carry a Phillips screwdriver in case the rudder strings come off or need adjusting. Three of us were fishing together. I couldn't fix the loose rudder with a knife tip or what else I had on board. We ended up holding both kayaks together and I steered for the both of us. From far out, trying to paddle an Outback on rough water with the rudder up is a huge pain in the butt. Peddling in together and steering from one boat was the better choice. A screwdriver and fishing buddies could have solved the problem out where we were fishing. The one I added to my safety kit is drilled with a nylon wrist strap so I don't lose it in the water.

Just trying to think ahead a little so we can be better prepared in the future.

I think adding a little 38 special to the tackle box would solve a lot of problems. Haha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bert Vega]

Originally Posted by nickc5

I think adding a little 38 special to the tackle box would solve a lot of problems. Haha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well said!

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Is that legal?

Just curious.