With all the upsurge of interest in using kayaks for fishing inshore waters many anglers are keen to know the ins and outs of what is required to take up this exiting sport .
You should first receive correct training in the use of a radio by going on one of the many day courses available .
You never know when you might need them .
IF IN DOUBT, don’t launch .
The Ocean Kayak range is very popular and the Wilderness Systems Tarpon is highly regarded too .
Bailing Device .
Respect the indiscriminate power of the sea along the exposed coast, and carefully avoid operating in restricted visibility, including fog, rain, and darkness .
During this lull period commit to the launch and paddle aggressively powering out past the zone .
Brightly colored kayaks, PFD and clothing will help, but the most visible gear from a powerboats eye level will be the blade of your paddle .
The consideration should always be to carry what is reasonable to ensure your own safety .
You can help yourself out my mashing down the barbs on your hooks .
You can use the dry bag (or two) to provide extra buoyancy within the hull by keeping air in it when you close it up .
First aid kits are available from most chemists for just a few pounds and are a vital piece of your kayaking kit so do remember to add this to your list .
You must have skills and equipment adequate for whatever conditions you may encounter .
Waterproof torch with fresh batteries .
Mould your own out of lead using a small bean tin or out of concrete using a large tin .
The lists will provide some guidance, and no more, as to how to equip and prepare yourself for kayaking .
If you fish side-saddle then you’ll bring bootfulls in every time you sit straight .
Mobile phone in waterproof case as backup to VHF, or as a minimum means of communication .
not have them .
Know your kit and how to use it properly .
But take notes, you never know when the pop quiz will be .
Consult the experts (the archives here) as to what gives you the most energy, etc .
However, they often only give 50 – 60 Newtons of support compared to 160 Newtons of a gas operated life jacket .
For bandages tear up your fleece towel .
It contains everything I will need to bandage a small cut or burn .
There are many to choose from too .
This little device will come in handy at some stage .
Make sure you have a stainless steel knife attached to your PFD to cut away anything that wraps around you .
A tackle collection rivaled only by Bass Pro Shop … $700 .
It is also many times safer going out with another yakker than going out alone .
Drybags .
This modification will also make it easier to remove the hook from the fish .
These locations by their nature off good fishing and by nature can be dangerous to all shipping including kayaks