Saftey Gear

With the exception of a kayak, paddle and PFD what is essential (safety) gear for fishing in the bay/ocean? I could fill a warehouse with recommended stuff. I am wondering what if forgotten would stop you from going out?

I would say if you had to narrow it down..  VHF radio and a wetsuit/drysuit.   Id throw in a loud whistle and a compass as well.. they are cheap and learning to use it is free!  

I am just getting into kayak fishing so excuse my ignorance (i.e. little real world experience), but I have heard to bring a cellphone in a waterproof bag as opposed to a VHF radio because they have limited power/range. At a $80-300 price tag times 2 (for me and my wife) its not something I would buy if I cant contact the coast guard in an emergency. Is there any truth to that, or was I misinformed?

True, VHF radios have limited range and have line-of-site signal, but there can be major drawbacks to cell phones. Most obvious: what if you can't get a signal? Then, what if you drop it in the water when you pull it out of the drybag? Chances are conditions won't be perfect if you need to use it.

A good plan until you save for a VHF would be to buddy up with someone who has one and stay within spitting distance. It's best not to go out alone, anyway.

I agree with BillS and would add a manual bilge pump to list.

Note the whistle (sound signaling device) is technically required by USCG, under certain circumstances (e.g. low vis), which you're likely to encounter on ocean or bay. Problem is a boat under way is unlikely to hear it. An air horn or something loud is a good idea - power boats can be a menace out there.

You'll want that compass, too, esp in the fog. A GPS is great, but you should always have a compass as back-up.

A good plan until you save for a VHF would be to buddy up with someone who has one and stay within spitting distance. It's best not to go out alone, anyway.

This right here may be the best thing to have along for safety and I should have thought of it..  having a buddy (or 70.. GS4!) along should be a must at least until you are very experienced and know your area well.   Even then actually.

I agree with everything that's been posted.  The most important "thing" to have with you is a buddy who is prepared to assist you if needed.  I have only been out of my yak once but being able to contact a buddy with a VHF (waterproof) and get his assistance to get back in the boat is a priceless option.  A good PFD, a wetsuit, a VHF, a compass and a GPS are a pretty cheap investment compared to the value of your life to you and your family.  Going out into the Bay or Ocean without these items is just not worth the risk.

Martin

Here's what I carry in my PFD:

1. Standard Horizon 750S waterproof/floating radio
2. 3 inch Wenoka blunt tip knife (so you don't stab yourself in an emergency)
3. Whistle
4. Cell phone inside waterproof case
5. Compass
6. Rescue Mirror
7. Small sun block tube ($1 at Walmart)

I have a NRS Chinook PFD that fits the above items nicely and still feel comfy fishing, paddling and pedaling(Hobie) all day.

I go out a lot by myself, albeit in Monterey and Carmel Bays, which is not like going off the real exposed parts of the coast, but I take it seriously, and don't mind packing the safety items, which are pretty light, and either on my vest or tied to or in the pocket of my seat back.
whistle
large knife (I have a little folding one for bait) on vest that I can release one-handed.
vhf radio  (also useful for general chat on the water)
gps (I'd take it just to get to the right spots, so it's not extra)
bilge pump-I have a small hatch under my legs to pump from.  This is tied to the seat back.
extra and collapsable plastic one blade paddle-Cabela's-tied to crate
compass
CD (mirror)
3 small handheld flares in a pack-if I hadn't bought them when new to the sport, I might not take them, because I wonder what the odds of anyone seeing them are. But they are lightweight.
tow rope-polypro
air horn (I'd probably only use it in really dense fog, and I avoid going out on days that is likely.)

I am just getting into kayak fishing so excuse my ignorance (i.e. little real world experience), but I have heard to bring a cellphone in a waterproof bag as opposed to a VHF radio because they have limited power/range. At a $80-300 price tag times 2 (for me and my wife) its not something I would buy if I cant contact the coast guard in an emergency. Is there any truth to that, or was I misinformed?

you're misinformed.

CG has a series of repeaters along the coast that can pick up and relay any nearshore signal, if your radio is working correctly.

If the radio is not transmitting correctly time to get a new one.

I do not have a radio as of yet. My wife and I are just getting into kayak fishing, we have been out on local lakes until we get the safety gear for the bay. Because we have to buy two of everything and still pay bills I am trying to prioritize what we need.

One radio could save two lives

Good advice given here so far.

There have been other threads devoted to this, but it's nice that everyone so far has come with the info instead of just referring you to old posts.  Discussing how to gear up for safety is something that we should always repeat.

To start from the basics:

kayak, paddle and PFD

...you should know your yak and inspect for damage.  Same goes for your paddle and PFD.  Get in the water to make sure your PFD keeps you afloat and head out of the water.  Be sure to master skills such as self-rescue BEFORE you go out.

Next for cold water such as bay and ocean as well as many rivers and lakes:

1)  dress for immersion - waders and drysuits may not keep you warm if you're in the drink for an extended stay;
2)  drybag with safety gear - this bag will float with your gear in it.  I carry flares, whistle, compass, VHF, GPS, batteries, suncsreen, duct tape, a pen...  If you can't take your drybag full of gear on every trip then you're not serious about safety;
3)  water - can't live without it...
4)  extra paddle - worth the extra weight;
5)  manual pump - worth it...;
5)  flotation - this should maybe be higher up the list if you're a solo yakker;
6)  hat and sunglasses;
7)  there's more...

Once you get all the safety gear down, be sure to get a good camera and report back here.   

You HAVE taken a basic kayak class, correct? A class that would teach a few appropriate rescue plans, cover suggested gear, etc?

buying all of the stuff suggested here would set you nicely, but the very best safety advice I can think of is :

#1 take an intro to kayaking class, both you & your wife if she will be your primary paddling partner (and explain why you are taking it to the instructor)

Get in the water to make sure your PFD keeps you afloat and head out of the water.  Be sure to master skills such as self-rescue BEFORE you go out.

We have been out several times to practice self-rescue and to make sure our PDF's will keep up safe.

You HAVE taken a basic kayak class, correct? A class that would teach a few appropriate rescue plans, cover suggested gear, etc?

#1 take an intro to kayaking class, both you & your wife if she will be your primary paddling partner (and explain why you are taking it to the instructor)

We have not taken any kayak class as of yet. Most if not all of our intro to kayaking has been via books, the internet, and in-person conversational. I am located in the Sacramento area if anyone can advise a good instructor with in a decent drive.

Black Ab: What do you do with the dry bag full of stuff?  Do you have it tied to the yak?  If it's tied to you, how do you keep from getting tangled in the line as you're fishing?  How big is the bag? Thanks, Tom