NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Safety First => Topic started by: Str8FishiN on August 14, 2017, 04:02:14 PM

Title: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the PP harbor
Post by: Str8FishiN on August 14, 2017, 04:02:14 PM
One of my Coastside buddies messaged me this morning and wanted me to share a safety concern.  Kayakers are exiting/entering the Jaws of the Harbor without any lights during dark hours, causing a hazard for boats.  Please have lights and make yourself visible for your safety, if you're one of the people that like to fish at dawn or dusk.

Also, please tune into VHF Ch. 19 if you're fishing HMB so PBers can communicate with you and even share what depths to fish.  Be safe and tight lines!  - J

 
Title: Re: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the HM harbor
Post by: yakyakyak on August 14, 2017, 04:08:46 PM

There was a posting dated on 8/12/17, so I think the PB was complaining about the morning of 8/12.  He said that the yaks were in the middle of the jaws.  Not sure if he was talking about yaks blocking the entrance, but I consider 50 yards+ S/SW outside the entrace is not the middle of the jaws.

In any case and regardless who is at fault, it is a very very good idea to have lights when it's dark/foggy.  Safety is critical for yaks and PBs alike.  I hang a safety light on a backup rod for my dawn/super foggy run.

Title: Re: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the PP harbor
Post by: Fisherman X on August 14, 2017, 05:06:23 PM
Touring or fishing 'yaks? Sometimes, you know - ramps, parking, channels, etc.
Title: Re: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the PP harbor
Post by: yakyakyak on August 14, 2017, 05:23:05 PM

The Coastside posting said it was a kayak and it was fishing.



Title: Re: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the PP harbor
Post by: lucky13 on August 14, 2017, 05:31:02 PM
Thanks Jason. Could you relate back? I witnessed two PBs anchored and fishing at the mouth of the Jaws around 12pm. I did not hear anyone on the radio complaining about that. I also saw other PB's gunning pass kayakers as they were entering the harbor like we didn't exist. One PB cautioned another PB regarding slow moving kayaks at the entrance. That other PB replied "they picked a good day to die...". 
Title: Re: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the PP harbor
Post by: Str8FishiN on August 14, 2017, 06:53:13 PM
The concern is that kayakers are fishing the dark hours and not displaying a light and making themselves more visible at the Jaws. No issues about fishing there....YET!  Turn your lights on when you are kayak fishing in low light conditions! 
Title: Re: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the PP harbor
Post by: Fisherman X on August 14, 2017, 06:59:17 PM
Valid concerns about lighting. Headlamps are not enough, red/green glow sticks or LEDs should be used to. The PB comment is an isolated sentiment, I hope.

"The Coastside posting said it was a kayak and it was fishing."

This seems a little whiny. Yeah, it shouldn't be there, particularly unlit. But from the initial description, I envisioned a group clogging the way. I've seen tours do this at multiple venues.
Title: Re: Kayakers creating a safety hazard for boaters exiting and entering the PP harbor
Post by: yakyakyak on August 14, 2017, 07:26:29 PM


All, no witch hunt intention at all.  First, foremost, and always is safety.  If I can prevent an accident by relaying safety concerns, I'd be more than happy to.  See the below.  There is also a reminder to keep the boat lanes clear from crab traps.

Note that I didn't post all entries from that particular thread, not because of censorship, simply because I am too lazy to copy/paste all.

I know that there are shit boaters out there, but we've got to do our parts simply because we are at a disadvantage on the water.


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Original Post
08-12-2017, 09:42 PM     
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Ok so I don't mind kayaks. I think it's great that you go out under your own power and catch fish. Today there were a bunch of them out of pillar point. Most had no running lights. They were also clogging the entrance to the harbor. Going out and coming in. It was dark and they are just sitting in the middle of the jaws going out of the harbor. Most with no lights. Coming in they were sitting at the entrance also. I don't get it. Maybe a kayaker can shed some light on it for me. To me I would be as defensive as possible. Running lights would be a must also. 



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8-14-2017, 07:12 PM       
Originally posted by yakyakyak
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Dreacher, there is a post at NCKA (Nor Cal Kayak Angler) that got started reminding folks to be visible during dark and not block the entrance of the jaws. Safety is critical for yaks and PBs alike. If you remember the details of the yaks (color is a great start, approximate time is another), I'll be happy to point that out. If the yak is a member of NCKA, it is very likely he/she will see the safety reminder post.


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08-14-2017, 07:12 PM
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It was this past Saturday. I left my slip before dark and had a couple paddling with no lights launching near hmb kayak. There were also a bunch congregated at the jaws when exiting with no lights. coming back in at 1030 am also the same thing. A big convention at the jaws that you had to weave through them. What kayakers might not understand is when your at the helm of a big boat you don't see right in front of you. Especially in the dark and in the harbor and a lot of peripheral lights.