I was in Germany recently and ate some smoked eel.  It was heavenly.  So I’m planning to go after them in HMB this coming week’s low tide in a Kayak.  This is my version of an amphibious assault.  Has anybody tried poke poling from a kayak.  I figured this is more efficient way of going.  Less work of hopping over rocks on the jetty.  It may be more trouble than it is worth.  But what the hell, new tactic might as well start with me.

Does anyone know if the eel count towards the 10 RF limit ???  I’m thinking since sea trout counts, monkey face eel is in the same type of fish ??? 

  When I bought my kayak from Mooch back in February, he gave me some advice - Be a kayaker first before becoming a fisherman. I thought I was ready to be a kayak fisherman. I’ve tried self rescue inside the harbor at HMB. I’ve taken class in kayaking back in the 80s.  I guess you can see where this is going.

  This weekend, Vin60 & I headed out in thick fog. Neither of know how to use the GPS features. Around noon time, near the green can, I flipped my kayak. Think no big deal, here goes myself rescue quiz time. Then my legs got cramped right as I’m kicking to get my chest into the kayak. So I waited to Vin to hold the kayak while I get back in.  Thinking problem is over, Vin falls over.  Within 3 minute, Vin was in trouble complaining being very cold in almost a panic mood (he was wearing dry paints & splash jacket only). He was not in any condition to flip his kayak back, or to climb back in. When I looked up, a fishing boat was with 50 yard from us (which never happens, we usually not that lucky). Vin took ride back in the boat, while I paddled my way back.

   After they left, I realized I’m up the creek. I don’t know how to use the GPS, or the compass feature on the VHF. It was really hard following the fog horn when my mind is playing trick on me. I also had my stringer tangled too far back of the kayak & in the water. So the trip back took over an hour and a half.   When I hit land, Vin was still freezing, nauseous, and still in bad shape. I think Mooch was either looking over us, or trying teaching us a lesson. If he was teaching us a lesson, we got the lesson.

Here are a few thoughts for us newer guys.
•Vin didn’t have a wet suit on. Even though my suit was 3 mil, I was in much better shape.
•Need to be absolutely sure I can do a self rescue. Also what if I'm not in the best of condition, or hurt.  Is there another plan or tool (such as using a paddle float) to help.
•What good is a VHF tied up somewhere on the kayak, I may not be thinking straight. What good is GPS and compass features if I don’t know how to operate it. Is there a back up unit, or plan???  I bought it 3 months ago and never read the manual. Vin can't use his GPS on his fish finder either.
•Why are there no flares, smoke flares, or mirror on my kayak (just because it is not required)? Of course we can wait for the coast guard, but Vin may not have that long.

I’m hoping this will get you thinking just a bit before you run out there.   As Mooch said – be a Kayaker first, then be a fisherman second.

                                                                               Herb, Ling A Ding