NCKA Gift Guide

by Bill on November 02, 2007, 10:29:00 pm

Safety

Kayak fishing can take you to some great places. These places however can be remote and hostile environments. Generally speaking we are floating in the open ocean on a small plastic boat. Using the buddy system is always preferred but even with a buddy it is easy to get separated on a foggy day. These pieces of gear will help you make it back to dry land safely or call for help if you need it.

VHF Radios are a must have if you plan on venturing out to the ocean or bay. They are great for calling over your buddy to a hot bite, listening in to other boaters about where the fish are and in worse case scenarios, calling the Coast Guard. This two models below are nice small compact units that are waterproof. They can be easily placed in the pocket of a PFD.

Standard Horizon STD-HX600S Handheld Marine VHF Radio

Find Standard Horizon STD-HX600S on Ebay

Uniden Voyager

Find Uniden Voyager on Ebay

PFDs (also known as life preservers) are another must have piece of safety equipment for any kayak fisherman. If you kayak starts taking on water or you get separated from your boat your PFD will help you float while waiting for a rescue that you are calling in with the VHF radio you just purchased. The Extra Sport Osprey is my current favorite fishing PFD. It is comfortable and has lots of storage for your radio, camera or a snack.

EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons) signal maritime distress. It's the satellite-aided emergency locator beacon. Once activated it sends a constant signal to emergency responders with your exact location. By sending the exact GPS location to the emergency responders help can be on the way in minutes and location is practically guaranteed. This device must be registered with the Coast Guard before it is deployed.

Attempting to navigate along foggy coastal waters is extremely dangerous without a GPS and a compass. GPS devices have the added bonus of allowing you to mark all the best fishing and launch spots. While marking fishing spots is great, this device can help you get out of a serious jam when you get surrounded by fog.

Compasses are must have backup devices to have when your GPS fails or runs out o batteries. The zipper compass is compact and easy to attach to your wetsuit or PFD. The Orca compass is perfect for strapping down to your deck or permanently mounting it.

Waterproof Cameras

Face it, your fishing reports suck without pictures and there is no better way to get great on the water shots than with a waterproof camera. The Pentax Optio and the Olympus Stylus are two great water proof cameras that get the job done.

Find Pentax Optio W30 on Ebay

Find Olympus Stylus 725 SW on Ebay

Kayak fishing books and videos:

Getting your kayak from the car to the launch can be a real challenge. Loose sand, rocks and long hauls can zap your energy before you even hit the water. What is the solution? The ultimate kayak cart, Wheeleez! Wheelez starts with a lightweight aluminum frame then adds the best wheels in the business. Big wide wheels that glide over anything in the way way of you getting to the launch.

CLICK HERE to buy a Wheeleez Kayak or Canoe Cart.

Everyone wants to look good, stay warm and support NCKA with this great NCKA logo gear. T-shirts, long sleeve shirts and everyones favorite the NCKA Hoodie!

Buy great NCKA logo gear here!

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