Santa Cruz 7/2

Thank you to everyone I met today, at the launch and on the water! I’m still figuring out my set up and getting my sea legs, and I’m just plain awkward sometimes. Lol

I caught some bait today but no halibut takers while trolling. I thought about changing to rockfish/lingcod but still want my first kayak halibut pretty bad. I heard there was a lot of bait by the mile buoy, but honestly the fog made me nervous. There was a boat that came up my stern kind of fast and I lost some confidence.

With that in mind, can I have a light on my kayak during the fog?

Also, what recommendations do you guys have for a radio?

Thank you!
Jen

Hi Dr. Jen I was that kayaker you met at the launch today with Jason or aka fishbushing and the one you ran into coming back in at the launch and recommended a vhf radio. May I recommend this? https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MR-HH350W-FLT-COB-MR/dp/B00I4CUNDA/ref=sxin_20_pa_sp_phone_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.0c032923-7b08-49dd-b459-41460c2919e1%3Aamzn1.sym.0c032923-7b08-49dd-b459-41460c2919e1&cv_ct_cx=vhf+radio&keywords=vhf+radio&pd_rd_i=B00I4CUNDA&pd_rd_r=e061724a-aadb-4f1f-80ff-99b590a4df31&pd_rd_w=BpV7u&pd_rd_wg=HFrRc&pf_rd_p=0c032923-7b08-49dd-b459-41460c2919e1&pf_rd_r=WJ6T08Z2BK06FQ5WS0X5&qid=1688334556&sr=1-16-f853d353-bf33-45e7-b5c2-2cb2b31abc9b-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1
It was nice meeting you btw, and yes you can have a light on your kayak in the fog. You'll get 'em next time sister. Tight lines!

Thank you Pern! It was lovely meeting you. I’ll pick up a radio asap 👍🏻

This light should keep the boaters away:

https://www.amazon.com/Superbright-Headlamp-Headlight-Hunting-Searchlight/dp/B07CVSL45Q/

Welcome drjen, you may want to look for a vhf radio that has AIS (automatic identification system) and this will help you see potential targets in your area and will also notify any ships with AIS that you are in the area. It does not really work if the other ships, boats or kayaks are not using AIS, however all commercial ship required  to use so it does give a little peace on mind for some potential dangers. Another safety, device in addition to a good light is a laser flare and of course a basic compass on board as well as pre study of the area you are planning to kayak around. I also carry multiple MOB devices and a satellite personal location beacon, redundancy being an operative plan. Good luck, look forward to a future meeting, Ron.

It was great meeting you today Jennifer. 

Welcome drjen, you may want to look for a vhf radio that has AIS (automatic identification system) and this will help you see potential targets in your area and will also notify any ships with AIS that you are in the area. It does not really work if the other ships, boats or kayaks are not using AIS, however all commercial ship required  to use so it does give a little peace on mind for some potential dangers.

Do you have a specific model VHF with these features you would suggest?

Welcome drjen, you may want to look for a vhf radio that has AIS (automatic identification system) and this will help you see potential targets in your area and will also notify any ships with AIS that you are in the area. It does not really work if the other ships, boats or kayaks are not using AIS, however all commercial ship required  to use so it does give a little peace on mind for some potential dangers.

Do you have a specific model VHF with these features you would suggest?

I seem to recall somebody (li-orca?) bought a VHF with this feature, and did not find it to be too useful...

Hi Jenn I didn’t see you out there but was fishing yesterday in SC.  I used a head lamp and wore it backwards coming out of the harbor. Good idea to have a light on the kayak too and wear bright colors. Really was hoping for more bait heard of some macs being caught but had no luck. Only caught live smelt. Finished the day with a 24 in halibut.

It was great chatting with you in the lot Michael 

It was great chatting with you in the lot Michael 

You too Jason! Putting the herring to work.

This light should keep the boaters away:

https://www.amazon.com/Superbright-Headlamp-Headlight-Hunting-Searchlight/dp/B07CVSL45Q/

 

Welcome drjen, you may want to look for a vhf radio that has AIS (automatic identification system) and this will help you see potential targets in your area and will also notify any ships with AIS that you are in the area. It does not really work if the other ships, boats or kayaks are not using AIS, however all commercial ship required  to use so it does give a little peace on mind for some potential dangers. Another safety, device in addition to a good light is a laser flare and of course a basic compass on board as well as pre study of the area you are planning to kayak around. I also carry multiple MOB devices and a satellite personal location beacon, redundancy being an operative plan. Good luck, look forward to a future meeting, Ron.

Thank you! I will look into that. I have been playing with AIS on my phone recently. 👍🏻

I have a couple ACR strobes and the Resqlink locator beacon https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-view/ Definitely adding a radio, lighted flag pole, and a friend recommended an air horn. Here I thought I was done buying stuff… 

HAHAHAHAHA.....oh you'll never be done buying stuff for the 'yak Jen!!!

That's why I have the neon flag on my ride. As far as strobes go, one thing to keep in mind is that it's also a distress beacon. The greater the height of your light/flag, the better the visibility to other vessels.