Safety & Common sense

I'll take the plunge and start.  Get all the information needed for safety equipment mentioned throughout this site by fellow members.  Use it with a whole lot of common sense also mentioned here alot!  Then enjoy and be safe.

 I don't know.. you want me to be safe an use common sense, never been good at multi tasking....

Back in the late 90's and early 2000's me and my buddies were playing a mile offshore in the middle of nowhere and we didn't even have PFD's, not to mention VHF, GPS, compass, whistle, reflector, extra paddle, first aid, water, pump, flotation, sunscreen, duct tape, flares, zip-ties, pliers, a rag, food...etc.  I know now that it was a bad move to be so unequipped!  At this point there's no excuse for not following the basics of at least a PFD, and preferrably much or all of the rest of the list.  If you're into the sport, you should be into the safety side as much as the fishing or the paddling side.  Safe paddling!   

Well said Black Ab. And I've always advised newbies to be a Kayaker FIRST and a fisherman second. Taking a safety course on kayaking basics - paddling, self rescue, surf launching and landing skills are more important then learning how to balance a bunch of crab traps on your kayak

 I refuse to yak anywhere, fresh or salt without my PFD.

I refuse to yak anywhere, fresh or salt without my PFD.

+1.  It was a deal I made with my wife to ease her fear.  Although truth be told, I'd wear it even if I hadn't promised her.

Common sense dictates that if your wife gives you that look when you mention that you "might be going fishing this weekend", you had better stay home.

I went Fri for a quick hunt expedition on Fri afternoon.  Pouring down rain. I was rushing around trying to get going. Loading decoys, gun, waders, raincoat,etc. Got about 1/4 mile from the truck and realized my heavy waterproof jacket was not my PFD. It was in the backseat of my truck, and not with the rest of my gear like usual. I said #!#*, then realized the water was only an average of 2-3 feet deep. I know I can drown in 2 inches of water, but decided to finish up without. It was the first time I've gone out wthout it since I've had my yak. Lessons learned. Also, no birds shot.