Last chance big dino hunt - another nasty day 2/28

Mooch.... you made a very good point about the very strong currents in the bay especially when you're anchored while stugeon fishing.

Stu, BobN, and I have discussed this before.  We all realize it's almost impossible to swim back to your kayak if you fall off your kayak in a big tide.  We reached the consensus that it would be smart to have some kind of quick release (or cut-able) leash attached from your kayak to your pfd.  The bottom line is that you do not want to be separated from your kayak.

How many of us actually leash themselves???

How many of us actually leash themselves???

.....oh no....don't get jmairey started on this  He'll hi-jack this thread and turn this post into 10 pages 

Chuck, on the same subject, when we fish the Bay - during Sturgeon season, we usually bundle up to stay dry and warm. Can you just imagine if you dumped your yak during a serious tide movement with all the heavy clothing we have on - it would really be tough to swim and try to get hold of your yak

In a situation like this, Leashing would be a good idea 

I've almost dumped a few times cause I almost fell asleep on my P15 - while waiting for that elusive sturgeon bite. And as many of you already know, the P15 is not exactly the type of kayak that you can sleep on  ......with the exception of FUZZ...this guy can sleep on anything,anywhere and anytime 

True.... and it's okay if jmairey chimes in because I think this topic deserves serious discussion.

Unlike leashing yourself in ocean surf.... in the bay, you don't have to worry about your yak smacking you unconsicous .... you just need to stay with it.  Just ask the Coast Guard  -- I'm sure they'll tell you the same thing.

Chuck,Both JM and scallen use leashes and I will be bringing one with me this year as well.I've been caught in wind in the Monterey Bay that would have blown my kayak away if I wasn't sitting on it.In those conditions or in a strong tide I think a leash could be a lifesaver.Like you said though,I would NEVER wear a leash when launching or landing in surf.

"The white hand of god!" That cracks me up! A fitting way to put it for sure!

I must say that I cannot recall off the top of my head a kayak fishing day where the weather was perfect and I got skunked. Not that it hasn't happend..many times unfortunately. What I do recall and usually talk about the most are the crappy, tretcherous, unyielding conditions I sometimes encounter while on the water and don't catch fish.
Whether it is the challenge, the adventure, or just the fact I survived it that makes it more memorable I am not sure.
These are the times that make for great stories around campfires or at kayak gatherings.
If the conditions are great you will hear " nice photo" or "perfect conditions". That's aboput it and it doesn't really get discussed too much after that.
You won't hear " You guys are madmen!" or "Hardcore" or "You rule!" People will always continue to talk about the bad stuff. Remember the conditions at Elk last year? of course you do.
I have a blast in the nasty conditions. It puts me to the test. It makes me a more seasoned paddler and makes me realize what I can and cannot handle. I love it!
As far as leashing in heavy current; I agree it is a good idea. Heavy wind too. Just make sure you can easliy access a release point if necessary.
And my P15 is a GREAT place to sleep. I have done it several times.

what is everyone talking about it was a great day for me.
1...I was not at work
2...I was fishing
3...I got to hangout with chuck & frank
4...the beer stayed cold without a cooler
 

any day on the yak is a good day

I must say that I cannot recall off the top of my head a kayak fishing day where the weather was perfect and I got skunked. Not that it hasn't happend..many times unfortunately. What I do recall and usually talk about the most are the crappy, tretcherous, unyielding conditions I sometimes encounter while on the water and don't catch fish.
Whether it is the challenge, the adventure, or just the fact I survived it that makes it more memorable I am not sure.
These are the times that make for great stories around campfires or at kayak gatherings.
If the conditions are great you will hear " nice photo" or "perfect conditions". That's aboput it and it doesn't really get discussed too much after that.
You won't hear " You guys are madmen!" or "Hardcore" or "You rule!" People will always continue to talk about the bad stuff. Remember the conditions at Elk last year? of course you do.
I have a blast in the nasty conditions. It puts me to the test. It makes me a more seasoned paddler and makes me realize what I can and cannot handle. I love it!
As far as leashing in heavy current; I agree it is a good idea. Heavy wind too. Just make sure you can easliy access a release point if necessary.
And my P15 is a GREAT place to sleep. I have done it several times.

Ditto to all that!!!

any day on the yak is a good day

Ditto to that too!

what is everyone talking about it was a great day for me.
1...I was not at work
2...I was fishing
3...I got to hangout with chuck & frank
4...the beer stayed cold without a cooler
 

any day on the yak is a good day

I knew that was a smile on your face!!!!

Interesting on the leash thing, I was going to go out today by myself so I rigged up a leash thinking that it might be a bit overkill. But I could not think of why I would not use a leash.....Danglin

any day on the yak is a good day

WORD!!!!!!
Z