Mayday Recovery

"Jigmaster" is the guy I bought my first 2 yaks from, 2 Scramblers. He is a great stand-up guy and always willing to help anybody in need. I have gone "inside" the cans, even in my power boat. Common sense, at least most peoples, will tell you to stay a safe distance of any rocks protruding, especially when they are inside of a buoyed reef area!!!

The cost of ownership, the "ease," and I use that term loosely of operation,  internet videos, make it all seem easy. So any Tom, Dick, and Harry can do it, and go out out there with out experience, without a partner, PFD or other knowledge, and the lure of big fish, with out boat traffic, and shortly there after in you go. 

I was fishing with a friend in a PB yesterday at HMB with several NCKA. I missed the call for assistance because my VHF wasn't in the triwatch mode and the call went out on channel 16. Glad to hear he is OK. Good reminder to check my VHF setting.

You guys actually use life jackets?

You guys actually use life jackets?

Many do, but in the ocean in a kayak all should.  Even though some get to relaxed and over confident all it takes is an accident, a rouge wave,  unseen rocks,  or something unexpected that can make every angler wish they did.  I wish every kayaker and boater watched the cold water training video that is posted on this site.  I do like when I hear NCKA members offer non members life vests and advice when they see something not right on the water.

Don't get me wrong motor boaters often don't have access to pfd's and have them stored out of sight and can get in trouble just as quick.  Many kayakers have dry suits and life jackets and in that regard can be safer on the water than boaters who have false sense of security.

 I am not sure how I feel about people that  are so Fn stupid that  head out into the blue without a life jacket on , especially the cold swollen waters of the norther pacific ....and turn 1 down  when someone that appears to have experience offers .....I am not sure I want a guy like that on the road in a car after he is saved .........YES I would peel off my shirt exposing the S on my chest and help the fella if I was able ,  but I might kick myself for it later. 

Maybe it's because I've never gone out without a giant floaty wetsuit on but I've never thought about wearing one. Then again I'm never far out anyway.

Maybe it's because I've never gone out without a giant floaty wetsuit on but I've never thought about wearing one. Then again I'm never far out anyway.

The fellow that had to be rescued was also wearing a wetsuit.....and he wasn't very far out, either.

Wear a life jacket every time you go out on the water.  Nothing to discuss about it, just wear a life jacket.

Any idea why he wasn't able to get back in? Idk if I'd go out if I didn't feel comfortable getting back in easily...

If you are kayaking in the ocean, wear your life jacket.

Period.
End of story.
Not open for debate.

No matter how badass and manly you think you are, there are countless opportunities for big blue to put you in your place. Especially if the landlord gets involved...

Every person in a boat or kayak should have a PFD ON!!! I am against adding new regulations and/or laws, but there is no reason everybody in any craft in the ocean shouldn't wear a PFD. I wear my PFD when I am in a PB and in my yak.
Reason for not being able to get back in your yak (just possibilities): using a 3mm wet suit, not wearing the top portion of wet suit, not proficient at self rescue, and/or inexperience on or in the ocean. I believe that there are lots of folks that haven't or don't practice self rescue every year. 

You'll rarely see me without my PFD on when I'm fishing.  I even wear it on shore most of the time to get more used to it.  There's nothing more important than safety.

I have pounded into Cody's head- "Three buckles, white knuckles" Meaning all buckles on his PFD, and pull them tight. Now, white knuckles is an exageration, but it is catchy for a little guy who was about 8 when he got his start in the madness. We never go in the water without our vests on. Even on charter boats, my kids have always worn their PFD's, people looked at them weird, but they were safe.

Last time I was with my buddies were crabbing at HMB we came across a man and a woman both on Tarpon 12s fishing right ON THE ENTRANCE of the mouth of the harbor.  RF season was still closed then and I saw they were using shrimpflies.

They were wearing cotton clothes and no PFDs.  I asked them what they were fishing for and told me anything that would bite.  My buddy P-Sherman came in early and warned them not to go out with their set up but they still did.  The swells were big that day but there was no wind.  Seeing a Lot of inexperienced people waiting for trouble.