Harold Scoggins

Inspect often, replace any items you may have used.

I'd store the gear inside the vehicle.

Is that the newer ACR Beacon? I've had mine over five years and the battery went bad last year. I changed it myself and it tests fine now. I'll probably get a new one this winter.

Upgraded Big Game kayaks, I hope.

Flag by day, light by night.

X2, Not happening.

Know how to use one before it is needed.

YakAttack use to sell rigging bolts to guide backing plates into place. I'm always using mine and keep two sets in the tool box. I've used them to mount backing plates that were over ten feet from any access hatch, they work.

Don't leave a lighter in your car/truck either. (I keep one to burn the ends of bungee/rope.) There was shrapnel everywhere; had I been in the vehicle a medivac would have been needed.

I use this one from YakAttack.

So, the unthinkable has happened and you find yourself in the water, with or without a PFD. You can try to get back to your kayak, or to shore assuming you are an experienced swimmer. If not, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of survival. First, stay calm. The human body will naturally float, but only if you remain calm. If you panic and begin thrashing about, your body will drop lower into the water, or even sink. Your lungs are an important part of the flotation process and actually help in keeping you afloat. You must breathe normally, taking regular breaths. Avoid taking in huge breaths of air as this causes a greater change in volume outside the lungs when you exhale, causing your body to drop lower into the water. Lastly, you need to take up a body position that will help keep you afloat until help arrives. You can tread water by assuming a vertical position, extending your arms horizontally and moving them back and forth, slowly kicking your feet (like a flutter kick) or moving your legs somewhat like a frog would, but in opposite directions. (This takes practice) You may also assume a float position. To do this, you lay back, face up, keeping your legs together and fully extended. Your arms should be at your side or behind your head with fingers interlocked behind the head. Keep your chin tilted upward, body straight and horizontal with the surface of the water. Avoid tilting your head forward as this puts strain on the neck and shifts weight to the center of the torso, causing your body to go lower into the water. Should you feel your legs dropping down deeper into the water; you can perform the flutter kick to bring them back up horizontal. All this should be practiced with an experienced swimmer/instructor before going out alone to enjoy your new found hobby, kayak fishing. Note: Having a signaling device such as a whistle and light attached to your PFD will also increase your chances of rescue.

I don't do tournaments, but I can see where having an electric motor on a kayak would be a game changer for those who do. That being said, I remember the heated debates when KBF started allowing trolling motors on kayaks and I myself thought that they were opening a can of worms for future debates on what defines a kayak. I remember thinking myself that it would only be a matter of time before manufactures started pushing the threshold when it came to design. It may get interesting in the very near future. Now, where did I put that paddle?

I contacted Plano not long after @Glenn started this thread and told them how, as a kayak angler, I use their Waterproof boxes because they float, even when loaded. I asked them if there were any plans for making the Waterproof series using their Rustrictor material and the guy on the other end said they'd get back with me. I really didn't expect to hear back from them. Well, I was just contacted by Plano and was told to watch for their new products in the upcoming weeks. I again asked about the Waterproof line and was told, "Just watch sir." Man, I hope there is something really good coming!

Acquired six Combat Crank 320 (8'-10') as part of a JDM order this past Friday. These are the same as the CR10 crank that should be available in July here in the states. There will be seven CR models that will cover depths 1'-16'. At first glance these baits appear to be of high quality, in both finish and hardware. I've always been a fan of clown pattern lures and I look forward to getting that one wet.

That's a float plan.

Does your family or friends know what to do if you are overdue from a day on the water? I've been using float plans for years and they provide all the information search/rescue will need to hopefully start the ball rolling in your recovery. I first used handwritten plans until I discovered this form that can be downloaded from the USCG website. (PDF) I've already filled mine out for each of my yaks (minus the daily itinerary which I fill out by hand) and printed copies so they're available when needed. One copy on the refrigerator for the wife, and one copy on the dash of my truck.

Sunline Sniper

Never heard of, or seen a Kaku before. I just checked out the Wahoo 12.5 on YT and on their web site; I'm impressed! The high stern and bow really got my attention along with that hull design. I like a kayak that looks like a traditional kayak and they did that as well as giving it the features of other angling kayaks. Nice, I like it!

I really want to try one of these for terminal tackle! My only concern is floating capability. I use Plano's waterproof boxes and I know they will float. (This is very important when fishing from a kayak.) I wonder if they will make their other boxes with this material.

Purchased the line last fall, but haven't used it until this morning. My first impression of this braid; it's good stuff. A full season of use would probably yield a better review, but as of right now, I like it. I've been a Power Pro user for years, however, I do think this Xplasma line is a better braid as far as performance. My brother, who swears by Power Pro, has been alerted that he may be receiving my remaining store of Power Pro. Power Pro is good braid, but I think they are going to have to step up their game to even come close to Xplasma. Although I didn't take any measurements, it was obvious that this line casts farther. It is very smooth, not only to the touch, but also when going through the guides. It also repels water very well as claimed and if this holds true by the end of the season, I'll be very happy. Is it worth the coin? I'll let you know come fall.

It is our moral responsibility to set an example for the newer kayak anglers.

I had wanted this thread to promote kayak safety and it seems to be morphing into something else. Is it time to lock, @J Francho?

Aww, he loves you too.