Always wear your PFD!

[ApacheGuns515]

22 hours ago, flyfisher said:

Bowline knots aren't quick release by any means and i do know the simple horse hitch quick release knot as well.  Problem in a kayak is many people, including myself use zig zag cleats to stop the anchor line.  If i were to get in trouble cutting the line is the only option.  Could i put in another type of anchor point to tie the line to, sure but I prefer not to have more things protruding from the kayak than i have to should i have some sort of rescue situation where lines can get tangled when flipped.  

They absolutely can get squirrely fast but usually it is because you are not anchoring directly in the center of the bow or not enough line is out.  No matter what really, anchoring with a kayak in or near current can be a dicey proposition.

 

Indeed. The plan was never to actually anchor in the current. I fish that river often and I know exactly where my buddy nearly drowned because it's where I lost my own anchor I described. The problem with kayaks and watercraft in general is the loss of situational awareness that can happy pretty quickly when you have your head down being distracted. I too am guilty of this, there have been plenty of times when I'm heads down in the yak trying to remove a swallowed hook and I'll look up and notice I've drifted far down river without even noticing because my anchor let go at random. 

 

I've even damaged a rod or two in my rod holders while accidentally being drifted into a low hanging tree while I'm heads down changing a lure. I try to make a point to look around every few seconds or so when I'm heads down but things happen. 

 

The problem with yak anchors is their small size. They are usually 3lb claw anchors, maybe 5lb max, and sometimes one of those claws will catch on something and stop you and you think you're secured then it will let go and you don't notice. Or you may hook on to a feisty fish who can pretty easily take you a long for a ride. Controlling a strong fish with one hand while trying to maintain control with the paddle in the other hand can be tricky sometimes.  

[WRB]

About 5' of rope inside the kayak grab it and pull it the bow goes down. 

Tom

[PeterFry]

Hello All.

I am glad I read this and feel for your friend with his near miss.

I have just bought a Kayak and have not used it yet, so all of the above is very helpful and informative.

 

My plan is to start on still water and then move to rivers when I have more experience and completed a safety course.

 

Thanks

Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NHBull]

On 10/12/2018 at 10:31 PM, WRB said:

If anyone is thinking they need a knife to cut a rope in an boating emergency needs to learn 2 basic knots; the simple horse hitch quick release knot and a bowline knot.

Tom

Tom,

I was a white water kayak guide / instructor and a scraded knife on your chest is invaluable if you in the water or may only have the use of 1 hand. A second knife on the shin has also come in handy.  Most never think if this while fishing out of a kayak but they should 

[Arlo Smithereen]

I have anchor trolleys on both sides of my kayak, one anchor on each side connected to 26 foot retractable dog leashes. Both dog leashes are attached to the boat by carabiners which can be unhooked quickly if need be. And of course a knife within easy reach if all else fails.