Ultimate Kayak Fishing: Happy Ending To Capsized 'yakers And Advice - Ultimate Kayak Fishing

In the Narragansett RI area early Sunday morning, two kayak fishermen got separated and both capsized during the night, (weather was foggy and seas rough) but made it to shore with one guy losing his boat and the other managing to retain it. Apparently, someone found the other kayak washed up on shore and called the Coast Guard, who ran a large search until 9:30 am Sunday when the owner saw his kayak on TV news and called in to inform the CG he was ok. I was actually fishing around Beavertail Light on Jamestown early Sunday and saw the cutters and the choppers conducting the searches in the distance.

Few lessons here, I guess. 1) Both guys were wearing their PFD's, so another story where safety pays. 2) Let the CG know when you've had an accident, even if you're ok. Acc to the story, other fishermen found clothing and gear of the capsized yaks floating in the water and naturally assumed the worst. 3) Invest in a submersible UHF VHF radio that you have with you. Oilcan, myself and most of our fishing crew carry one and can monitor/call Ch 16 or each other in an instant. Worth the investment.

Tinman

BTW, that's VHF radio, not UHF. Typo, sorry. Thanks for the assist, Goddess!

Glad there was a happy ending and very good advice on the radio!!

Tinman, another story that could have ended bad. I agree that a radio is needed and I am the worst offender when it comes to bring the radio so I have to change my attitude and get with the program.

If you lose the kayak, at least notify local police, they are more likely to know that a search is underway and notifying the CG is another good advice.

I am glad they are OK and and it's important to know the area you are fishing and pay attention to weather forecasts (there where small craft waring in RI area night to Sunday).

I changed the radio type in your first post to make it more readable.

Tinman, you got yourself an entry in the "Do you make the cut - what is the story" invite. I guess since you had no idea I was entering it you got an edge on the rest of the UKF members. I customize a mean reel so you may be lucky and be the only entry

Nils

Tinman, Good post!

I have added one more thing to my tackle box... Flares

It was recommended to me by several fellow YAKERs. I was in Defenders today (Waterford CT) They had a sale on a mini three pack of flares. The container is about 1.5 " dia and 6" long

The price was 9.99 + tax

Glad to see that all worked out.

Tim

This post has been edited by salmontim: 27 June 2009 - 10:33 PM

great report tinman cant wait to fish with you again
.piper

Great Post Tinman,

Having "Been There and Done That, I recommend a VHF waterproof hand held which floats.

I recommend these because most of us leave our radio in the YAK cockpit or an open pocket in our PDF. Once you hit the water, unless you are one of those squared away guys with a lanyard attached, Your VHF stands a good chance of going to the bottom.

I bought theStandard Horizon HX850S VHF/GPS DSC Radio (sends your LAT/LONG with your emergency transmission)(6 watts) on channel 16. You can get cheaper radios, but having needed a good radio while swimming I vowed never to use the lowest bidder when it comes to Safety!