Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
Kayak fishing in the ocean is fun and exciting, but staying safe is important when venturing into open water. Although the idea of deep-sea fishing can be exciting, there are certain safety precautions that must be taken before embarking on any fishing trip.
The risks involved with kayak fishing are numerous and should not be taken lightly; however, following a few basic ocean kayak fishing safety tips ensures that your excursion be a fun and safe experience.
Why Does Kayak Fishing in the Ocean Require Extra Precautions?
The thrill of going out into the wild and conquering nature is something that has been pursued for centuries in different ways, but few are as seemingly dangerous as kayak fishing. It’s a rush to cast your line and reel in a fish even bigger than you are, but there are many safety precautions that go along with this hobby.
Taking precautions when kayaking in the ocean is important because the water can be very dangerous. Kayakers could get capsized by a wave or possibly run into an oil tanker or container ship. There could be jellyfish or even sharks in the water, so it’s important to wear protective clothing such as life jackets and wetsuits while kayaking. You should also bring a waterproof bag to store your phone, keys, and wallet if you need to get out of the water quickly.
Kayak fishing is more dangerous than fishing from the shore because there are no landmarks from the water. You could easily get disoriented and lost if you’re unfamiliar with the area. You may have heard of cases where people went missing because they didn’t have any way of telling their location on a map or using their compass to find their way back. If you’re going out alone, it is important that you tell someone about your plans.
Which Kayak Is Best for Ocean Kayak Fishing?
That depends on what you want to do with it. An inflatable kayak may be ideal if you want a speedy boat that’s easy to maneuver in tight spots. The sit-inside model will be more stable if you want to take a bigger load. That’s the beauty of kayaks: there are several different styles depending on your needs and how much space you have to store them.
Consider a rigid kayak made of fiberglass if you don’t have much space and want a fast ride. You can also get inflatable kayaks that are extremely durable—you can even jump off rocks with them, and they’ll hold up fine. They’re made of high-density polyethylene, which is fairly low maintenance and won’t chip or crack easily.
However, if your main priority is fishing, the sit-on-top models are easier to hop out of when you need to cast your line. The best thing about sit-on models is their versatility: they’re great for leisurely paddling through calm waters or rough seas alike, so if one day you want to go out for some exercise and another day go out for some deep sea fishing, you can do both
Ocean Kayak Fishing Safety Tips
kayak fishing adventures are fun that many people enjoy. However, every year there are a number of accidents with fatalities and serious injuries due to inexperienced kayakers getting into the water without considering all the factors. Here are some tips for ocean kayak fishing safety:
Plan within Your Capabilities
Ocean kayak fishing safety is a topic that should be addressed before any sea fishing trip is taken. Each year, fishermen are caught in bad weather and lose their lives at sea. The majority of these incidents could have been prevented if the individuals had taken the proper safety precautions before leaving on the trip.
When planning a trip, you should research to ensure that you can stay within your abilities and capabilities. For example, when choosing a destination, it is important to know what conditions will be present upon your arrival. Do you have a destination that you can easily access? What kinds of weather do you expect to encounter? Are there going to be other boats around or far away from other vessels? If you’re new at ocean kayak fishing, are your gear and your fishing kayak suitable for beginners?
To answer these questions, it is necessary to do some research beforehand. You should also consider what kind of equipment you will need for the trip. Is it necessary to rent any additional gear or bring a partner along? Can you handle the boat alone or would it be better if there were two people? In order to stay safe, it is important that you take all of these things into consideration when planning for your trip.
Legal Requirements
Ocean kayak fishing can be a very successful way of catching fish, but being safe and legal while going out on the sea is important. There are a few things to consider before going out on the sea to be safe and to know what you can and cannot do with your boat.
First, it is important to know how far you can safely paddle. Even if you have a trolling motor or foot pedal system, it can be easy to paddle further than expected. It is a good idea to take note of how far you paddle each time so that it becomes easier to estimate how long your trip will be.
It is also important to know what kind of kayak you have. Unlike river kayaks, fishing kayaks are not as maneuverable. Having an extra set of hands around may be helpful when setting up your gear or getting back into your kayak after capsizing. If you are not used to doing this in an emergency situation while calm, it may make the situation more difficult if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation where there isn’t anyone around who can help.
Keep an Eye on the Tides
Ocean kayak fishing safety: The ocean is dangerous, and when you add the element of kayaking, it becomes even more so. One of the biggest hazards you’ll encounter while on the water is getting flipped or swamped by a particularly large wave. To avoid this, be aware of what the tides are doing and locate yourself in a safe area. When you paddle out to your chosen location, pay attention to tidal charts so that you know what conditions you’re dealing with and how high the tide will be at different points throughout the day.
You can find some information online at NOAA or get more detailed information from local bait shops. If there’s an especially large swell predicted for that particular day, consider postponing your trip until another time.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Once you make it out to your fishing spot, pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t allow yourself to get so focused on looking for fish that you forget to notice things like other boats or sudden changes in weather patterns. If a storm brewing offshore, don’t wait until lightning is flashing around you before attempting to head back—you may not have time to get back before conditions turn dangerous.
Bring Enough Food
When going out on the water for a long period of time, it is important to bring enough food and drink for your trip. This means eating and regularly drinking to maintain energy throughout your trip. You also want to stay hydrated, so bring plenty of liquids to drink.
Know the Rules Before You Go
Whether fishing or kayaking, you want to know the rules before going out on the water. For example, if you are fishing, you need to make sure that you are fishing within your local area’s regulations. If you have any questions, talk with someone who can help you before your trip.
Avoid Rough Water
You should stay away from rough waters whenever possible because they are unpredictable and dangerous. You never know when waves might come up or when a storm may come up, which could cause rough water conditions that can be hard to deal with, even in the best of situations.
Dress for Immersion
On a kayak trip, Mother Nature can turn from a beautiful and benevolent partner to an unforgiving adversary in the blink of an eye. Being properly dressed will keep you safe and warm when you’re out on the water. To avoid hypothermia and other perils of a wet environment, be sure to dress in layers that will help regulate your body temperature. The right clothing should also protect you from cuts, scrapes, sunburn, and jellyfish stings.
A wetsuit is excellent for kayaking. For short trips, a 3/2 full-body suit works best. A 5/3 full-body suit is better for longer trips because it has greater insulation power due to its thicker neoprene fabric. Wetsuits are available in varying thicknesses (called “millimeters”) from 2mm to 7mm, so make sure you choose one that suits your water conditions.
In addition to a wetsuit or drysuit, you’ll need warm clothing on top: wool or synthetic turtlenecks under a waterproof outer shell are recommended. Outfit your lower body with long underwear and waterproof pants that have side zippers so you can easily put them on over wet shoes or boots. Waterproof socks are also essential.
Emergency Backup Plan
Basic knowledge of ocean kayak fishing safety will ensure that you have a safe and fun time on your next fishing trip.
To begin with, it is crucial to have an emergency backup plan. Many accidents happen because people underestimate the power of the ocean and get in over their heads. Knowing how to escape dangerous situations, such as capsizing or being caught in a current, will be beneficial.
Know how to swim and always wear a life jacket. If you do capsize, roll up your paddle, tie it to yourself and use the paddle to stay afloat while swimming to shore or reaching for your kayak. If you can’t reach your boat but a second one is nearby, swim toward it instead of trying to swim directly to shore.
Next, keep safety in mind when selecting your fishing location. You should be aware of tidal currents, rocks, and other hazards that could put you in danger. Be aware that sharks are attracted by splashing sounds coming from boats and paddles. You should also be careful not to get too close to sharks so they don’t mistake you for their prey. It is important to note that boating laws differ from state to state; therefore, make sure you know the rules before hitting the water!
Have VHF Radio With You
A functional working VHF Marine Radio is one of the most important safety equipment when kayaking at sea. The radio is like a radiotelephone that only transmits frequencies 2-5W, operating on high and low frequency and voice communication.
Some of its main uses are to avoid unsafe water conditions and to be able to communicate with other people in case of emergency. In case of an emergency, you will be able to call the coast guard or other boats nearby, and they can help you.
You should bring a VHF Marine Radio because it is easy to communicate between boats, especially if you get separated from your group while boating. Also, if you get lost or there’s no one around when a medical problem arises, this radio gives you a way to call for help.
A GPS Device is Compulsory
Saltwater kayaking is a great way to take in the beauty of nature, but it can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced kayakers. Before setting out in your kayak, it’s important to be prepared for any potential threats that may arise.
Above all else, having a GPS device and knowing how to use it is vital. A GPS device can help you track your location on land or sea, even if you don’t have phone service. If you get into trouble, a GPS device can help you find your way home.
Carrying a flare gun is another smart move if you travel along the coastline. You never know when you might run into trouble. With a flare gun at hand, you can signal for help if necessary.
Avoid Music
Avoiding repeating yourself is important as well. While out on the water, always turn off or mute any music or podcasts that you may be listening to. If you don’t, there’s a chance that important information will be lost when you need it most. Also, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is very important in case of emergency situations.
First Aid Box
A first aid kit is one of the most important things to take with you when you go kayaking. It should contain anything that may come in handy if you get injured while you are out on the water. Your kit should always have bandages, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and gauze pads. This will help you treat your wounds right away and keep them from getting infected.
Your emergency kit should also contain some navigation tools like a whistle and signaling mirror. These things can help attract attention if someone gets in trouble while they are out on the water with you. You should also make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return before leaving on your trip.
Be Prepared
Take advice from experts who know the area and the conditions. They will provide you with the best advice on how to prepare for your trip. You should also go to local outfitters, shops, and websites for packed safety kits for ocean kayaking. These kits include life jackets, flares, waterproof flashlights, fishing rods, first aid kits, and inflatable flotation devices. Make sure you take everything out of the box, check it, and make sure it works before you leave on a trip.
If it looks like a storm is approaching during your kayaking trip, you need to be prepared for a change in conditions. You cannot control the weather, so it is best to be prepared for it.
Kayak Should Be In Good Condition
Ensure that you have a good kayak for fishing, that it’s seaworthy and watertight before setting off on your trip. Don’t go out on the water if it isn’t in good condition! Also, ensure there are no holes in your kayak or paddle and that they are secure in their positions. If you have a fishing pole or other gear on board, check to ensure it is secure and won’t fall into the water when you move about.
FAQs
Why should kayak anglers use a killswitch?
A killswitch is a vital piece of safety gear for any kayak angler. A lanyard attaches to your PFD (personal flotation device) and clips onto your kayak. If you fall out of your kayak, the killswitch will automatically detach the fishing rod from your kayak so that you can focus on getting back into it.
Why do kayak anglers tie themselves to their kayak?
There are a few reasons why someone might choose to tie themselves to their kayak. The first reason is safety. If you happen to fall out of your kayak, you will be tethered to it and can easily get back in. The second reason is stability. When you are fishing from a kayak, you will want to ensure that you are as stable as possible. Tying yourself to your kayak will help keep it from tipping over.
How is ocean kayak fishing different?
A kayak fisherman knows different waters have different rules. Saltwater kayak fishing is way different from kayak fishing in freshwater lakes and rivers. For one, the ocean is full of salt, which can corrode your fishing gear if you’re not careful. It’s also home to a variety of fish that are unfamiliar to most kayak fishermen.
That’s why it’s essential to take extra precautions when saltwater kayak fishing. Make sure you have the proper fishing gear, including a bilge pump, to remove any water that gets into your kayak. It’s also a good idea to invest in a self-rescue kit and a kayak paddle leash, in case you become separated from your kayak.
Most importantly, always be aware of your surroundings and know how to self-rescue in case you capsize. Saltwater kayak fishing can be a great experience as long as you take the necessary safety precautions.
Conclusion
Guidelines are very important, even if they are boring. You must follow instructions to keep yourself and your crew safe. The instructions on starting this rescue ship engine may seem boring, but you should not skip them even if they sound boring. It is crucial to follow this part of the instructions to ensure that everyone is safe at all times, especially when a medical emergency is on board.
