Kayak Fishing in Rough Water - Kayak Safety Tip for Boat Wake
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- When kayak fishing, calm water can instantly become rough water when a large boat wake or a frantically driven bass boat wake slams into your fishing kayak. I was taught this kayak safety tip for dealing with rough water created by boat wakes - check it out to avoid being able to post a kayak fishing fails video when you flip!
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The Kayak Hacks Fishing channel covers kayak, wading, shoreline, spin and fly fishing. It features gear mods to make kayak fishing more comfortable, efficient and enjoyable. Also, I share many tips, tricks and "how to's" for spin and fly fishing regardless of whether you are fishing from a boat or on your feet. Please subscribe! Thanks!
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In short, you accept all risk of using any ideas presented in this video.
Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance, function or structural integrity of your kayak. You must determine if the ideas are appropriate for your boat and we disclaim any responsibility for your actions and decisions.
Nothing in this video creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantees a result. You are responsible for the safe operation of tools and any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of those tools as well as from the information contained in this video is 100% your responsibility. We shall not be held liable in any way or manner for errors, misleading or incorrect information. If you find an error, please notify us right away using the contact form for the channel.
It goes without saying that fishing is dangerous as a result of the fast water, slick rocks and other hazards that occur in random, unexpected places. You need to exercise caution, particularly in the spring when the water is high or during rapid changes in tide before you fish anywhere. You should always wear a life vest when fishing. Also, a wading staff will help you keep your balance as you walk on the shoreline or wade.
The bottom line is that you must make a judgment regarding acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on the opinions expressed here. The regulations governing legal access to fishing locations may change at any time, and it is your responsibility to understand the law. Nothing expressed should be construed as encouraging you to trespass on private property or violate a regulation.
More Kayak Safety Tips - ua-cam.com/play/PL8egn41J7Go-UFQNfAZBiWZBXiLJuIDOM.html
This was ABSOLUTELY VALUABLE information for a person like myself who has just ordered a kayak online and has never even been out on water alone (or frequently for that matter). You saved me and my dog a bad incident. Thanks for the info! :)
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
jasmine espinoza Have You Been Out On The Water Yet?
OGKingTae yes I recently have now that I got my kayak in the mail! I waited for low winds and paddled straight toward the waves as recommended which was totally the opposite of what I would have done. Worked like a charm! Thanks 😊
i head right for the swell and paddle as fast as i can. That's fun !!
Decades ago I was in the Willamette river in a Coronado 15, a small sail boat. A smaller tug came down river towing a raft of logs. After it had passed. I sailed across the wake, and to my surprise there was a great amount of swirling water due to the churning of the props of the tug and the raft of logs. My advice includes all you said, plus letting some time pass before crossing the "centerline" of the boat's passage; the bigger the boat, the longer to take. If I was in the Columbia with and ocean going freighter, I would give it several minutes to settle down. As in, more than 2. They cause a wake that would make the wakes in the video look like something in your bathtub.
Great advice ! Thanks
Absolutely. I used to work the oil fields of southern Louisiana and after navigating the Mississippi in a 21’ joe boat, and having that joe boat plane into a turn because of the current produced by the swirl of a cargo ship or ocean going tug, I would be less than wanting to trail behind it in a canoe/kayak/pirogue.
You got it right! Take em head on. It’s natural to get worried when this happens but stay calm and position yourself. I suspect you will be surprised at how well kayaks can handle wake. I was. Other recommendations are to be sure to wear your pfd and make sure items are secure on the deck/boat. It is easy to become sidetracked on a good day fishing and let items lay on the deck unsecured. Once things start rockin, it’s usually too late. Be safe and have fun! Thanks for the vid.
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
I watched this video a few weeks ago and it came in handy yesterday...twice! A speedboat whizzed past me while I was kayaking, and quickly I thought back to this video, turned to face the wake head on, and started paddling for deeper water. This is the opposite f my instinct would have told me to do, and it worked beautifully. Unfortunately, they were so close that I got the initial wake, not just the swell, but my Oru Coast did cut through it no problem. Got to try it out again an hour later, but thh boat was further away, so I just had the swells, and again, no issues. Who says you can't learn kayaking skills from UA-cam!
It is a shame they do not have more awareness of their wakes!
@@KayakhacksFishing I don;t think this guy cared. I looked at the go pro video after to make sure I wasn't misremembering. I was actually 50-60 feet from a dock where people were swimming, and this fool actually zoomed in between me and the dock. (So I actually didn't paddle for deeper water! But I did with the next boat) His head was turned the opposite direction. He could have hit a swimmer easily and not noticed!
@@heatherb.7262 Amazing
Valid info. Tested and agreed on the method. Same applies if the wakes are coming from behind. Paddling into them, fast or slow, always decreases the yak movement as it crests over each wake. (Doesn't rock it too bad.) I often continue the rocking with my body long after the main wakes have passed. My example of you need to have fun and dont freak! Also, preventative measures are a must. Make sure stuff is strapped or has a float in case of capsizing. And to reiterate, an anchor quick release and an achor float is a must with big wakes. Being tied down and dealing with wakes is RISKY at least.
I agree!
General rule for all boats dealing with swells/waves: Power into (either motor, paddle, or peddle) the wave, you dont have to go full power, just enough to keep moving forward against the wave. Try to hit it at an angle anywhere between perpendicular and 45° off perpendicular.
Excellent advice!
45 seems best to me. If I go parallel to the waves the kayak rocks side to side. If I go head on the bow slams down right as the next wave splashes up over the bow. I feel like with a 45 degree angle I'm not rocking like crazy and I don't have waves crashing up over the nose either.
Good video. I have been paddling canoes for 35+ years and this is exactly how I deal with wakes and swells too. Doing some research into switching to a kayak.
I was a canoe guy for the same amount of time. I do not think I would ever go back... but... they are a lot less expensive!
This is good. I'm a sea kayaker, long narrow yaks, sitting inside. When a group of us would launch and land in the surf, at least one of us would get hammered, flipped over, swim into shore, try not to end up with the kayak between me and a wave... Then I got some surf zone training and practice. After that it was just a set of things to do. At worst going out a breaker would come right over the deck, but I'd get through. That was 10 years ago and I'm out of practice....
Learn a couple of things. The low brace, and the high brace. A quick slap on the water keeps you from going over. I'm sure everyone has learned breaking waves will turn you side on to the wave-- then it dumps you. The move for riding in a breaking wave is to plant your paddle into the wave and push down on it hard. But don't take my word, you have to see it, practice it. Surf zone techniques also work for any boat or ship wake, but find some videos, learn from a good kayak coach, and then practice. The day I learned I started out in the first wave riding into the shallows, upside down, head dragging in the sand. A hour later I was riding in, turning, heading right back out and doing it again and again.
Many times I've headed out of a breakwater channel into the ocean, and it didn't look bad. But when I got out there the swell was very short, wave height 4-5 feet. Head back in? turning around seemed nearly impossible. I think we can and will eventually wind up in difficult situations. Learn and practice. (and I'm overdue for a good practice day.....)
The flip side to boat wakes. heading in roughly the same direction as the boat, if you plant your paddle into the crest and put your whole body into it, and do the same on the other side (you won't have a rhythm) you can pick up some nice speed. There are people who've ridden wakes at high speeds for miles. ua-cam.com/video/xDlZvfvlZro/v-deo.html I was thinking of a video of a couple of guys on the Ohio River surfing behind a paddle wheeler.
Thank you very much for this thoughtful guidance! I appreciate it!
I mostly kayak/fish on a chain of lakes in Central Florida and I learned to turn into boat wakes my first time out. My problem is there are ski boats and jet skiers' who think it's great sport to come as close and as fast as they can by someone in a kayak. My solution, is to go out on the lake during the week while most of these folks are at work.
Those people drive me crazy. I think there are some who think it is sporty to try and tip us. If you have a GoPro, turn it on when you see them coming and report the bad behavior.
Ben Bateman carry some 1-3oz sinkers... problem solved
knightnoah7 I don't want to do that. I occasionally fish at Sebastian Inlet and there is an ongoing war between fishermen on the jetty and fishermen in boats. I've seen both side sling weighted hooks at each other. I will not stoop to such childish and dangerous behavior. Taking pictures of the offending boaters/jet skiers and turn them over to our local PD is the option I've chosen.
Right, no need to do something that will get somebody hurt
Thank you! I got back into fishing and started fishing from my new kayak! I’m still learning about it. It’s a sit on kayak and I can tell you this “I feel very safe in this type of kayak”
Glad I could help!
This is great advice. This afternoon I was out fishing on my kayak when two boats went by really fast I headed for shallow water. I did not flip my kayak. however, the wave filled my sit on top with water and I started to sink. It wasn’t a great experience so thanks for the video. I’ll try it next time I’m out.
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
Sometimes when the bite is slow and the wakes aren't massive I'll purposely ride the rollers on my port or starboard side to get a little fun going
Hell yeah! Best way to brighten up the day lol
If the wake is big I paddle out close to the boat where the wake is biggest and surf it.😁 If it isn't big enough to surf, I just carry on & plough on through without a care.
I stick to rivers and lakes that don't allow motors.
The rivers and the lakes that you’re used to?
@@MyHandmadeLife Mostly.
@@MyHandmadeLifeMy girlfriend is going to TLC's concert tonight. 😂.
face the wake makes sense ... thats what i do ... but im not sold on the difference between shallow vs deep .... plus being in 2 feet of water and tipping is better than being in 20 feet and tipping
Do what you think is best. The physics dictate the wave will be higher in shallow water. www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=HzgJK3Mh&id=9BDF98F293B719BF8DE19B815AD9DF40B93A8EB8&thid=OIP.HzgJK3MhrS3ZyiwL34YNgwHaCZ&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fsurfforecasting.magicseaweed.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2010%2f11%2fShallowatercrop.jpg&exph=191&expw=590&q=wave+height+in+shallow+water&simid=608004572492138206&ck=F40EF1B24FE81BAD35DB3BF203FCA55B&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0
I subscribed just off his intro lol I’m hooked
Those are Baby Waves. I fish on the Puget Sound where the waves from ships, medium to large yachts will easily kick up 2 -3 foot swells. You throw in some wind and you could easily add a foot.
Yes I have scuppers...
But I grew up on the Sound using a small....12 footer with a 3 ft. beam...skiff and chasing down 4 foot swells for fun.
Now I use a Bonafide 127 and do the same....it's still fun.
I'm with you! When those container ships roll up the Cape Fear River, they throw out an 8 foot wake!
Excellent advice. I do it the exact same way as you recommend.
I'm happy I found your channel.
Welcome!
Boat waves bouncing back of structures are very challenging as the waves come from 2 directions.
Interestingly, for tidal waves/tsunamis, fishing boats use the same approach: if there's time, they head for deep water where the wave is still a swell and not breaking. Reportedly, if they're in deep enough water, the wave can pass under them without them knowing it was there.
I can also testify: as a beginner kayaker this year, I tried one spot where there were a lot of speedboats and jet skis, and got caught close to the shore at one point and was driven into the wetlands by the breaking waves. Not fun. When I was a little further out in the channel, it wasn't a lot more than just dealing with bobbing up and down for a bit. I try to keep far enough away from the main boat channel to have time to maneuver out of the way, though, if a boat comes speeding by (I hope that as the vessel with a lot more speed, the other guy would adjust to avoid me, but preference is to give some buffer so I don't have to rely on their good sense).
So true. I try and fish where the boats cannot penetrate.
Good tip. I practice the same thing.
New kayaker here. First taste of choppiness I had was on a lake on a windy day, kinda figured out how to deal with it then. Went out today on a much larger body of water with lots of boaters, and had my first experience dealing with wakes. Luckily, it was about 90' of water, so there wasn't any breaking, just some swells that I took head-on and dealt with just fine. One of the largest wakes came off a police boat screaming up the river, he spun around and came over to check my fishing license lol
lol! You were an easier target to catch!
@@KayakhacksFishing Where I'm at, ANY watercraft over 10' needs a permit. Good thing I paid for one lol, and also wasn't sturgeon fishing, need an extra endorsement for them. Got a couple nibbles from what I can only imagine were *probably* sturgeon. Bottom fishing a worm in a 90' hole on the Willamette? Probably sturgeon lol
@@CedarPinesFieldGrove The price for that permit went up this year I've noticed. Used to be $7 for non motorized craft, now is like $19. Thanks Oregon!
You can get big breaking wakes in deeper water too. I was out last Friday off the coast of So. Calif in about 100 ft of water when a 50 ft charter boat came chugging by at about 30 mph, pushing 3-4 foot waves that were breaking at the top, one after the other. But overall, they're really not that difficult to deal with if they're not breaking. If they are, just point your bow into them and paddle hard like you're launching into surf.
and keep your fingers crossed! :-)
I know this is an older video but this needs to be pinned at the top. I deal with bass boats, jet skis and wave runner ski boats. Big wakes happen all the time. It's very important you aren't sideways to waves. Be facing into them or your rear pointed toward them so you roll with the tide. Be safe everyone and wear your pfd on the water
I will!
Great tip. I use the same technique when crossing wind blown swells.
Wind drives me nuts. 10 mph is my upper limit. We were caught out the other day when the wind picked up to a consistent 12 with gusts to 15 and it was tough paddling to get back to the launch.
Agreed. Even paddling with the wind is a pain. I'm worn out by the time I get back.
Back when i was younger, (Few years ago) we would go down to our vacation house in Columbia NC on the abermral sound, we had a 3 seater ocean kayak and best way to deal with them is to hit them head on and make sure you are going fast, We would hit waves that would make us disappear and be fine after, Not even get wet
That’s the right way going towards the wake good job 👍🏼.
try floatation outriggers... stability is increased... I installed and they work.. plus I am usually on a lake.. and no time for pointing kayak at in coming waves.. or swells.. just ride it out.. and its better stability..
Good tips. If you are in the ICWW and a huge barge comes by you get a huge surge of water in front but
as the barge passes it creates a huge vacuum that can suck you right into the barge.
Those container ships can be brutal. I use an app to track them when I am on the river
I would also add, keep paddling through the swell or wake as you don't want to be pushed sideways if you are just sitting there
Good video. I understand what your say about the waves not being as bad in 10 feet of water as they would be in 2 feet of water. I'm not an expert at kayaking but for me I'd rather be in the 2 water heading straight into the waves at least for the waves you were dealing with. If I feel like my kayak can ride the waves being in shallow water makes it easier to retrieve gear and safer for me. If that was a huge tanker with 3 foot swells I would have gotten completely out of the kayak, grabbed my rope that's tied on to the front of the kayak and held on and hoped for the best.
I agree if you can stand on firm ground and hold the kayak if the waves are not too large.
Looks like you were are Shark Tooth Island. The wakes and the current get bad through there. I have seen multiple people have issues out there. Same with intracoastal.
Yep - that was one of the places shown in the vid. Those container ships can be brutal.
Great tip. Just got my kayak and was wondering about this.
Go deep, but not close
There are some comments expressing concern about paddling towards the wake as the water behind the boat can be quite turbulent and also that there might just be more boats coming.
Those are valid concerns, but don't underestimate the safety of having your kayak meet the waves head on. If it's busy water or the boat was really huge and you don't trust paddling towards the middle of the water; just point the tip towards the wave and meet it head on.
As this video demonstrates, the top of the wave travels faster than the bottom of the wave. So imagine (especially your SOT) half tilted on a wave, the left side on the bottom of the wave, the right side on the top. Then look at the relative motion as seen from the middle of your kayak as the wave hits you from the right and pushes everything to the left. But!. The left side is, relative to the middle, pushed towards the right and the right side is, relative to the middle, pushed towards the left. This is almost a guarantee for flipping.
Excellent points!
Very helpful
I’ll be dealing with this tomorrow for the first time
Good luck
Steve you should install a bilge pump on your yak. One more thing. There are too many click bait video people on UA-cam. most live life on the edge. Thank you for being safety minded and teaching properly. Please promote getting a PFD, inflating fanny pack or suspenders and using it, ALL the time. Accidents happen in a flash.death and drowning don't give second chances. You can pretty much control your actions, but inconsiderate people you can not. Better to be safe than have regrets. Stay safe and thanks
I agree fully!
I use your tips a lot, specially this one. I was on lake Conroe TX, there were a lot of power boats on my way back and, a lot of waves. I applied your tip and it was fun, and I was able to get back to point A safely... thanks!
Glad to help!
I just dont go in lakes that allow powered watercrafts anymore. I get too mad.
This is something i have had to deal with Good info thanks
Great info. I use this quite a bit fishing the flats in Corpus Christi, Tx.
Enjoying your channel.
Thanks!
Just got a kayak for Christmas thank you for this video
I do the same as you...treat them like a set of train tracks and your on a bike...keep the front perpendicular to your obstacle.
A good reason to use a quick release anchor with float. You don’t want to be anchored on a tight line when a big wake comes along. Release, ride over the wake, come back and rehook to the anchor line.
As far as power boats, I’d much rather they stay on plane than slow down. When they slow, the hull drops down into the water and displaces more water throwing a bigger wake. I’d rather they stay on plane and give me a wide berth.
I totally agree! Happened to me yesterday. Boat slowed down and huge wave!
on tall waves, try to stay level. when you get to the top of one on the way back down, paddle hard one good time to get the nose up.
sometimes you may need to push down with your feet while ascending a wave to stay level too. (don't do it too early).
never let the front of the kayak dig into a wave unless you're trying to do stunts
Great advice! Thanks!
When approached by a wave from any direction, your best approach as an amateur paddler is to just keep paddling. Paddling will stabilize the boat.
Great tip head on is the only way to deal with wakes
My technique to deal with boat swells is..... to fish in a pond that does not have power boats. I'd say really is to paddle into them and have fun not to freak out
Beginner kayaker.first time I put out into a big body of water than I'm used to a big boat came by at a pretty good pace and the swell would of easily taken my kayak had I tried face on.i turned 180 and paddled away from the swell.even though it still caught me it was a gentel roll and didn't cause a big splash getting the inside or me to get wet.
Exactly! As long as either the front or back is aligned perpendicular, you have the max chance of not flipping.
This is very helpful Steve, thx!
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Quarter the wave. No head on or side approach. Great Lake Swells are tight crest to crest
I ve been 600m offshore, a megayacht crosses on speed (there were other fishing boats on idle next to me), and man...I really had to use courage to turn the tip of my kayak to the wave. It's not a paddling, but pedalling wilderness one. Still, scary seeing the wave coming
Scary!
@@KayakhacksFishing people buy a bathtub and think they are captains...but the worst is they don't care about the others, just showing off their toy.
@@Psevdokranos Sad, but true
I agree with your Technique 100% I was in about 10 foot of water last year and a cigarette boat came past me and put water over top of my bow all the way to about where my knees were I pulled the Scupper plugs and let the water drain but I did not tip over great technique
Amazing what those power boats do.
Kayak Hacks Fishing yeah I was really surprised my father-in-law was not too far from me and he took the wave sideways he was in the ascend fs128t and the water came so high that it actually got him wet in the high position of his seat but again he did not flip over I was kind of shocked he didn't
Those fs128's are like barges. I got to try a friend's one time and it was stable as all get out. Unfortunately, it was harder to paddle for any length of time too. I was completely worn out in about a half hour.
I guess that's the trade-off, you can't be flipped, but you have to work hard to get where you are going. IMHO totally worth it is you have to deal with a lot of lunatics!
Good exercise!
Lucky!
Awesome info man thanks
I learned this the hard way! You confirmed my findings. Thank you - from a new subbie!
Awesome! Thank you!
I would also add if you are near a breaker wall or any type of structure like a bridge it will reflect the wake back making that area like a washing machine. Not a fun place to be, and can be a challenge to paddle out of if not experienced.
GREAT POINT! Thank you. Kind of like the breaker wall in the video... I should have mentioned that. Appreciate your amplification of the message.
i do the same as you. i try to be in the middle of the shoreline and the vessel.. like that i'm not too close either or. great topic though!
Good to know there is consensus on this
on a good day ill surf the wake till i get bored.... still a good topic. safety first as always.
I use a little 4'x11' wood boat I made and hitting these are fun and slap my flat bottom pretty good sometimes. The only problem is when I'm anchored in the lake and the hit me sideways. They usually come while I'm not paying attention! Lol
That must be rough!
We need you to purchase a yak with some scupper holes please... My man goes offshore like this 😂. Hope the capacity of that yak is rated for those heavy balls you got, brother! Liked and subbed. Great video. Love the channel. I just worry about too much water getting in.
lol! Mine has scuppers and that water does come rolling in and out! Good point for those who kayaks do not have those - like my last one - a Native Ultimate. It sucked.
@@KayakhacksFishing I don't think I'll ever buy one without scupper holes. I'd sink it lol.
Typically with small waves like those I'll ignore them and take them from the side in my kayak, just roll your hips with the wave, bigger waves I do hit straight on
Yep!
Just got first fishing kayak and took it out on Long Island Sound yesterday morning. Was super calm, but a tanker like half mile away made a nasty set of waves.
I was nearly dozing off bottom fishing but realized a few moments before a big set of waves were heading towards my side. Luckily, i was able to turn nose of kayak towards the waves in time.
Lesson learned, I need to be alert at all times, especially when paddling at sea.
GREAT VID!
I use an app - Marine Traffic - to track big ships on the Cape Fear River to avoid the waves. You should check it out.
@@KayakhacksFishing Will do!
Good information. Thanks
Smaller Power boats like the last one in your video has no respect and they should ticket them for that . Now the Larger boat looked liked they slowed down some for you. That was respect. Anytime in power boat I slow for other boats or even people in the water because that is reckless not to do so.
I agree and thank you for your consideration!
great little video -thanks
Thanks for watching
Right thank you
Good advice
Well said ! Great video
You are awesome. Love y’all
Kayak Hacks Fishing, Great video/videos. I think i'm gonna use your GoPro mount tip for my kayak. I don't wanna spend 70$ for a mount. I've spent enough LOL. I just gave you a Sub, you are what I call a G.O.A.T. Always can get great tips you can trust from an O.G.. Keep'em coming
:-)
I’m from NC
I sea kayak with a 19' kayak with good chine, so taking on swells or waves sideways isn't a really big deal. I don't have to point into the waves for stability. I have never kayaked the smaller fishing kayaks, so this video is interesting. I always thought the reason for kayaking was because of their stability in waves. Are the fishing kayaks not so stable in waves?
It depends on the model and whether you are taken by surprise by a large wave. You might be leaning over the side a bit to deal with the anchor or a fish and WHAP a large wave hits and tips. Container ships are the worst!
I went out for my first time in a boat harbor and just a few days ago in wicked windy day. Not really that hard. Just a little wet 🤣
Approach the wake at a 45 degree angle apposed to head on. They will be much easier to deal with and will help to avoid water entering the kayak.
Thanks!
This guys great!
Yesterday I went out onto a lake that goes into a river I'm a novice so when the waves started coming at me I tried to turn into it but the wind pushed against me I was in about 6 ft water and I did not capsize but I could not get the kayak to turn I paddled to shore and got out
Ouch.
This is not a kayak issue it's a yaker experience issue. You see the kayak did it's a design thing and kept you afloat, but you placed yourself in an environment that you were not prepared for. Wind and water size was your problem. Thank god you didn't go over, but in reality, you should not have been out in that wind, and water that big until you had better paddling and yak positioning skills. I too am no pro, but I do constantly evaluate my paddling skills and restrict where I go.
Also, I am a 40yr plus licensed boater and do understand how to take on waves. This is always in my thoughts while kayaking. In certain conditions pre launch, I will say, this is not for me, and not launch my kayak.
@@Nstruction I'm an excellent swimmer but your right it's best to start in calm water not try this stuff with boats going by creating havoc that's what happened the waves were huge but I used to jump off a train trustee into the Hiwassee river in an inner tube snd float down the river lol
@@nantahayala2294 That's awesome, but when you kayak you are kayaking. When you jump off of train trusses that's what you are doing. I grew up in ashore town and many of us jumped off of the trusses during the summer for fun. Id didn't jump off into a kayak, and I never took the kayak off the bridge, soooo? LOL
You mentioned your boat does not have scuffer holes, is there an advantage to having them vs not having them?
I hated not having them because water would stay in. Kayaks, unlike canoes, have low sides and water will eventually come in from waves. The only disadvantage I can think of related to having them is the slight amount of drag they create when paddling since the hull is not totally smooth.
I keep a 1 ounce sinker tied a rod just for these situations. If a boat gets close enough to my cast they get mono prop.
Man, this is what bums me out. I’m saving up for my first fishing kayak and I would hate to spend 2-3k on it just to have the experience ruined by a bunch of boaters. I hope I’m not wasting my money by getting one soon.
You just need to be aware of your surroundings and all is good
Is that "first fishing kayak" also your "first kayak"? Because then you might be better off testing the waters so to speak with a cheaper model. Heck, find a kayak seller that allows you to do test rides. Try Sit-On-Tops, sit-ins, kayak-canoe hybrids. Whatever they have :D
@@tiaxanderson9725 Always good advice!
Tether everything
When is the best time to use suffer holes and the plugs
I don't use plugs for my scupper holes since I want any water that gets inside the boat to exit. It's a rare day water comes up from below,.
I plug my scupper holes when fishing in streams and calm water. Even at this time, I may select which holes I plug and those that I don't, to have the benefit of draining during certain water conditions or rain.
When fishing the bay or water with boat traffic and waves, I remove the scupper plugs for safety. When fishing these areas, assume you are going to get a little wet and allow the scuppers to drain any water that enters the boat. Depending on your sit on top Kayak, under good circumstances, scupper holes just designate a "little wet ass" or a dry trip". In big water the wet ass "scupper plugs out" is the better bet. You won't get swamped and sink due to incoming water.
GREAT INFORMATION AND VIDEO MY FRIEND!
Thanks for watching!
I just do wat they do on deadliest catch and paddle straight into the wake. Don't like to be caught sideways from em
From behind is bad too
I got rolled in deep water under a bridge by a large boat going fast and I was turned into the wake.
That is what I am concerned about.
So what do you do if you're fishing when this happens. reel up as fast as possible and get moving?
The most important thing is to turn to face the wave - even if your lure gets snagged.
Reeling up is not anything to worry about, forget about the lines. Focus on pointing the bow toward the wake and ride it out. Anchor release, if you are anchored should be done. This is why having a quick release anchor with a recovery float is key, or better yet, try not to anchor under these conditions.
Even if the wave breaks over the bow of your "sit on top kayak", it should not be an issue of safety if you have your scupper plugs out. The water will come over the nose, the boat will bounce, and as it levels off, the scuppers will drain the water. Most quality "sit on top" kayaks can't hold enough water in their paddling areas to sink them (if hatches are properly sealed and closed). FYI, always keep hatches closed if you are not actively entering them.
The key point is to have the bow facing the wave. Getting caught broadside is a completely different issue and is not a kayak design issue, it's a piloting issue.
@@Nstruction I totally agree
@@Nstruction thanks. I fish near an inlet. About 1/4-1/2 mile from the entrance on the bay side. I don’t even see the boats that cause the wake sometimes so I’m always looking out. Could I use 2litre soda bottles as anchor line floats?
@@BobWhittBass Just go to the dollar store and buy a pool noodle (orange, neon green or something bright). Cut about an 8-12-inch piece and tie it to the very end of your anchor line. In an emergency just release the line and the end will float for later retrieval. Note, buy a cheap anchor cleat to use on your kayak. Never tie your anchor to the yak, just cleat it so you can jettison in a hurry if required.
People capsize from boat wakes?
Yep. The most extreme case is here on the Cape Fear River when the container ships go by. They can kick off an 8 foot wave.
I hope you have a better camera by now.
Yes!
Being new to kayaking.. I think I would curl into a ball and urinate on myself... lol
My first reaction to the situation as well!!
Why dont you use a sit on top kayak?
I do now!
Higher centre of gravity
I got flipped one time by a maniac in one of those huge speed boats. He came within a few feet of me and I didn't have time to turn around to face the wave. I dealt with him by giving him the "single digit salute!" Some people have no respect for kayaks. They don't realize that sometimes we have lines in the water, and can't just move in an instant. It takes a couple of minutes to reel the line in and get ready to change course.
The best thing to do is always face the waves and hang on for a ride. Going parallel to them will only get you a bath or flipped.
Yep. I've been there. That's why I love the back marsh where it is too shallow for the power boats.
I wish! We only have rivers and lakes around here. You know Where all the crazy people like to torture kayak anglers!
I was lucky in freshwater in Virginia - the Rappahannock and Rapidan are too shallow and have too many rapids for the power folks.
Larry Talbot you oughta 'accidentally' wrap a few hundred feet of line around the offending propeller lol maybe itll slow em down.
The best way to deal with the wake is to be in the boat.😀
Get a map and read it.
Fishing and/or paddling in ICWs and boat channels mean you'll have to put up with it. Regardless of time of day or season.
Most boaters are very nice and ethical, but a few are not.
Keeping your bow or stern point towards the directions of the swells/wakes will greatly reduce your chances of getting turtled.
Yep. We just have to live with it
I don't think the depth matters nearly as much as putting your nose into the waves.
You need to do both. Especially on my kayak without the scupper holes. Any water that gets in, stays in.
Kayak Hacks Fishing one tip I saw for water is to get one of those huge truck washing sponges. They can pick up any amount of water, don't get in the way and weigh almost nothing. Just squeeze it out to slow bail your boat.
Good idea. I use a car washing sponge right now. I need to upgrade.
Bruh lake Ozark boats put off bigger wakes😂
That lake is like an ocean
in my inflatable intex, these boat wakes are the only fun times on the big slow river. i prefer small flooded creeks with rapids. river is to calm n boring. 🍻
Wakes caused by power boats can be extremely dangerous; especially if some numbskull in a hotrod boat is buzzing a kayaker to show off. Situational awareness; and, knowing your safety boundaries in a kayak can keep your recreational time from turning into a tragedy; which, can happen in a few fleeting seconds.
Absolutely agree. We have to be alert.
Yesterday, I was out on SF Bay and one of those numbskulls in a very fast, very powerful powerboat (meaning that the fool could have properly slowed and then resumed his speed without trouble) just had to, had to, had to go buzzing through the 100' gap between me and a jetty at a high wake generating speed, so yes I was quite aware of the peril. Due to the relatively brisk winds, I barely got my bow turned into the wake, but I did without further incident, bravo for things working right.
So my point is that dangers sometimes will nail us despite our very best efforts to thwart them, so wear that PFD, appropriate immersion protection, paddle with a buddy, and carry a functional VHF. One last thing, SF Bay is a HUGE body of water, and I have sailed, boated, and kayaked all over it, yet somehow I have had so many close calls on it -- for some bizarre reason other boaters seem to gravitate to other vessels when out on such an enormous playing field, kind of like drunk drivers that ram into the rear ends of vehicles parked on the side of the road.
Outriggers !
That could be a good use for them.
me!!
I do same thing. I also have sit in Kayake
I learned this the hard way I wasn't tipped but I got slammed
Ouch