FS Digest

i’m relatively new to kayaking and have stuck to smaller ponds when i go but was interested in getting out on some bigger lakes. Is this a good choice and is it safe with people in larger boats being able to use outboard motors?

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by a__common_cold

FS Digest

Depends on what kind of kayak you have. When I go out on the lake I stick near the bank and don’t go out in the middle. I 99% of the time stick to small mountain lakes that are isolated and creeks and riverways. Kayak fishing is a peaceful thing for me. I don’t find much peace on a big lake with the wind blowing me all over the place and waves from boats. But if a big lake is what you have make sure you get a big flag so you’re noticed and be careful.

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by Aaron6940

FS Digest

I almost always fish in med to large lakes, I have never really had a problem with boats so long as they can see you, given I have an ascend 128t so it’s a very large kayak which helps with the wake. The real issue is checking the winds before you go out, if the wind is any more than 8-10 mph getting across the main channel of the lake will be near impossible, instead on those days you just stick to protected bays where the wind is not near as bad

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by gotta_kach_em_all

FS Digest

I almost always fish in med to large lakes, I have never really had a problem with boats so long as they can see you, given I have an ascend 128t so it’s a very large kayak which helps with the wake. The real issue is checking the winds before you go out, if the wind is any more than 8-10 mph getting across the main channel of the lake will be near impossible, instead on those days you just stick to protected bays where the wind is not near as bad

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by gotta_kach_em_all

FS Digest

Without knowing your area it’s hard to make a whole lot of suggestions. If you have a lot of emergent grass (taller than your kayak not including you) and people drive through cuts in it really fast, then definitely get a flag to help them see you. Other than that, having a bright colored kayak is the only other thing I would suggest for visibility.

In addition to being seen, it becomes even more important to WEAR a pfd while on large bodies of water. If you fall out and can’t climb back into your kayak you can tire and drown very quickly. Having a PLB (I like the spot or ACR ResQLink) can also save you if you get blown out from shore or otherwise can’t get back. Cell phones are not a substitute for a PLB in my opinion because they aren’t reliably waterproof and service is spotty at best on a lot of the areas I fish.

Finally, make sure to leave plans with someone so that they know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

This may be overkill (other than the pfd) for you, but this is a bit on how i prepare when going offshore in the ocean or in large lakes like Lake Okeechobee or Kissimmee

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by watergator

Doc1005 Loc: Mission,Tx

All the advice is good and right. I like to stay close to the shore and I try to keep my back or at least my side to the shore line at all times so I can square up quickly to the wakes when boats or jet skis get too close. Be aware at all times. Salt water kayaking is the same.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Watergator.... what's a ""PLB" ?

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Personal Locator Beacon . It's kind of mini EPIRB that attaches to your pfd. Sends out a signal to satellites so rescue can find you.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I have worn one many times, back-country skiing (in case of avalanche), but unaware of the marine version.... probably should check it out, though I don't necessarily do "big water", unless I am in a substantial boat. Thanks for the answer, Fredfish.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

You're welcome, Bass Pro has them in the Saltwater catalog.

YakMan Loc: NJ-LBI/FL_Melbourne Beach

I use a Wilderness 135 with several DIY additions. The attached photo does not show my latest update. I added a PVC holder to the milk crate behind my seat. It holds a 5' blaze orange fiberglass pole with a matching orange flag (12"x18"). Got the pole at Lowes (Item # 623347); my wife sewed the flag. It may not be enough warning for someone flying down the lake at 60 MPH, but every little bit helps.