Life Saving Gear That Should Be on Your Fishing Kayak

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

All excellent tips you provided! My good people, don't let your trip get ruined by not being prepared. (funny, I have the EXACT same tools as you + spare prop & shear pin)

[@wendellfishing]

We are the same person!!!

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

@@wendellfishing Yeah, I do wood work so I watched a few of your wife's (excellent) videos and she looks alot like my wife. Maybe you and I were separated at birth!?

[@wendellfishing]

@@HomesteadOnThePreserve Brother... is that you?

[@micahlowbe9067]

Additional safety tip: adding navigational lights to a non-powered vessel is hazardous. Navigational lights are for powered vessels (elec or gas). Meaning that it has ability to avoid another powered vessel. Other boaters will assume you are under power and not be cautious to you. The lights look cool on a kayak but are not wise to use. The simple white light is best. It means that you are not under power and/or anchored.

[@redneckatheist4136]

We are a kayak fishing family of very strong swimmers...I think I need to dust off the PFD's.

[@wendellfishing]

Wouldn't be a bad idea

[@tombosanko3085]

Number 1 safety item should of been the pfd. Then # 2 the safety knife.

[@WhiskeyWelk]

No if you tip first step is to stab yourself. If you live then use the pfd.

[@michaelsmith3282]

I have most of those don't leave land without em

[@david_cummings]

IMO. If your offshore to a distance that you would need a VHF radio, you might consider carrying some handheld emergency flares. Any vessels who spot your distress signal must respond.

[@krsone1585]

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR TIME!

[@wendellfishing]

No worries!

[@truecrimson1]

I love my NRS Chinook and pilot knife. Had them for probably 8 or 10 years now. The Chinook has floated me at 300 pounds back around 2014 and again a couple of years ago at 250 pounds. When I turtled a couple of years ago it was on Swatara Creek a few weeks after a big hurricane hit the northeast. My paddle was swept away. I always keep a collapsible single bladed paddle in my hatch. I was able to keep going, and found my kayak paddle in an eddy a ways downstream. In PA a whistle or some other noise maker is required by law in paddle craft.

[@wendellfishing]

True Crimson! Solid Comment.. Thanks for sharing

[@susanlupton2079]

As others have said, a great video with solid information. Agree with Tombosanko, every safe trip begins with a PFD! The knife is secondary. Several more suggestions from someone who is a hard shell kayaker: I live in an area of the country, Montana, where cell service can be nonexistent and VHF is unrealistic, therefore we carry Garmin inReach sets or the equivalents. The regional Coast Guard Auxiliary has a program where they distribute high grade adhesive stickers that can be used to identify who owns the boat along with their contact information. My state does not require licenses for kayaks so there are no other identifying markings. The CG's goal being to reduce the time figuring out whether it is a lost person rescue situation or just a lost boat. Finally, the same safety requirement as for hikers, leave the information with a friend or family about where you are going and when you will be back. Happy and safe trips on the water!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on.. solid comment!

[@LetsFish204]

Tools for sure, my battery disconnected while fishing in quite a large lake, had to paddle for almost an hour just get back to shore. Needless to say, I now have wrenches and soldered every connection afterwards 😂

[@wendellfishing]

Smart man!

[@flipflop_fishingsuzannetys9617]

So glad you went over the head lamp. Went and checked batteries and they were dead. Thank you

[@wendellfishing]

Awesome! That would have sucked when you needed it!

[@cobbs]

Excellent list. I would add a couple more, however: 1) a change of clothes during cold weather. It doesn't have to be extremely cold for hypothermia to set in. Had a buddy who was fishing out in the ocean about 10 years ago. He fell in the water, but got back in his kayak quickly. He was soaked, but since he didn't lose any gear, he decided to keep fishing. The air and water temp were both around 50. it was overcast with a slight breeze. He figured he would just warm up with all the physical activity. but he didn't. He started shivering uncontrollably, lost the use of his hands, and found it hard to focus. Which brings me to 2) Fish with someone else when out in the ocean or away from other people. Luckily for him (really lucky), he was fishing with a buddy who towed him back in. When they got back to shore, he was helped him into his truck and the heat was cranked up. He said it took him about an hour before he started feeling okay again. Scary stuff.

[@truecrimson1]

In 2014 or so I was fishing with a buddy on a northern PA creek and turtled. We were about halfway through a 6 hour trip. I don't remember the exact date but it was end of winter/early spring and just cold enough to be bad. Fortunately my buddy had spare clothes in his hatch and I was able to change and make it to the take out with only being very uncomfortably cold and not dangerously cold. After that I always pack a spare set of clothes and a hoody.

[@cobbs]

@@truecrimson1 Same here. Ever since hearing my buddy's story, I always take a vacuum sealed bag of thermals, wool socks, wool cap, fleeced lined pants, fleece lined jacket. It's a little bulky but relatively light. I stuff it in my front hatch and it stays there until the end of winter.

[@wendellfishing]

Cobbs.. solid comment brother. Excellent add. Thank you.

[@lightfeather9953]

It's so easy for people to underestimate how fast being wet will drop your core temp

[@Richard-bs8xe]

Another outstanding informational video!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss! Appreciate it

[@ryanparrish23]

Great video, as usual. We just purchased our first kayaks yesterday, but I have been researching them for about a year now. So far this is the first video I have seen that mentioned a first aid kit. As soon as we got home one of the first things I did was order a waterproof first aid kit for both my wife and myself. Thank you for getting good information out there!

[@wendellfishing]

Congrats on the yaks! Which ones did you end up getting? Also, here's a dedicated video to the Kayak Fishing First Aid Kit if you are interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHrMonaZrdN7j8k

[@ryanparrish23]

@@wendellfishing We got the Nucanoe Unlimiteds. We'd like to take the grandbabies out with us so it is setup perfect for that and we can easily swap from that to fishing, camping, or just recreational.

[@wendellfishing]

@@ryanparrish23 Heck yeah! Those are solid , very stable yaks.

[@ryanparrish23]

@@wendellfishing I'll probably spend more time in the water than on the kayak my first few times though LOL.

[@wendellfishing]

@@ryanparrish23 Ha! Sounds about right :)

[@OzMan9989]

GREAT video. Everyone on the water should heed your advice. Stay alive folks. Ain’t worth the risk.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Oz.. just heard of a father/son who passed kayak fishing.. no pfd. Ugh.. heartbreaking

[@OzMan9989]

@@wendellfishing That’s sad.

[@CanoeKayakFishingAdventures]

Great video. First aid kit is always in my kayak

[@wendellfishing]

100%

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

I love the flat back on the Raku so much I may just buy one even though my Chinook is only a year old.

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah.. I think you would like it... I don't even notice the extra padding anymore. $$$$

[@joeybard8889]

Awesome video,(as usual). Safety ABSOLUTELY FIRST! Being seen is big. As an x boater. How many times, came across kayak at 60 mph. But couldn't see them.

[@wendellfishing]

Great point!

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Just wanted to share my paddle hack. Bought a Hobie T-Handle, and drilled a hole in half of my take-down paddle to accept the detent button...instant oar, and more functional than an emergency 1 hander.

[@wendellfishing]

Solid BA! Thanks for the add

[@fullalnatural]

Subscribed just for jumping right in with the list.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on 👍

[@bullseyepete8367]

Get laughed at all the time when loading my yak. I bring spare clothes during winter, 3 small first aid kits, swiss army and leatherman, rope, paddle holder, survival kit, collapsible paddle, headlight, battery bank, etc. My friend brings even more. Im on a 10ft ultralite. Haven't even started fishing yet. Pfd all the time.

[@wendellfishing]

Ha! Hey.. as the say on the Appalachian Trail. Hike Your Own Hike. GET SOME!

[@willjunkin732]

Great accessories for safety to carry. Safety 1st.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Will! Thanks boss!

[@OzMan9989]

I use a little lightning detector. Really useful device.

[@lowlifeangler]

My phone battery wears down taking pictures someone's else fish. I like my angler PFD cause it has pockets and no issues to paddle or casting.

[@wendellfishing]

The wife is outfishin you heh?

[@lowlifeangler]

@@wendellfishing She catches the most..I catch the big one

[@wheelman024]

Great video but you need to get some oil on those tools or they won't work when you need them

[@DontUputThatEvilOnMe]

One of the best things you can get if you don’t want to tether your paddle is put a section of pool noodle on each end of your paddle so it floats if it goes into the water.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on!

[@jesse4r5]

A spare set of dry clothes during cooler months of the year is a must IMO.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on!

[@Copperspd_382]

Do you know the difference in the NRS Raku and the NRS Chinook? The Chinook is currently on sale for $90 but is regularly $160. Any thoughts?

[@wendellfishing]

Yep, the difference between the Chinook and the Rocco is the high back float on the Chinook versus that flotation being spread out along the back of the PFD for the Raku. Other than the flotation on the back of the PFD, both of the PFD’s are the same

[@AirborneDan173rd]

Hey, I wonder if you'd be willing to do a review video for your follower's kayaks and gear? I fish for rock-fish and sharks off the Oregon coast and would love to get your take on my set up and hear your advice?

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Airborne, I would have no problem with this If I was able to get in it and fish it a day. Hard to review when I don't have my hands on it. Rockfish and sharks sounds amazing

[@truecrimson1]

@@wendellfishing People could send you videos of their stuff and you could give your thoughts even if you can't try it out. Sometimes you can see things or have ideas without actually trying it out.

[@wendellfishing]

@@truecrimson1 True Story.. I would be game for that

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Excellent review!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Mike! Appreciate it.

[@markskibo5159]

Pricey knife !!!! Better get my beaver friend to help

[@wendellfishing]

Introduce me to your beaver friend! #ChristmasGift :)

[@markskibo5159]

@@wendellfishing Your other video !! Remember Beaver slap tail warning !!!!

[@wendellfishing]

@@markskibo5159 :)

[@Army_Outdoors_88N]

Great video brother and I would argue that likewise applies to Boaters as well

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Brother!

[@jimgam730]

Can I make a suggestion? Spray your tools with some WD40, especially those pliers. Keeps that rust off and makes them easier to use when you need them the most. Just my 2c worth

[@wendellfishing]

Of course you can make a suggestion. I learn just as much through the comments and personal experience of community members than I do in my research. Thanks for sharing Jim!

[@OzMan9989]

I keep a small 6 inch Knipex bolt cutter in my pack. If I’m hooked, at least I can pass it through and cut it off to remove.

[@truecrimson1]

Good idea. I have been hooked twice so badly that I could not get it out no matter what I tried. Both times I was fishing from shore. I ended up going to an ER once and a Med Express once to get them taken out. After that I started religiously crushing all barbs. Have not had a problem since.

[@stevenm6301]

Unless its straight in into the muscle. Not worth advancing it if you don’t know where it’s going.

[@OzMan9989]

@@stevenm6301 Yup. Useful if it’s shallow and can be pushed through. Most hookups are like this in my experience. Pushing down barbs is another good idea. I also ALWAYS wear polarized sunglasses to protect my eyes from flying hooks too.

[@wendellfishing]

Yikes! That sounds terrible

[@wendellfishing]

A while back I had a split shot come out of a tree at around 100 mph and hit my tooth. It throbbed for 3 days

[@nicklloyd9165]

No mention of self rescue techniques?

[@wendellfishing]

in plenty of my other videos

[@Jage_]

I need life saving gear for when a gator comes up on the yak 😅

[@wendellfishing]

Ha! If that would have made the list... YT would have banned my video!

[@GCBBQ]

fish barbless. saves your finger and the fish

[@FinAddict1]

Im not sure about anyone else, but Id rather die fishing then most any other way...

[@wendellfishing]

I told my wife to spread my ashes on the lake where I caught my PB. I hear ya

[@Jimmy-fi4ht]

Don't forget your pew pew