Fantastic advice! Something else to note. If you're chasing big fish, do your best to keep the fish in front of the kayak. It's definitely not something that's always posible, or easy, but the longer your rod hangs to port/starboard, the more of a chance that fish has to make a big run. While most any given fish can pull 3 times it's weight, some a good bit more, it might take allot less than you think, for that fish to flip you. Keep up the great work Robert!
Nice video! Thanks for sharing your safety tips. I noticed a lot of kayak related deaths you posted were older men. Our pride can get in the way sometimes, realizing we can't do the things we used to do as a younger man. A good litmus test might be in practicing re-entry, if we can't re-enter the kayak in deep water, it might be time to hang up the kayak and move to a boat. Thank you for raising awareness.
+Ocean Blue its true, but I do see younger people making headlines too. I do think if a paddler is unsure of his abilities, going alone is a big mistake. People also have to remember that conditions for re-entry may not be as simple as it will be when they practice, either. Having a friend nearby can drastically reduce the danger of any bad situation.
And so am I man. Some situations are less risky than others. I just try to make these things a habit now. Most of them I never even consciously think about. At this point if I get on my kayak without my PFD on, it feels weird. I don't like it.
Love the show. Never too save in the water. I fish by myself 90% of the time and feeling unprepared = no relaxing and that’s the reason I love to fish. When in the water i have a vhf radio with me and also a whistle. And even though I may look like a clown I dressed with a lot of bright color to be visible to other boaters. Last time i when with my brother in law we even consider the idea of having walkie talkies. And off course don’t go anywhere without my lowrance 7 mainly for the gpf features when fishing the mangroves. Great video brother I enjoy it just as much as the other fishing videos.
Glad you liked it Yohan! I had a bit in there about a VHF radio but ended up taking it out to shorten the video. Should've kept it. Bright colors are another great one, I should've talked about visibility. Great thoughts man, thanks.
Great video Robert. All good ideas for safety. One or two things to add are if you know that you are going to be in an area with boat traffic, it would be a good idea to have one of those arosol air horns to alert boaters if they get too close and haven't seen you. The other is something I'm sure just slipped your mind. You should always, and some states require, have a whistle on your pfd to call for help.
Well Robert is one of those subjects that we need to address more often. You will have the opportunity to make more videos and keep reminding us of the importance of being save i. The water. Great job like always.
All good points, Robert. I spent a good deal of my life on and around the water (Navy), and gained a healthy respect for mother nature. PFD's and the weather report are available for a reason, and I use them both.
Robert Field Thank you, but I've been out awhile, retiring way, way, way back in '92. I'll be 64 next month, and nowadays thoroughly enjoying the quiet solitude when fishing on the kayak.
One last tip - be proactive about being visible. Personal preference always wear bright high viz clothing, aka don't hit me green and don't shoot me orange. Spend a few bucks on a flag and light kit, I prefer the kit made by yakattack, which includes light, and flag which collapse for easy storage. Always display a light 30 min before dark until 30 minutes after sunrise. At night always wear a head lamp, I like one with multiple color options to keep the bugs down, but has a low and high beam mode if needed to signal on coming boats, or to dig a jerk bait hook out of a lunker in the middle of the night. Like the episode Robert.
This was a great video! Thanks! I would love to hear more specifically about how you dress for cold weather kayak fishing. Dry suit? Wetsuit? Waders? It would be great to hear your thoughts on what works and what doesn't.
Absolutely man, I plan to do a VLOG rundown of both my hot and cold weather outfits and some different options depending on HOW cold you're going to be fishing in. Stay tuned...
Wet suit for the pacific if your Northern California or higher - Dry Suits are hot hot hot and can be pretty uncomfortable on sunny days unless you want to loose a few pounds from sweating.
All amazing advice Robert. Me and my son who is 12, always wear our PDF while in our 10 foot jon boat. And we are saving up to get kayaks next year I hope, I can't amazing not wearing one, it totally feels weird being on the water with out one. Thanks again for the great video dude, my son also loves them.
Great video this video will save lives with these safety tips your talking about. Since I found your channel with that offshore trip gone wrong video. I’ve been a huge fan. One day I hope to get to panama when your there! Keep living the dream my friend and keep posting!
Wow, did you just reply to all your comments? Commitment to the fan base, love it! I would add prepare to flip on any and all beach landings. Watched a friend flip, hook himself, and get separated from his boat in the surf. And you almost gaffed yourself!! Nice tips, thanks!
Amen this is so true!! I've been in some cold waters and cold air temperatures.. negatives and man having a pfd and a drysuit is extremely important! Everyone who is watching this and wondering listen to this man! It's all true
Well congrats on getting your first yak, bro! A few simple precautions can give you the peace of mind to chase fish without worrying about a potential dangerous situation. I've had too many close calls to take this stuff lightly these days. Good luck with the new boat!
Great video Robert. So few take the time to explain the need to be safe or explain the methods to do so. I would only add that if someone is off-shore, they should really consider having a vhf radio. It’s easy to be outside the range of regular cell phones and you never know what can happen. Keep up the great work.
I used to take that stuff really lightly man, but I've had and seen others have some close calls. I love kayak fishing but I'm not trying to die for it. A few simple precautions go a long way.
Great video! I've always packed a lighter but, hadn't considered an actual fire starting kit. The kit would be much easier/quicker than trying to build a fire while bumbling around trying to find kindling in a cold weather induced stupor. I'd also suggest having a first aid kit in your kayak. I used mine just last weekend. A couple of girls I met on the river were skipping rocks and long story short one of them took a rock to the head at point blank range. The gash wasn't too big but, enough that it was pouring out blood. The band-aid and alcohol pad I gave her at the least kept the blood out of her eye and may have even prevented a nasty infection.
Thank you so much showing was a guide upper Delaware spring time you have minutes before your in danger muscles cramp up in running 45 degrees water flip kayaks on purpose to learn in calm waters rather that then two miles out thank you so much you may have saved one life which makes the time you did pay in spades
Fog. I've been paddling before it became a thing, but my hairiest moments were getting caught in pea soupers that just rolled in. I've made it a habit now of hard attaching a compass on the boat somewhere I can glance while paddling. Nothing scares me more that bobbing around, can't figure out if you should go left or right, and then you hear a stinkboat or even worse a ship.
Compass is a great call, especially in certain places. That marine layer in central California was scary man, I'd have felt safer with a compass since GPS units can fail, batteries die, etc.
Thanks for doing this video cus I know I wouldn't search looking for safety tips when on a kayak (just being lazy). Great tips and will be preparing myself for if I shall ever go overboard.
Excellent video amigo, love it. Help me a lot specifically me who is a beginner I just got my 1st kayak yesterday my partner gave to me like a surprise. And literally I just get in a kayak one time in my life lol. Thanks so much.
Hey, Robert! I got an old Perception Caster 12.5 a few weeks ago and have been out a few times. Late yesterday I flipped for the first time when I got sideways in tidal current that was stronger than I thought -- my bad for not being more aware. I had done a lot of things right: I was out with a friend, I had my PFD on (always!), I was wearing clothes I could swim in, and most of my gear was secured. That said, I lost a Plano box of tackle that wasn't adequately strapped into my crate, and I would've lost the crate if there hadn't been a small, empty cooler strapped into it that made it float. I also lucked out in that my homemade PVC rod holder kept my rod secure, so I didn't lose it when the crate got loose. I was stressed out but didn't panic, my friend was right there for backup, and I was able to get back in with some effort (and using the little cooler for a boost, a tip from Salt Strong). A lot of good lessons were learned, among the most important of which was: I should have practiced my re-entry before then, as you advise. I'm going to make sure we both practice that now! And I'll also be sure that, as you advise, we're always "dressed to swim and rigged to flip." Thanks for your great safety video!
Good advice. I recently had someone make fun of me for wearing my life jacket the whole time I was on my kayak but that same day I flipped in a pretty fast moving river. I’m glad I was wearing it.
Yeah, a good friend of mine used to always argue with me that a PFD wasn't as big of a deal as I made it out to be. He went offshore in a new kayak that, turned out, had a leak. Next thing he knows he's adrift at sea next to a 3/4 submerged kayak for TWO HOURS before drifting into the beach. He admits that had he not had one on, he might've been in serious trouble.
All good and important info! I just started a kayak fishing youtube channel and I'll be sure to keep all your tips in mind while making videos! Rankin Fishing
This was a very informative video.Some of my main concerns are wakes from other boats and having a big bluefish or striper flipping my kayak.I will be doing alot of fishing alone and want to learn as much safety precautions as possible.We only live once and I love my family.Any safety advice is good advice.
I think most of us like the "preferred method." Great tips Robert; I watch too many videos with guys in boats (of all kinds) not wearing PFDs, it's kind of annoying and I take their personal advice and tips with a grain of salt because of their inattention to safety. I'm in the safety and asset protection business... It's a thing with me. Speaking of assets, ordered that Pelican 120 NXT (Venom, love the color name, part of what I do is retrieve rattlers) just before watching your vlog. Should have it by next Friday; spoke with Tom at Appomattox River Company after punching the button on Amazon. I am pumped. Keep making the great videos.
I have a 2013 Toyota Tundra. I plan to do a video on how I pack for a multi-day river trip. I don't keep anything specific in the bed of my truck at all times or anything, so I'd want to do it specifically on how to pack for a certain kind of trip. Any requests there?
+Insaf Khan I️ think they call it medium heavy but companies vary so much on those terms it doesn’t mean much to me. They’re rated for 30-50lb line if I️ remember right. Maybe 40-60. Stout rods for big fish. Other than that ugly stiks are typically budget friendly and their fiberglass tip is hard to break. I’d look at online reviews of whichever model you’re considering
Adding to the basic list. Leash your paddle to the kayak. Use float bags or the equivalent inside the kayak to keep it buoyant in the event that you take on water. VHF radio with GPS if going offshore. Increase visibility with a flag during the day and lights at night. Stay hydrated and figure out a way to urinate while underway in a wet suit. If your kayak supports them, use amas (outriggers) in choppy conditions.
A little while back you did a video on your trailer and kayaks and said you would do one on your rods and reels, when are you going to release that video. You have a red rod with eyelets that start on the top and end on the bottom what is it? Great videos, keep them coming.
Robert Field it's a nice looking rod, like most of your set ups. My wife and i have just been getting serious about the kayak fishing scene over the past year and a half. Like most fun things in life it's not cheap.
Great safety tips. My friend would always store his pfd in his hatch. "I use to be a Navy diver" he says. Being a Navy diver do you think it is a good idea to store your pfd inside the hatch? He wears it now. LOL
Haha yeah man. I'm sure he's a great swimmer. But you just never know, and a PFD in a front hatch is just as worthless as not bringing one at all. If you can get that PFD out, then you don't need it. It's for the times when you can't.
My father was die-hard Navy and he never left the shore without his PDF. Its like he said, "you never know what's gong to happen out there!" He could swim like a fish, but even he got tired eventually. I've gotten caught in unexpected weather before and it has saved my life on several occasions, because I also never come within 30 feet of water without having my PDF on and ready for action.
Do you fish at texoma often? It's my home lake, and I fish there at least 3-4 times a week. Every now and then I see a kayak or two trying to follow the schools around
My buddy Rex Del Rey started this brand, lots of cool designs at www.fshfrsh.com and he also has a sweet kayak fishing TH-cam channel th-cam.com/users/rexdelrey
Hey Robert, thank you, I appreciate the video. I have a few questions; what do you do when you have a shark or crocodile checking you out and what to do if they begin to nudge or bite your kayak? Have you ever thought of using the AMA kit? I plan on purchasing a Hobie Revo. 13 with the AMA kit cause I thought it might be harder to flip. The outback seems it is very sturdy but I have heard with waves water gets into it a lot. Again, thank you very much.
Great info Robert! I’m starting my adventure in kayak fishing and a safety video like this helps a newbie out, big time. Is there a style or brand PFD you recommend? Thanks bro 👍🏼
As a member of the USCG Auxiliary I applaud your video and encourage you to do more videos regarding safety. With your permission I would like to reference your video in my paddle safety lectures to encourage others to paddle safer. Feel free to contact me through TH-cam if you have any questions for me.
I don't know if you read comments, but this video makes me subscribe to your channel. I live in Norway and I am scared of cold weather/water, and that is the only reason why I do not kayak fishing. But if you read this (and I understand that you may be busy, so if you not answering it is ok:)) please tell me which 2-3 models of fishing kayaks you would reccomend for cold weather? Great content, respect for you👍
Glad you found it helpful. I would suggest something stable to keep you upright, so look for something wider (32+ inches wide, not sure how many centimeters that is). Lots of options, I would do some research on google, but good brands to look at are Hobie, Old Town, Jackson Kayak and Vibe Kayaks.
@@YakFishField Thank you for the fast reply:). You actually read the comments - respect for that. I like hobie kayaks, but there are a lot of outback (which is my favourite kayak) videos in the offshore and cold water videos, but not pro anglers. Any reason for that, or it is just my subjective view? Wish you all the best
Mmm if you're going to be in saltwater I think a GPS should be on this list. Absolute necessity. While I've never needed it on a kayak I have been on a sinking boat way to far out to reach shore and needed coast guard rescue. While we also deployed flares we were ignored by a passing vessel who turned away and had to be rescued by a coast guard ship. Which is why you absolutely need GPS coordinates and a radio to call for help.
Yeah I had a segment on always having a VHF radio offshore but I ended up cutting it out since it was offshore-specific. Shoulda left it in there. Good points man.
Honestly I haven’t found a radio yet that has lasted longer than a year or so. I buy cheap ones for about $50-70. If you want it to last much longer you have to pay more. Uniden is a solid brand
I added the Garmin inReach Satellite GPS/Communicator to my kayak kit, so I can let my peeps know when and where I'm leaving. It also gives me the option to let them know if I'm staying a little longer because the bite is good (or if I'm really just trying to avoid the skunk). It also has an SOS feature, so if I am in distress, I can send an alert. Because it is satellite based (and not dependent on cellular), I am not really concerned with getting out of range or not having a connection. I did a little video on my channel about it if you're interested.
Won't catch me calling you a chicken, either. People take this stuff lightly, and that's why we have those statistics. Lots of unnecessary deaths around watercraft. Sad.
Seconded here. I'm scared to death of water.....but absolutely, fanatically addicted to catching big fish lol. I spend stupid amounts of hours in my little boat chasing giant fish. (And now a brand new kayak owner) I look at it as I am just counting the minutes until I have an accident. As much time as I spend on the water, its bound to eventually happen. A little system my wife and I have set up is that I take a screenshot on 9ur home computer that sits right in our living room (snip and sketch on google) of the body of water I am fishing. Then I mark it up into quadrants and number them. I leave that pulled up on our home computer, I take a pic on the screen with my phone. When I get to the lake/river, She gets a text when I launch, a quick text when I anchor..." Section 6" etc. That way if I ever have problems she knows exactly where I am and if she doesnt hear from me every hour or so, she is to call 911for me. I drop her a quick smiley /thumbs up every hour or so. Its a bit cumbersome, but fishing at night on the Susquehanna River is a bit dicey and I want to take every precaution that I can!!!! It is hugely comforting to know that if something happened and I was stuck sitting on a rock in the middle of the river soaking wet, my wife would eventually be sending someone right to where I last told her I was. Might sound silly but I feel quite sure that eventually there will come a time when I am glad that I do what I do. Even if its something as stupid as the motor breaking down and the phone getting wet, etc.
Something to be said about a person who stays humble when facing the odds battling mother nature and what she can throw at a person. Great video. Cannot wait for the first trip of the season to the condo in Manzanillo. Jeep will have two Ocean Kayaks on top and stuffed solid with gummy bears and monster for the 5 day trip lol. I have one nagging question and it is about distance. To far on a kayak I guess is relative (time and physical ability/weather). The guide boats head out to a place called the Three Mountains about 17km from the harbour, I'm closer from where I would launch. To far? That is about 10 miles in your language. Obviously something I am not doing first trip out, more than enough to keep me busy with the little bays and rock points along the coast where we are. But, when the Yellow Fin or Dorado are running..... long arms make for easy paddling.
+Denver Deschenes yeah it totally depends on your paddling experience and kayak and whatnot. 20 miles in a day is doable, I've done about 22-23 but that was pedaling a Hobie. The biggest concern there is if something goes wrong 10 miles out. Not sure you have friends that would go that far with you, but I'd definitely have a plan if the worst were to happen. Not sure how accessible the coast guard is where you are?
Robert Field I wouldn't even want to think about doing 10 miles, much less 22. A couple of days ago I spent 3hr 26min fishing, and covered 2.19 miles (I track it on a phone app). Of course that distance was on a 400 acre reservoir. I may circumnavigate the reservoir shoreline next time just to gauge the distance. :)
Exactly! There's tons of options. And it's just like a seat belt... maybe the first handful of times wearing it it feels weird, but after a while you hardly notice it's there.
I'm disabled and love fishing. Would you recommend someone like me who has no function with leg movement to go on a kayak? I fish mainly from the bank and can hardly cover areas of water. I'm from california and fish on the delta. I usually bring a friend in case I do land a fish and need assistance with safely removing fish from out the water. I would like to find a nice boat/kayak where I can independently fish without having any assistance. lol.
When watching offshore kayaking videos I have heard a lot of people talk about carrying a VHF radio, but never anything about an EPIRB or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Is there any reason why nobody has them on their kayaks besides the price tag?
Very appropriate material discussed here...especially with the explosion in popularity of kayak fishing. Please stop apologizing when you make statements of facts that may ultimately save ones life at some point...case in point-wearing a PDF- it's not about just wearing it...it should be fastened as designed...staying hydrated-in hot AND cold weather are also ultra important...lastly, please use your platform to encourage all kayak fisherman to be in a modicum of physical condition when heading out...folks just don't know how physically draining peddling/paddling against the current or into the wind are and put their lives at risk...keep up the great work!
Yeah dude! www.fshfrsh.com they have some sweet designs and my good friend Rex Del Rey owns it. He has a sweet TH-cam channel too, th-cam.com/users/rexdelrey
when i go on the kayak salt water i go afraid akot of something to come from the water and attack me or eat me is that possible .. by the way i go far from the beach around 200 meter only
Great video I flipped a old town big water 132 pdl on my second trip out sitting in the the chair surprised me and I panic for a minute thankfully I had my PFD ON by myself in the river here in Florida it took me awhile to figure out what happened the seat is the width of the kayak 36 inches I was off center release a bass called my wife that I caught my first bass in my first pdl in 18 years the first time I flipped so I got my head back together I couldn’t flip it I swam around the boat grab the kayak underneath and started kicking my feet backwards to shallow water which was cover in weeds Iam 64 I have purchased many kayaks never any problems CHAD HOOVER IN THE NAVY HE DID Search and rescue it was always Search he is a advocate for PFD LOST $1300 in rods and reels lesson learned
Hey Robert, we loved your content because it really shows how passionate you are about kayaking and videography! This would make a great addition to our video of the month contest! By uploading it to campfire.outsidetv.com/home you have the opportunity to win a kayak, cooler, and be featured on Outside TV! See you on Campfire!
Fantastic advice! Something else to note. If you're chasing big fish, do your best to keep the fish in front of the kayak. It's definitely not something that's always posible, or easy, but the longer your rod hangs to port/starboard, the more of a chance that fish has to make a big run. While most any given fish can pull 3 times it's weight, some a good bit more, it might take allot less than you think, for that fish to flip you. Keep up the great work Robert!
+South Yakin absolutely, great point. I have a video called Big Game Tips where I go over this exact principal. Spot on.
Nice video! Thanks for sharing your safety tips. I noticed a lot of kayak related deaths you posted were older men. Our pride can get in the way sometimes, realizing we can't do the things we used to do as a younger man. A good litmus test might be in practicing re-entry, if we can't re-enter the kayak in deep water, it might be time to hang up the kayak and move to a boat. Thank you for raising awareness.
+Ocean Blue its true, but I do see younger people making headlines too. I do think if a paddler is unsure of his abilities, going alone is a big mistake. People also have to remember that conditions for re-entry may not be as simple as it will be when they practice, either. Having a friend nearby can drastically reduce the danger of any bad situation.
Wise words my friend.
Great tips man. I'm definitely guilty of violating a couple of these while in my yak, but I do agree with you
And so am I man. Some situations are less risky than others. I just try to make these things a habit now. Most of them I never even consciously think about. At this point if I get on my kayak without my PFD on, it feels weird. I don't like it.
Love the show. Never too save in the water. I fish by myself 90% of the time and feeling unprepared = no relaxing and that’s the reason I love to fish. When in the water i have a vhf radio with me and also a whistle. And even though I may look like a clown I dressed with a lot of bright color to be visible to other boaters. Last time i when with my brother in law we even consider the idea of having walkie talkies. And off course don’t go anywhere without my lowrance 7 mainly for the gpf features when fishing the mangroves. Great video brother I enjoy it just as much as the other fishing videos.
Glad you liked it Yohan! I had a bit in there about a VHF radio but ended up taking it out to shorten the video. Should've kept it. Bright colors are another great one, I should've talked about visibility. Great thoughts man, thanks.
Great video Robert. All good ideas for safety. One or two things to add are if you know that you are going to be in an area with boat traffic, it would be a good idea to have one of those arosol air horns to alert boaters if they get too close and haven't seen you.
The other is something I'm sure just slipped your mind. You should always, and some states require, have a whistle on your pfd to call for help.
Good call. The air horn can double as a noise maker, so you wouldn’t need a whistle if you took that on every trip. Solid advice.
Robert Field I totally agree.
Well Robert is one of those subjects that we need to address more often. You will have the opportunity to make more videos and keep reminding us of the importance of being save i. The water. Great job like always.
All good points, Robert. I spent a good deal of my life on and around the water (Navy), and gained a healthy respect for mother nature. PFD's and the weather report are available for a reason, and I use them both.
Yeah man, mother nature will humble you in a hurry if you don't respect her. As a Navy guy you understand that better than I do I'm sure.
And thanks for your service brother.
Robert Field Mother Nature can get angry at times (storms), and I did my share of puking over the side. :)
Robert Field Thank you, but I've been out awhile, retiring way, way, way back in '92. I'll be 64 next month, and nowadays thoroughly enjoying the quiet solitude when fishing on the kayak.
One last tip - be proactive about being visible. Personal preference always wear bright high viz clothing, aka don't hit me green and don't shoot me orange. Spend a few bucks on a flag and light kit, I prefer the kit made by yakattack, which includes light, and flag which collapse for easy storage. Always display a light 30 min before dark until 30 minutes after sunrise. At night always wear a head lamp, I like one with multiple color options to keep the bugs down, but has a low and high beam mode if needed to signal on coming boats, or to dig a jerk bait hook out of a lunker in the middle of the night. Like the episode Robert.
Great points there Levi. Visibility was one I should've covered. Thanks man!
I flipped on my kayak fishing the other day and got into it very quickly because I watched this.
+Jason Malasovich glad to hear it turned out okay bud!
This was a great video! Thanks! I would love to hear more specifically about how you dress for cold weather kayak fishing. Dry suit? Wetsuit? Waders? It would be great to hear your thoughts on what works and what doesn't.
Absolutely man, I plan to do a VLOG rundown of both my hot and cold weather outfits and some different options depending on HOW cold you're going to be fishing in. Stay tuned...
X2 on cold weather prep. Soon please lol. Over
Wet suit for the pacific if your Northern California or higher - Dry Suits are hot hot hot and can be pretty uncomfortable on sunny days unless you want to loose a few pounds from sweating.
All amazing advice Robert. Me and my son who is 12, always wear our PDF while in our 10 foot jon boat. And we are saving up to get kayaks next year I hope, I can't amazing not wearing one, it totally feels weird being on the water with out one. Thanks again for the great video dude, my son also loves them.
+shawn mcmurray glad to hear that man, I feel the same way when I don't have one on. Glad you guys are enjoying the vids!
Great video this video will save lives with these safety tips your talking about. Since I found your channel with that offshore trip gone wrong video. I’ve been a huge fan. One day I hope to get to panama when your there! Keep living the dream my friend and keep posting!
Thanks so much Matt, glad you found it helpful.
Excellent video, Robert. All VERY good points.
Thanks man!
Wow, did you just reply to all your comments? Commitment to the fan base, love it! I would add prepare to flip on any and all beach landings. Watched a friend flip, hook himself, and get separated from his boat in the surf. And you almost gaffed yourself!! Nice tips, thanks!
+Michael Cornett very good point. I plan to do a VLOG on surf launches and gear management at some point. And yep, I reply to every one!
Amen this is so true!! I've been in some cold waters and cold air temperatures.. negatives and man having a pfd and a drysuit is extremely important! Everyone who is watching this and wondering listen to this man! It's all true
Yeah man, I used to take this stuff very lightly but after a couple close calls, I don't anymore.
Great tips & advice. As a person just getting into kayaking & buying my first one.
Well congrats on getting your first yak, bro! A few simple precautions can give you the peace of mind to chase fish without worrying about a potential dangerous situation. I've had too many close calls to take this stuff lightly these days. Good luck with the new boat!
Great video Robert. So few take the time to explain the need to be safe or explain the methods to do so. I would only add that if someone is off-shore, they should really consider having a vhf radio. It’s easy to be outside the range of regular cell phones and you never know what can happen. Keep up the great work.
Yeah dude, I had a segment on VHF radios and I cut it out. Shouldn't have. That's a MUST for offshore.
having VHF radio is a must but you must know how to use it also. know the channels and practice on communicating with coast guard and other boaters.
Ya you got me thinking about improving my safety, cheers Rob
I used to take that stuff really lightly man, but I've had and seen others have some close calls. I love kayak fishing but I'm not trying to die for it. A few simple precautions go a long way.
Amazing video Robert, rods and reels would be a great video. Keep up the great work!
I know man, I know. In the middle of a move so getting them all organized is my issue right now, haha. It'll come soon!
Spot on Robert! Glad I found it. Looks like I need a knife.
Yes sir!
Very welcome checking out devil's River right now wicked rough ride lol 👍😁
Great advise. Thank you so much as I am new to kayak fishing
Great video and tutorial, you hit the nail on the head with this one.
Thanks Trey!
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE AND FANTASTIC VIDEO THANK YOU
Glad you liked it Alfonso!
Great video! I've always packed a lighter but, hadn't considered an actual fire starting kit. The kit would be much easier/quicker than trying to build a fire while bumbling around trying to find kindling in a cold weather induced stupor.
I'd also suggest having a first aid kit in your kayak. I used mine just last weekend. A couple of girls I met on the river were skipping rocks and long story short one of them took a rock to the head at point blank range. The gash wasn't too big but, enough that it was pouring out blood. The band-aid and alcohol pad I gave her at the least kept the blood out of her eye and may have even prevented a nasty infection.
+RubiconJoey first aid kit is a great one. Shouldve mentioned that, I have one from NRS. Good call
Great practical video log. Thanks. Might want to mention a two way radio next time
You know, I had a segment about a radio and ended up cutting it out. Shouldn't have.
Another cool video thanks and have a good day and stay safe
Thanks Jimmy!
Excellent video with great clear communication, I just bought my first kayak this will really help me.
Thank you so much showing was a guide upper Delaware spring time you have minutes before your in danger muscles cramp up in running 45 degrees water flip kayaks on purpose to learn in calm waters rather that then two miles out thank you so much you may have saved one life which makes the time you did pay in spades
Glad you found it useful David! Stay safe out there.
Great info.
+Charlie Garcia thanks for watching man
Good info..great job!!
+sahia girl thanks!
That was great. Thank you
+Scott Ehrlich hope you found it helpful Scott!
Great tips
Thanks Perry!
Fog. I've been paddling before it became a thing, but my hairiest moments were getting caught in pea soupers that just rolled in.
I've made it a habit now of hard attaching a compass on the boat somewhere I can glance while paddling.
Nothing scares me more that bobbing around, can't figure out if you should go left or right, and then you hear a stinkboat or even worse a ship.
Compass is a great call, especially in certain places. That marine layer in central California was scary man, I'd have felt safer with a compass since GPS units can fail, batteries die, etc.
Yes, recipe for panick attack
Awesome tips!!!
Glad you found em helpful
Great tips!
Thanks! Glad you found them helpful
Thanks for doing this video cus I know I wouldn't search looking for safety tips when on a kayak (just being lazy). Great tips and will be preparing myself for if I shall ever go overboard.
+King Kong glad you found it helpful man!
Well said!
Great tips bro.
Thanks Thomas
Excellent video amigo, love it. Help me a lot specifically me who is a beginner I just got my 1st kayak yesterday my partner gave to me like a surprise. And literally I just get in a kayak one time in my life lol. Thanks so much.
Glad you found it helpful and congrats on the new boat!
My pfd never leaves my back for more than 10 seconds and that's only to remover or add a layer of clothing. Agree with you 110%
Same here man.
Great video
+michael forbis thanks Michael!
Hey, Robert! I got an old Perception Caster 12.5 a few weeks ago and have been out a few times. Late yesterday I flipped for the first time when I got sideways in tidal current that was stronger than I thought -- my bad for not being more aware. I had done a lot of things right: I was out with a friend, I had my PFD on (always!), I was wearing clothes I could swim in, and most of my gear was secured. That said, I lost a Plano box of tackle that wasn't adequately strapped into my crate, and I would've lost the crate if there hadn't been a small, empty cooler strapped into it that made it float. I also lucked out in that my homemade PVC rod holder kept my rod secure, so I didn't lose it when the crate got loose. I was stressed out but didn't panic, my friend was right there for backup, and I was able to get back in with some effort (and using the little cooler for a boost, a tip from Salt Strong). A lot of good lessons were learned, among the most important of which was: I should have practiced my re-entry before then, as you advise. I'm going to make sure we both practice that now! And I'll also be sure that, as you advise, we're always "dressed to swim and rigged to flip." Thanks for your great safety video!
Good advice. I recently had someone make fun of me for wearing my life jacket the whole time I was on my kayak but that same day I flipped in a pretty fast moving river. I’m glad I was wearing it.
Yeah, a good friend of mine used to always argue with me that a PFD wasn't as big of a deal as I made it out to be. He went offshore in a new kayak that, turned out, had a leak. Next thing he knows he's adrift at sea next to a 3/4 submerged kayak for TWO HOURS before drifting into the beach. He admits that had he not had one on, he might've been in serious trouble.
Solid info.
Thanks Jared
i bet by making this video you saved a few lives
Great vid
I hope so. Even if I just prevent one accident, it was well worth the time.
All good and important info! I just started a kayak fishing youtube channel and I'll be sure to keep all your tips in mind while making videos! Rankin Fishing
Good stuff! I subscribed.
Thanks man!!
Glad you found it helpful man!
This was a very informative video.Some of my main concerns are wakes from other boats and having a big bluefish or striper flipping my kayak.I will be doing alot of fishing alone and want to learn as much safety precautions as possible.We only live once and I love my family.Any safety advice is good advice.
Always keep your rod tip to the front of the boat and you should stay upright fighting any fish
@@YakFishField I will definitely keep that in mind.solid advice.Do you have any advice on wakes or waves?
Great video! Thanks for the info.
Glad you found it useful man!
I think most of us like the "preferred method." Great tips Robert; I watch too many videos with guys in boats (of all kinds) not wearing PFDs, it's kind of annoying and I take their personal advice and tips with a grain of salt because of their inattention to safety. I'm in the safety and asset protection business... It's a thing with me.
Speaking of assets, ordered that Pelican 120 NXT (Venom, love the color name, part of what I do is retrieve rattlers) just before watching your vlog. Should have it by next Friday; spoke with Tom at Appomattox River Company after punching the button on Amazon. I am pumped. Keep making the great videos.
Good job on this vlog., good information
Thanks Eric, glad you found it useful
Great Video! Thanks for the tips!
Glad you found it helpful man!
Nice vlog!
Thanks Ty!
Much appreciated 👍
My pleasure Anthony.
Great video Robert, thanks for the advice man :)
Hope it was a little helpful man! I used to take this stuff lightly, but had too many close calls.
Great video! Theres any way you can give more info about that leg strap for tools and knives. Thanks
+Luis Moreno yeah man! Check it out at legluggage.com and you can learn more and see the different configurations you can do
Hey man I love the videos! But can you do a review on your vehicle and what u keep in the bed of your truck?
I have a 2013 Toyota Tundra. I plan to do a video on how I pack for a multi-day river trip. I don't keep anything specific in the bed of my truck at all times or anything, so I'd want to do it specifically on how to pack for a certain kind of trip. Any requests there?
Robert Field no sir that will work just curious in how you pack your rig! But keep up the great work I love your videos bro
Awesome 👍🎣 good stuff Rob
+Dwayne thanks Dwayne
thanks for this vid
My pleasure man
Hey Rob can you go through the differences between ugly stik rods? Thanks
+Insaf Khan probably not man, don’t use them much. I️ had an ugly stik tiger rod which is the best offshore rod I’ve found in the $60 range.
Robert Field would that be a heavy rod or medium heavy and how was the performance? Thanks for the info as always.
+Insaf Khan I️ think they call it medium heavy but companies vary so much on those terms it doesn’t mean much to me. They’re rated for 30-50lb line if I️ remember right. Maybe 40-60. Stout rods for big fish. Other than that ugly stiks are typically budget friendly and their fiberglass tip is hard to break. I’d look at online reviews of whichever model you’re considering
Robert Field what size fish you targeted bro. Thanks for the info. Might get a tiger rod in the future
You rock man! Thanks for the tips, you might have saved some lives...
+Christian Bucay glad you found it useful brother
good videos
Thanks!
Great info brother, I learned the hard way
Yeahhhhh most of my life that's been my preferred method. Hoping to help a few avoid that. Thanks man.
Adding to the basic list. Leash your paddle to the kayak. Use float bags or the equivalent inside the kayak to keep it buoyant in the event that you take on water. VHF radio with GPS if going offshore. Increase visibility with a flag during the day and lights at night. Stay hydrated and figure out a way to urinate while underway in a wet suit. If your kayak supports them, use amas (outriggers) in choppy conditions.
Yep yep
A little while back you did a video on your trailer and kayaks and said you would do one on your rods and reels, when are you going to release that video. You have a red rod with eyelets that start on the top and end on the bottom what is it? Great videos, keep them coming.
+Jakob Howell I'll be doing that one soon. That rod is a custom built by a guy named Mark Crouse.
Robert Field it's a nice looking rod, like most of your set ups. My wife and i have just been getting serious about the kayak fishing scene over the past year and a half. Like most fun things in life it's not cheap.
Robert another great vid. What's your PB?
PB what?
Robert Field personal best fish.
Good video my friend
Great safety tips. My friend would always store his pfd in his hatch. "I use to be a Navy diver" he says.
Being a Navy diver do you think it is a good idea to store your pfd inside the hatch? He wears it now. LOL
Haha yeah man. I'm sure he's a great swimmer. But you just never know, and a PFD in a front hatch is just as worthless as not bringing one at all. If you can get that PFD out, then you don't need it. It's for the times when you can't.
My father was die-hard Navy and he never left the shore without his PDF. Its like he said, "you never know what's gong to happen out there!" He could swim like a fish, but even he got tired eventually. I've gotten caught in unexpected weather before and it has saved my life on several occasions, because I also never come within 30 feet of water without having my PDF on and ready for action.
Do you fish at texoma often? It's my home lake, and I fish there at least 3-4 times a week. Every now and then I see a kayak or two trying to follow the schools around
I used to when I lived in Dallas. Now I'm about 22 hours from there, so no. Haha
Spread the news!
Love the shirt where did you pick it up?
www.livelivegear.com/
My buddy Rex Del Rey started this brand, lots of cool designs at www.fshfrsh.com and he also has a sweet kayak fishing TH-cam channel th-cam.com/users/rexdelrey
Thanks I'll check his channel out.
Great info and topic. My tip for being safe on the water is listen to peeple who play on the water. Peace and be safe out there. 🖒✌
Glad you found it helpful Coop! Thanks man.
Very surprised you didn't mention a vhf radio.
Hey Robert, thank you, I appreciate the video. I have a few questions; what do you do when you have a shark or crocodile checking you out and what to do if they begin to nudge or bite your kayak? Have you ever thought of using the AMA kit? I plan on purchasing a Hobie Revo. 13 with the AMA kit cause I thought it might be harder to flip. The outback seems it is very sturdy but I have heard with waves water gets into it a lot. Again, thank you very much.
Great info Robert! I’m starting my adventure in kayak fishing and a safety video like this helps a newbie out, big time. Is there a style or brand PFD you recommend?
Thanks bro 👍🏼
As a member of the USCG Auxiliary I applaud your video and encourage you to do more videos regarding safety. With your permission I would like to reference your video in my paddle safety lectures to encourage others to paddle safer. Feel free to contact me through TH-cam if you have any questions for me.
Absolutely, Kim. That'd be great!
I don't know if you read comments, but this video makes me subscribe to your channel. I live in Norway and I am scared of cold weather/water, and that is the only reason why I do not kayak fishing. But if you read this (and I understand that you may be busy, so if you not answering it is ok:)) please tell me which 2-3 models of fishing kayaks you would reccomend for cold weather? Great content, respect for you👍
Glad you found it helpful. I would suggest something stable to keep you upright, so look for something wider (32+ inches wide, not sure how many centimeters that is). Lots of options, I would do some research on google, but good brands to look at are Hobie, Old Town, Jackson Kayak and Vibe Kayaks.
@@YakFishField Thank you for the fast reply:). You actually read the comments - respect for that. I like hobie kayaks, but there are a lot of outback (which is my favourite kayak) videos in the offshore and cold water videos, but not pro anglers. Any reason for that, or it is just my subjective view? Wish you all the best
Mmm if you're going to be in saltwater I think a GPS should be on this list. Absolute necessity. While I've never needed it on a kayak I have been on a sinking boat way to far out to reach shore and needed coast guard rescue.
While we also deployed flares we were ignored by a passing vessel who turned away and had to be rescued by a coast guard ship. Which is why you absolutely need GPS coordinates and a radio to call for help.
Yeah I had a segment on always having a VHF radio offshore but I ended up cutting it out since it was offshore-specific. Shoulda left it in there. Good points man.
Hey Robert, is the Uniden Atlantis your preferred Marine VHF handheld? I need to get one. Thanks!
Honestly I haven’t found a radio yet that has lasted longer than a year or so. I buy cheap ones for about $50-70. If you want it to last much longer you have to pay more. Uniden is a solid brand
I added the Garmin inReach Satellite GPS/Communicator to my kayak kit, so I can let my peeps know when and where I'm leaving. It also gives me the option to let them know if I'm staying a little longer because the bite is good (or if I'm really just trying to avoid the skunk). It also has an SOS feature, so if I am in distress, I can send an alert. Because it is satellite based (and not dependent on cellular), I am not really concerned with getting out of range or not having a connection. I did a little video on my channel about it if you're interested.
+CMonsta Fishin' sounds like a great setup, I'll check that out
I put on a pfd, even when riding in boat's. Call me chicken, but you'll not catch me deal from drowning.
Won't catch me calling you a chicken, either. People take this stuff lightly, and that's why we have those statistics. Lots of unnecessary deaths around watercraft. Sad.
Seconded here. I'm scared to death of water.....but absolutely, fanatically addicted to catching big fish lol. I spend stupid amounts of hours in my little boat chasing giant fish. (And now a brand new kayak owner)
I look at it as I am just counting the minutes until I have an accident. As much time as I spend on the water, its bound to eventually happen.
A little system my wife and I have set up is that I take a screenshot on 9ur home computer that sits right in our living room (snip and sketch on google) of the body of water I am fishing. Then I mark it up into quadrants and number them.
I leave that pulled up on our home computer, I take a pic on the screen with my phone. When I get to the lake/river, She gets a text when I launch, a quick text when I anchor..." Section 6" etc.
That way if I ever have problems she knows exactly where I am and if she doesnt hear from me every hour or so, she is to call 911for me. I drop her a quick smiley /thumbs up every hour or so.
Its a bit cumbersome, but fishing at night on the Susquehanna River is a bit dicey and I want to take every precaution that I can!!!! It is hugely comforting to know that if something happened and I was stuck sitting on a rock in the middle of the river soaking wet, my wife would eventually be sending someone right to where I last told her I was.
Might sound silly but I feel quite sure that eventually there will come a time when I am glad that I do what I do. Even if its something as stupid as the motor breaking down and the phone getting wet, etc.
I really like fishing by myself but someone always nows were i am and also have a pfd on
+Yak MN you're a smart man then!
Something to be said about a person who stays humble when facing the odds battling mother nature and what she can throw at a person. Great video.
Cannot wait for the first trip of the season to the condo in Manzanillo. Jeep will have two Ocean Kayaks on top and stuffed solid with gummy bears and monster for the 5 day trip lol. I have one nagging question and it is about distance. To far on a kayak I guess is relative (time and physical ability/weather). The guide boats head out to a place called the Three Mountains about 17km from the harbour, I'm closer from where I would launch. To far? That is about 10 miles in your language. Obviously something I am not doing first trip out, more than enough to keep me busy with the little bays and rock points along the coast where we are. But, when the Yellow Fin or Dorado are running..... long arms make for easy paddling.
+Denver Deschenes yeah it totally depends on your paddling experience and kayak and whatnot. 20 miles in a day is doable, I've done about 22-23 but that was pedaling a Hobie. The biggest concern there is if something goes wrong 10 miles out. Not sure you have friends that would go that far with you, but I'd definitely have a plan if the worst were to happen. Not sure how accessible the coast guard is where you are?
Robert Field I wouldn't even want to think about doing 10 miles, much less 22. A couple of days ago I spent 3hr 26min fishing, and covered 2.19 miles (I track it on a phone app). Of course that distance was on a 400 acre reservoir. I may circumnavigate the reservoir shoreline next time just to gauge the distance. :)
this should be 10k likes
You should make a kayak tutorial on what you have and how much it costs
I did a rundown of what I have on my kayak. VLOG episode 3 or 4, I forget.
thanks
Well said. Can't hear it enough. Wear that PFD. Not comfortable? Try another one on.
Exactly! There's tons of options. And it's just like a seat belt... maybe the first handful of times wearing it it feels weird, but after a while you hardly notice it's there.
I'm disabled and love fishing. Would you recommend someone like me who has no function with leg movement to go on a kayak? I fish mainly from the bank and can hardly cover areas of water. I'm from california and fish on the delta. I usually bring a friend in case I do land a fish and need assistance with safely removing fish from out the water. I would like to find a nice boat/kayak where I can independently fish without having any assistance. lol.
When watching offshore kayaking videos I have heard a lot of people talk about carrying a VHF radio, but never anything about an EPIRB or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Is there any reason why nobody has them on their kayaks besides the price tag?
Thank you for save my life :)
Very appropriate material discussed here...especially with the explosion in popularity of kayak fishing. Please stop apologizing when you make statements of facts that may ultimately save ones life at some point...case in point-wearing a PDF- it's not about just wearing it...it should be fastened as designed...staying hydrated-in hot AND cold weather are also ultra important...lastly, please use your platform to encourage all kayak fisherman to be in a modicum of physical condition when heading out...folks just don't know how physically draining peddling/paddling against the current or into the wind are and put their lives at risk...keep up the great work!
I want your shirt can you give me the link please
Yeah dude! www.fshfrsh.com they have some sweet designs and my good friend Rex Del Rey owns it. He has a sweet TH-cam channel too, th-cam.com/users/rexdelrey
Robert Field thank you and his TH-cam channel looks good too
when i go on the kayak salt water i go afraid akot of something to come from the water and attack me or eat me is that possible .. by the way i go far from the beach around 200 meter only
Nah, nothing will mess with you
Always carry an air-horn, when boats can't see you or you need to get someones attention, one blast of a loud air horn always does the trick..
Hey i saw on facebook you turned 30 today. I turned 30 on Tuesday.
Nice man! Gettin old...
Great video I flipped a old town big water 132 pdl on my second trip out sitting in the the chair surprised me and I panic for a minute thankfully I had my PFD ON by myself in the river here in Florida it took me awhile to figure out what happened the seat is the width of the kayak 36 inches I was off center release a bass called my wife that I caught my first bass in my first pdl in 18 years the first time I flipped so I got my head back together I couldn’t flip it I swam around the boat grab the kayak underneath and started kicking my feet backwards to shallow water which was cover in weeds Iam 64 I have purchased many kayaks never any problems CHAD HOOVER IN THE NAVY HE DID Search and rescue it was always Search he is a advocate for PFD LOST $1300 in rods and reels lesson learned
You forgot a very important tool, in my opinion, second only to the PFD, a VHF Radio and learn how to use it.
Sub
Thanks!
Hey Robert, we loved your content because it really shows how passionate you are about kayaking and videography! This would make a great addition to our video of the month contest! By uploading it to campfire.outsidetv.com/home you have the opportunity to win a kayak, cooler, and be featured on Outside TV! See you on Campfire!
Catch, photo, humanely kill, clean, cook and eat is more like it. Just saying.
Ok