®
Summer 2019
KAYAK ANGLER
safety
page 64
S
afety is crucial when planning any outdoor
adventure. Kayak anglers routinely venture out on
bodies of water across the west in some extreme conditions. Whatever you do, don’t underestimate the power
of mother nature. Your ability to survive to fish another day
when disaster strikes hinges upon your preparation.
MENTAL PREPARATION
Every time you head out, you need to have a plan and you need to prepare for the worst. Start by documenting your plan and sharing it with your family or close friends. This is especially important if you are taking a solo trip.
Make sure you let them know where you are launching from, where you plan on fishing, what time you plan on departing to come home. A quick note, text message, or email outlining your plan will make it much easier for rescuers to find you.
If you have the option, always go out with a buddy.
On a recent bass fishing excursion in the Motherlode, the buddy system paid off. I was out fishing with several close friends when one of them experienced a medical emergency and needed to be towed in. Fortunately, I was there to assist and was prepared to deal with the situation.
It is essential that you run through a multitude of scenarios in your head and work through each part of your plan to make sure you are adequately prepared.
By Steve Melander