Marine Radio? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

HobieScot · 07-14-2015, 12:08 PM

I was wondering how many of you take a handheld marine Radio out with you for emergencies? I still have one from when I had my boat but the charger no longer works. I know it would be smart to have one for safety. But I'm curious how many kayak actually take one out with you every time?

makobob · 07-14-2015, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HobieScot

I was wondering how many of you take a handheld marine Radio out with you for emergencies? I still have one from when I had my boat but the charger no longer works. I know it would be smart to have one for safety. But I'm curious how many kayak actually take one out with you every time?

ME!!!
But then I am 67 and piece of mind is important. I try to get the guys going to Baja with me to carry one, too. Any time you go out something might happen to you or someone else. Better safe than sorry, think of your family with you gone.

Rambo · 07-14-2015, 12:25 PM

I always bring my vhf along and check the battery. It stays full or I would charge it the night before. Safety is always priority when i'm out on the water. It's better to have one in case the what if happens or someone needs help.

Rocketfish · 07-14-2015, 12:32 PM

+1 on all these comments. My radio was one of the first things I bought after getting my yak. The one i have is waterproof and it floats (supposedly).

The other cool thing about it is that you can use it on a non-emergency channel to chat with other yakers in the area, because as we all know, once you are even 20 feet away from each other, it's very hard to hear what each other is saying.

I like hearing all the smack talking during an outing with friends LOL.

RookieYakker · 07-14-2015, 12:42 PM

HobieScot, thanks for posting. I've been thinking of buying one too!

What channels do you use to communicate with other yakers or for emergencies? Thanks!

summers in kuwait · 07-14-2015, 12:48 PM

I would agree. I got a radio before a lot of other gear.
I used to not bring it to the bay, just La Jolla, but now I bring it everywhere. You never know if or when you'll need it for yourself or another.
I primarily use 69, but daydream about about Cortez & Tanner Bank when I tune into 72. Channels

spicolly · 07-14-2015, 12:55 PM

I want to buy one...and am a cheap bastage according to my wife. Any brands you would recommend? Is online the best way to buy? Thanks!!!

octico · 07-14-2015, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HobieScot

I was wondering how many of you take a handheld marine Radio out with you for emergencies? I still have one from when I had my boat but the charger no longer works. I know it would be smart to have one for safety. But I'm curious how many kayak actually take one out with you every time?

What kind of radio is it? I have an extra standard horizon charger.

HobieScot · 07-14-2015, 01:46 PM

It's older, let me pull it out and see if I can get a make and model number for it

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

monstahfish · 07-14-2015, 01:48 PM

I take mine too. I also carry a personal locator beacon in my pfd pocket. I used to keep hand flares in my tackle box too but haven't done that for a while.

HobieScot · 07-14-2015, 01:57 PM

Thank you Octico, the brand says Seafit. I believe I bought it at West Marine (can't remember for sure but that's where I bought almost everything for my boat back then so it's a good guess) probably 5-10 years ago. It had a charger base that it sat in to charge.

It hasn't been used in a long time so I am not sure it still works. I'd have to charge it to find out.

FlyFishinYakr · 07-14-2015, 03:16 PM

Right after my PFG, my next purchase was a quality VHF radio (Standard Horizon HX851 and even though it's waterproof and floats I also bought an Aqua-Pack w/p sack to ensure floatation).

After reading some of the threads about the use of a cell/radio, it dawned on me when someone pointed out that cell service can be sketchy on the water and that there are no cell towers on the water!

Although a top line VHF will not guarantee safety, there's a better chance of someone hearing your call for help on a radio.
Did you hear about that lone Kayaker lost for about 16 hours out of Ventura? I'm pretty sure someone would have heard him on a radio if he had carried one, with all the day boats, twilight, overnight, etc. coming in and departing the harbor.
A flare gun is next on my wish list.
Just my thoughts/observations.
FFY

jorluivil · 07-14-2015, 03:18 PM

I've said this a million times......whatever radio you get try to find one that has the external mic connection, you'll thank me later

Batmann · 07-14-2015, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monstahfish

I take mine too. I also carry a personal locator beacon in my pfd pocket. I used to keep hand flares in my tackle box too but haven't done that for a while.

I am curious. Can you please post a link to the PLB that you are using.

I use the following radio with good results. Get the extended warranty, they go on sale all the time. It has tri-watch so I usually monitor CH 16, 9 and 69 or 70 depending on the fishing chatter that day without missing any emergency traffic.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-m...adio--14078562

Another inexpensive locating device that you can use is a chem light to make a buzzsaw during darkness. It has a very long range viability especially from the air

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zH_dzakIGw

Think of it as a PACE plan.

Primary - VHF radio
Alternate - PLB
Contingency - Whistle/Cellphone
Emergency - Chemlight/Strobe

Rocketfish · 07-15-2015, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batmann

Another inexpensive locating device that you can use is a chem light to make a buzzsaw during darkness. It has a very long range viability especially from the air

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zH_dzakIGw

Interesting! i wonder if a regular glo stick from the dollar tree and a string would work almost as well.

makobob · 07-15-2015, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketfish

Interesting! i wonder if a regular glo stick from the dollar tree and a string would work almost as well.

In an EMERGENCY, your life might hang in the balance, do you want ALMOST as well? Really?

Goose1993 · 07-31-2015, 09:41 AM

I do.

And is everyone out there at lj on a certain channel to chat?

Molten Furnace · 07-14-2015, 06:32 PM

I do.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Fishin' Magician · 07-15-2015, 05:17 AM

I always take mine as well as a 2 way walkie talkie so that I can converse with my fishing buddies. The last time I was out, someone called that they say diver fins sticking up out of the water, but could see no movement. This generated an emergency response team to race over. Fortunately, it was only a pair of dive fins, no body attached. But had it been a true emergency, the radio could have saved someones life.

The VHF radio is also great for kayak fishing tournaments like the one OEX puts on in Mission Bay, (great tournament by the way! Can't wait for the next one!). When you catch a fish that needs to be wieghed, you can call in the weigh boat and they'll come over, measure it, weigh it and then tell you that it's short by a 1/4". But I digress.....

Fishin' Magician · 07-31-2015, 12:16 PM

Definitely buy one that is waterproof and floats. You never know when or if you'll ever need it in an emergency situation, but it is well worth the investment for pease of mind if for nothing else. You can get one that will work just fine from either West Marine or at Bass Pro Shops for about $100.00. They have some that are more expensive and may have a longer range, but for kayakers, we don't need one that will carry for 50 miles or more.

07-14-2015, 12:08 PM	#1
HobieScot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 370	Marine Radio? I was wondering how many of you take a handheld marine Radio out with you for emergencies? I still have one from when I had my boat but the charger no longer works. I know it would be smart to have one for safety. But I'm curious how many kayak actually take one out with you every time?

07-14-2015, 12:55 PM	#7
spicolly ..... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 135	Great Thread! I want to buy one...and am a cheap bastage according to my wife. Any brands you would recommend? Is online the best way to buy? Thanks!!!

07-14-2015, 03:16 PM	#12
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	Right after my PFG, my next purchase was a quality VHF radio (Standard Horizon HX851 and even though it's waterproof and floats I also bought an Aqua-Pack w/p sack to ensure floatation). After reading some of the threads about the use of a cell/radio, it dawned on me when someone pointed out that cell service can be sketchy on the water and that there are no cell towers on the water! Although a top line VHF will not guarantee safety, there's a better chance of someone hearing your call for help on a radio. Did you hear about that lone Kayaker lost for about 16 hours out of Ventura? I'm pretty sure someone would have heard him on a radio if he had carried one, with all the day boats, twilight, overnight, etc. coming in and departing the harbor. A flare gun is next on my wish list. Just my thoughts/observations. FFY Last edited by FlyFishinYakr; 07-14-2015 at 03:20 PM. Reason: Grammatical check.

07-14-2015, 03:18 PM	#13
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	I've said this a million times......whatever radio you get try to find one that has the external mic connection, you'll thank me later __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

07-15-2015, 05:17 AM	#19
Fishin' Magician Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 219	I always take mine as well as a 2 way walkie talkie so that I can converse with my fishing buddies. The last time I was out, someone called that they say diver fins sticking up out of the water, but could see no movement. This generated an emergency response team to race over. Fortunately, it was only a pair of dive fins, no body attached. But had it been a true emergency, the radio could have saved someones life. The VHF radio is also great for kayak fishing tournaments like the one OEX puts on in Mission Bay, (great tournament by the way! Can't wait for the next one!). When you catch a fish that needs to be wieghed, you can call in the weigh boat and they'll come over, measure it, weigh it and then tell you that it's short by a 1/4". But I digress..... __________________ Here fishy, fishy, fishy.....

07-14-2015, 12:25 PM	#3
Rambo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: West Covina, CA Posts: 434	I always bring my vhf along and check the battery. It stays full or I would charge it the night before. Safety is always priority when i'm out on the water. It's better to have one in case the what if happens or someone needs help.

07-14-2015, 12:32 PM	#4
Rocketfish Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: North O.C. Posts: 156	+1 on all these comments. My radio was one of the first things I bought after getting my yak. The one i have is waterproof and it floats (supposedly). The other cool thing about it is that you can use it on a non-emergency channel to chat with other yakers in the area, because as we all know, once you are even 20 feet away from each other, it's very hard to hear what each other is saying. I like hearing all the smack talking during an outing with friends LOL.

07-14-2015, 12:42 PM	#5
RookieYakker Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 130	HobieScot, thanks for posting. I've been thinking of buying one too! What channels do you use to communicate with other yakers or for emergencies? Thanks!

07-14-2015, 12:48 PM	#6
summers in kuwait Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: East County San Diego Posts: 657	I would agree. I got a radio before a lot of other gear. I used to not bring it to the bay, just La Jolla, but now I bring it everywhere. You never know if or when you'll need it for yourself or another. I primarily use 69, but daydream about about Cortez & Tanner Bank when I tune into 72. Channels

07-14-2015, 01:46 PM	#9
HobieScot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 370	It's older, let me pull it out and see if I can get a make and model number for it Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07-14-2015, 01:48 PM	#10
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 419	I take mine too. I also carry a personal locator beacon in my pfd pocket. I used to keep hand flares in my tackle box too but haven't done that for a while.

07-31-2015, 09:41 AM	#17
Goose1993 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 115	I do. And is everyone out there at lj on a certain channel to chat?

07-14-2015, 06:32 PM	#18
Molten Furnace Junior Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Encinitas Posts: 17	I do. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07-31-2015, 12:16 PM	#20
Fishin' Magician Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 219	Definitely buy one that is waterproof and floats. You never know when or if you'll ever need it in an emergency situation, but it is well worth the investment for pease of mind if for nothing else. You can get one that will work just fine from either West Marine or at Bass Pro Shops for about $100.00. They have some that are more expensive and may have a longer range, but for kayakers, we don't need one that will carry for 50 miles or more. __________________ Here fishy, fishy, fishy.....