to VHF or not VHF ?

[wiredantz]

Alright guys,

this is the question. Comments and opinions please.

Is it really worth it for people who barely go fishing 1-4 times a month?, I am not like Jim day who goes off miles into the ocean to fish off of clean water. I stay within a mile or two of land.


I figured the only time i would really need it, is because i am bleeding to death due to a shark attack

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by wiredantz

Is it really worth it for people who barely go fishing 1-4 times a month?

I'd say so. I have never had to be rescued myself but I have used my handheld to contact the harbor patrol to get them to come and and help others several times. I'd say it's an absolute necessity if hoop netting break walls at night. I also check the weather any time I see any kind of major condition change. That saved my ass one day at Redondo, when the wind swung to the North and I was down at Rocky Point. I still had to paddle through some rough stuff but I got a jump on it because they already had the weather change on the radio, when I first notice the wind was starting to swing.

Jim

[Politi-Cal]

Better safe than sorry. I have never used my vhf in an emergency (hope I never do) but I take it none the less.

[dsafety]

My radio weighs well over a pound and is too bulky to keep on my vest. I used to take it with me and keep it in the front hatch for emergencies. So far none have occurred.

These days I only carry my iphone. It works great at least three miles off LJ and O'side. I have not tested the limits of the signal but I suspect it will go a bit farther.

I carry it in a waterproof pouch that hangs around my neck so it is always easily accessible. I can operate it while it is the pouch so it is really convenient. I have not flipped while wearing the phone but I am sure it would survive the event. This is not something I plan to test, however.

The iPhone, (and most other smart phones), can double as a GPS and compass as well. If you have a good charting app such as Navonics, you can even chart your trip and mark way points.

I agree that you can never be too prepared when it comes to safety while on a kayak but I feel safe enough when armed with my phone. On the other hand, you will probably not catch me fishing in some of the places and conditions that Jim and others sometimes do.

Bob

[wiredantz]

Originally Posted by dsafety

My radio weighs well over a pound and is too bulky to keep on my vest. I used to take it with me and keep it in the front hatch for emergencies. So far none have occurred.

These days I only carry my iphone. It works great at least three miles off LJ and O'side. I have not tested the limits of the signal but I suspect it will go a bit farther.

I carry it in a waterproof pouch that hangs around my neck so it is always easily accessible. I can operate it while it is the pouch so it is really convenient. I have not flipped while wearing the phone but I am sure it would survive the event. This is not something I plan to test, however.

The iPhone, (and most other smart phones), can double as a GPS and compass as well. If you have a good charting app such as Navonics, you can even chart your trip and mark way points.

I agree that you can never be too prepared when it comes to safety while on a kayak but I feel safe enough when armed with my phone. On the other hand, you will probably not catch me fishing in some of the places and conditions that Jim and others sometimes do.

Bob

Yes, I agree with Bob. I currently have this phone. I have dropped it in the ocean soaked it in water, dropped it in freshwater and it is still working. I did like the fact that with VHF i could communicate with the group, but 95% im usually fishing alone on my kayak a mile off any pier. What i didn't like is that the VHF was pretty bulky to leave on my PFD, I would be more afraid of dropping in the ocean then anything else. I do agree to be safe than sorry, so i am still debating.


http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CDYQ8wIwAg#

[poorpaddy]

I have high hopes that I'll catch something large enough to drag me several miles...so I got a Standard Horizon HX851 and love it. But in all seriousness, being new to Kayak fishing I'm terrified of some of the speed boats I can clearly see folks drinking at high speeds and of course the possibility that too long in the sun and heavy tides could be easily under estimated.

[ratdog]

My 2 cents: I feel much safer with a radio. $150 or so gives me peace of mind.
I always do radio checks and very seldom get a response back, I'll be sure to check Ch 27 tomorrow, good info thanks