Safety Gear for Buggin

[DocHaole]

Last year was my first lobster season and now I am counting the days until October. I have to admit that when getting all my gear for last season I didn't do terribly much for safety gear. I had my PFD, dry top and pants, extra LED glow sticks on each end of the kayak, headlamp and made sure that everything on the boat was leashed on. As I am upgrading some of my gear for this year I thought I would ask what else to get for safety.

Do any of you guys carry radio's, or flares, ect.

I have never flipped my kayak but I understand that things happen our there, and yes I do go out alone from time to time.

thanks for the feedback

Originally Posted by DocHaole

Last year was my first lobster season and now I am counting the days until October. I have to admit that when getting all my gear for last season I didn't do terribly much for safety gear. I had my PFD, dry top and pants, extra LED glow sticks on each end of the kayak, headlamp and made sure that everything on the boat was leashed on. As I am upgrading some of my gear for this year I thought I would ask what else to get for safety.

Do any of you guys carry radio's, or flares, ect.

I have never flipped my kayak but I understand that things happen our there, and yes I do go out alone from time to time.

thanks for the feedback

I bring a firefly and whistle tethered to my PFD which I don't take off.

[bus kid]

Get a good waterproof floating radio, day or night, alone or with others you should have a radio. Check the party like its 1999 thread.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by bus kid

Get a good waterproof floating radio, day or night, alone or with others you should have a radio. Check the party like its 1999 thread.

[DocHaole]

Ok, I'm kind of a cheapskate but I know I should get the radio. Does the firefly send out any emergency radio signal or is it all the strobe light?

[MrM]

Originally Posted by DocHaole

Ok, I'm kind of a cheapskate but I know I should get the radio. Does the firefly send out any emergency radio signal or is it all the strobe light?

Spend the money on a radio. Its only $120ish. Not any more than a medium quality reel. You cannot afford to be cheap with the essential safety gear. Besides, you'll have access to weather reports, other chat from private boaters/anglers, and you can listen in on the CG for any warnings about naval activity, abnormal conditions, etc.