VHF Radio - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

EDC · 06-20-2014, 09:00 AM

Yes it's true that it's nice to have a radio and to listen to the NOAA channels and to be able to get in touch with other boats, and a one touch distress signal is pretty cool. I don't want to start an argument and believe that radios are important. I would get a Standard Horizon if I got a gift certificate or a bonus and didn't have to spend the money I would otherwise be spending on other fishing gear. But my phone does float, I get inclement weather alerts through running apps, I can listen to the NOAA channels through a phone call, I don't really want to talk to the boats (but talking to other kayakers would be nice), and if the conditions look nasty I just won't be going out. I just don't trust the West Marine brand and that may just be me. I don't have experience with this radio, but I have had other West Marine electronics that were absolute junk in the past and did not do close to what they were supposed to (faulty wiring, waterproof items not even being water resistant in reality, sloppy tolerance, cheap components,and other small compaints), so maybe I'm just biased. I like the store, and customer service is great, but I don't think their quality is there. If I were buying something important, I would want it to be from a company that specializes in that kind of product, not one who dabbles here and there in a bunch of different types of products. If this one turns out to be a good one and other people are having great results with it, then maybe I am just outdated and should maybe give them another shot (maybe I got the only lemons). But that won't be for a very long time and I would need a lot of convincing to buy that brand again.

With Mr. Sammons, he seemed pretty comfortable about these SoCal waters when I spoke with him. Remember that he has travelled the world in some pretty nasty stuff way way further from safety than the kelp beds or canyons and other normal SoCal spots. Maybe in his experience he has just been through so much crazy kayak fishing that nothing phases him anymore. On his shows though you will see him always wearing a PFD and his VHF even in a small freshwater pond.

Dannowar · 06-20-2014, 09:14 AM

So you're saying I should just use my cell phone?

EDC · 06-20-2014, 09:39 AM

All I'm saying is that I am now comfortable with just my cell phone for as far as I go out, and because my phone gives me what I would want from a VHF. I am also stating that if you have the extra money and will feel more comfortable on the water with a VHF, then you should get one. Good comm is always overlooked until you need it the most. Finally I am saying that based off of my experience along with some negative reviews I have read in the past, if I were to buy a VHF, or anything that I was putting my life on, I wouldn't buy West Marine. But again, this is just my opinion and can easily be wrong. Go with what makes you feel comfortable, and go with something you can rely on. That for me just happens to be my phone. But whatever you do, don't buy a lifeline just because is costs less. If the radio is actually as good as others say, then it could be a great deal. Good radio for cheap. But if it is cheap and won't pull you out of a jam when you need it, your last thoughts may just be about why you had to save a couple pennies instead of buying the better option. Kind of contradicting myself a little huh? No easy answer for most. But for me, I will try to buy quality products that will last forever instead of the bargain any day. I've learned that lesson the hard way.

Socalkayak · 06-24-2014, 06:12 PM

I as well use my phone. Lifeproof makes a nice case and a bouy case that alows it to float. There cases are awsome because they allow you to take underwater super clear videos. I also run my navionics off my phone. The draw backs. Constant navionics blows through battery. Solution spare phone battery. The navionics app is awsome. Its way easier to use on phone because I already know how to use my phone. Now if they can make an app that would allow you to talk to other yakers that would be cool but like they say there is probably an app for that. Vhf phone app anyone.

jorluivil · 06-24-2014, 06:42 PM

Don't be cheap, get the radio and while you're at it get a radio that has a speaker/mic connection.

Cbad Mike · 06-24-2014, 10:17 PM

I have a Standard Horizon. It's works well and floats with a blinking light.
In the last year that I've had it, it hasn't had to float and I haven't had to use it to call for help But I get a little piece of mind knowing that it will do both especially when I'm bobbing around LJ alone in the middle of the night.
My advice.....
Get one.
Get one from West Marine and buy their great warranty.
Get one and feel more comfortable on the water.
Get one to talk sh#t to your friends.
Get one that is small and compact.

06-20-2014, 09:14 AM	#2
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	So you're saying I should just use my cell phone? __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

06-24-2014, 06:42 PM	#5
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Don't be cheap, get the radio and while you're at it get a radio that has a speaker/mic connection. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

06-24-2014, 10:17 PM	#6
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	I have a Standard Horizon. It's works well and floats with a blinking light. In the last year that I've had it, it hasn't had to float and I haven't had to use it to call for help But I get a little piece of mind knowing that it will do both especially when I'm bobbing around LJ alone in the middle of the night. My advice..... Get one. Get one from West Marine and buy their great warranty. Get one and feel more comfortable on the water. Get one to talk sh#t to your friends. Get one that is small and compact. __________________ [SIGPIC]

06-20-2014, 09:00 AM	#1
EDC Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Oceanside Posts: 44	Yes it's true that it's nice to have a radio and to listen to the NOAA channels and to be able to get in touch with other boats, and a one touch distress signal is pretty cool. I don't want to start an argument and believe that radios are important. I would get a Standard Horizon if I got a gift certificate or a bonus and didn't have to spend the money I would otherwise be spending on other fishing gear. But my phone does float, I get inclement weather alerts through running apps, I can listen to the NOAA channels through a phone call, I don't really want to talk to the boats (but talking to other kayakers would be nice), and if the conditions look nasty I just won't be going out. I just don't trust the West Marine brand and that may just be me. I don't have experience with this radio, but I have had other West Marine electronics that were absolute junk in the past and did not do close to what they were supposed to (faulty wiring, waterproof items not even being water resistant in reality, sloppy tolerance, cheap components,and other small compaints), so maybe I'm just biased. I like the store, and customer service is great, but I don't think their quality is there. If I were buying something important, I would want it to be from a company that specializes in that kind of product, not one who dabbles here and there in a bunch of different types of products. If this one turns out to be a good one and other people are having great results with it, then maybe I am just outdated and should maybe give them another shot (maybe I got the only lemons). But that won't be for a very long time and I would need a lot of convincing to buy that brand again. With Mr. Sammons, he seemed pretty comfortable about these SoCal waters when I spoke with him. Remember that he has travelled the world in some pretty nasty stuff way way further from safety than the kelp beds or canyons and other normal SoCal spots. Maybe in his experience he has just been through so much crazy kayak fishing that nothing phases him anymore. On his shows though you will see him always wearing a PFD and his VHF even in a small freshwater pond.

06-20-2014, 09:39 AM	#3
EDC Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Oceanside Posts: 44	All I'm saying is that I am now comfortable with just my cell phone for as far as I go out, and because my phone gives me what I would want from a VHF. I am also stating that if you have the extra money and will feel more comfortable on the water with a VHF, then you should get one. Good comm is always overlooked until you need it the most. Finally I am saying that based off of my experience along with some negative reviews I have read in the past, if I were to buy a VHF, or anything that I was putting my life on, I wouldn't buy West Marine. But again, this is just my opinion and can easily be wrong. Go with what makes you feel comfortable, and go with something you can rely on. That for me just happens to be my phone. But whatever you do, don't buy a lifeline just because is costs less. If the radio is actually as good as others say, then it could be a great deal. Good radio for cheap. But if it is cheap and won't pull you out of a jam when you need it, your last thoughts may just be about why you had to save a couple pennies instead of buying the better option. Kind of contradicting myself a little huh? No easy answer for most. But for me, I will try to buy quality products that will last forever instead of the bargain any day. I've learned that lesson the hard way.

06-24-2014, 06:12 PM	#4
Socalkayak Junior Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 29	I as well use my phone. Lifeproof makes a nice case and a bouy case that alows it to float. There cases are awsome because they allow you to take underwater super clear videos. I also run my navionics off my phone. The draw backs. Constant navionics blows through battery. Solution spare phone battery. The navionics app is awsome. Its way easier to use on phone because I already know how to use my phone. Now if they can make an app that would allow you to talk to other yakers that would be cool but like they say there is probably an app for that. Vhf phone app anyone.