Kayaker in waer - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

jakesdad · #1 06-13-2020, 06:35 PM

Fished Shark River for a couple of hours this morning. Many kayakers no problem
lots of shorts. Looked up and saw one man in the water, water temp 60.2 degrees. First boat to him helped him in and saved his kayak. We retrieved his shoes and water bottle floating by. Went over to give the items back and was told the drain plug came out and he just rolled.

He was lucky, many people around but he was unprepared to be in the water, wearing pants and a hoodie, but NO PFD. Guys I respect your right to enjoy the sport of fishing but please do it safely. That is the second time in 2 years I have seen someone in the water early in the season.

PS but he did loose all of his equipment.

Caught fish on last of outgoing, bite slowed on the incoming. 1 keep 40 back in the water to grow.

Duffman · #2 06-14-2020, 10:34 AM

What’s this 4 now in as many weeks? WTF?

shrimpman steve · #3 06-14-2020, 10:44 PM

Isn’t it the law to wear a PFD

truthyone · #4 06-15-2020, 12:24 PM

Adults are required to have a PFD. Children are required to wear a PFD.

Fishguy1 · #5 06-15-2020, 02:52 PM

I've seen so many people in kayaks endangering themselves. A few years ago late in the Fall between Sandy Hook channel and the swash there was a yakker, NW wind and a really hard outgoing. The guy could barely make headway against the tide and there he was drifting out to sea. Then he dumps it and can't get back in. He was smart enough to have a radio and we heard his desperate calls. A private boater came to his aid and pulled him aboard and towed the kayak back in. Shit happens fast on the water.
Many years ago I took a course in sea kayaking and the very first lesson when we got in the boat was tipping it over and learning how to get back in while in the water. Lesson number 1.
Be careful guys and wear your lifejacket.

jakesdad · #6 06-15-2020, 04:00 PM

What got me the most was due to his clothing he was struggling just to hang onto the kayak. Water temp, clothing, tides, ability all need to be taken into account on the water. After seeing this I am amazed that like jet ski's, surfboards and other craft there was no attachment to the kayak. If there was at least you would have something to hang onto until help arrives. Also on those that don't make it, the authorities would be able to find and recover much easier and quicker.

pcheesesteak · #7 06-17-2020, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakesdad

What got me the most was due to his clothing he was struggling just to hang onto the kayak. Water temp, clothing, tides, ability all need to be taken into account on the water. After seeing this I am amazed that like jet ski's, surfboards and other craft there was no attachment to the kayak. If there was at least you would have something to hang onto until help arrives. Also on those that don't make it, the authorities would be able to find and recover much easier and quicker.

Good on you for helping out!