We have some new members, very new to kayaking and I want to bring this subject up again, to some it will be a review, to others it will be brand spankin new, but it is very important.... I don't intend to mention the reason it came to mind, and I don't expect the reason to mention it either.
Okay Folks, Let's talk about fishing in moving water, and since this is the SAFETY forum, I'll limit myself to the Key Safety points and then toss this ball to our safety QB, Ready VIC?
1. First and foremost, remember that after heavy rains, when the river levels swell, the danger of paddling there to fish increases. It may be in your best interest to paddle your favorite flatwater spot till the river resides. (Lake, pond, etc.) The heavy rains don't have to be local, in fact, the rains UPRIVER have more effect on the current than local rain.
2. The dangers in the moving water are not all visible on the surface.. the worst dangers lurk below... strainers that move up and down just below the surface of the water; circular currents that pull you down behind rocks, brush piles and below dams, and cross currents that will capsize your boat.... all unseen hazards....
3. Anchoring to fish in moving current is always a risk. Anchoring can turn your kayak into a colorful submarine. This is a skill and you have to be ready to cut loose if your yak decides to dive. I will leave the explanation to VIC, but trust me, do this wrong and your bow or stern can dive and your yak will follow, worse yet, a side on dive is rapid and unexpected. Best to pull out on the rocks or to the shallows and wade or fish in the calmer water between the moving portions of the river, or simply drift past the moving water and cast back up into the movement.
4. PFD's a must, and if you should turtle, try to position yourself on your back, feet pointing downstream, legs together to protect vitals, and control your motion with your ams. Go with the current fending off rocks and trying to control your path until you can regain the shoreline or touch bottom. I would advise against climbing onto rocks as you can be sucked under edges of the larger rocks and be unable to overcome the hydraulics if the current is strong.
5. In fast moving water remember this ...... Fish with a partner, fish with a partner. and lastly.... Um... fish with a partner. More fun, much safer and you might live to fish again. I do not know if the yakker in the earlier post would have survived the night if his partner had not paddled to shore and summoned assistance. If you have to fish alone, don't choose to fish in fast moving water.
I know there are those out there who know more about this than I, jump right in guys. River Rescue, SAR or EMTs, Paramedics and Police, Kayak instructors.... lets hear from you all. Make the safety board count.
Jim