What the heck is he doing out here in that

Hey guys. I would like to start a conversation about the latest craze to hit the fishing world. KAYAK's. I have to say it's getting pretty crazy out there. A lot of debates on where they should be allowed to go or even if they should be allowed at all. I am a former tournament angler and have to say I really enjoyed my boat being able to get me where I wanted to go pretty quick. Now it has been a few years since I fished tournaments, but my passion hasn't changed any at all. In fact I have become more passionate since becoming a kayak angler. I have to say that sometimes I miss being able to put my boat in any place on the lake and fish any place on the lake, but at the same time I really like not having to buy gas and oil and registration and tires and tags lol. What I'm getting at is I enjoy fishing out of a kayak just as much as I did out of my boat. Now having the back ground in fishing that I do, I am always mindful of what's going on around me. If I was running and gunning I would always try to respect the other fishermen and try not to rock the boat so to speak. I'm the same way in my kayak. I try to stay out of other peoples way and respect the fact that they might be in a tournament. I stay closer to the bank and out of the boat lanes unless I have no other choice. My kayak is off white, I wear really bright colors, and I have a flag on the back of my kayak. I try to make it as easy as possible for others on the water to see me so they don't have to put any extra effort into watching for me. One of the local lakes I fish is a pretty popular ski and jet ski lake so I try to stay in the coves and up closer to the bank as not to disturb their fun. But even at that I have to say it is pretty crazy out there. This past weekend I was fishing under a bridge for crappie so i was tied up to a piling. There was a boat coming toward the bridge at a high trolling speed. There were a couple of more boats under the bridge so I figured they would slow down but they didn't. Even in a full sized boat the wake they put of would have been rough. I got untied just in time to turn and head into the wake, which broke over the bow of my kayak, so I wouldn't get swamped. Didn't seem to phase them at all. I'm not saying that anyone on this site would do anything like that, but I do think that the conversation needs to be out there about boaters and kayakers and what we can do together to bring more awareness to the fact that we sometimes fish the same waters and need to be mindful of each other. After all we share the same passion. The only difference is the means of getting to that hot spot. Next year I plan to start fishing a couple of tournament circuits for kayaks, and they fish a lot of the same lakes as other circuits, so we might just see each other out there doing what we love. By the way I'll be the guy in the white kayak with the BRIGHT orange HUK shirt and the 10 rods sticking up from the back of my yak, and the orange flag. LOL. I will be fishing for prize money just like the other tournament anglers, so I will be respectful of the area you are in, but I will expect the same in return. Kayaking is pretty big business and it's going to continue to grow with the prices of bass boats what they are now. I'm also speaking to the other kayakers out there to. Yeah to the guy and his wife that kayaked right in front of me and my buddy Sunday right through the spot we were catching fish. Be more aware of whats going on around you and be respectful of other people. We are going to be sharing the same waters so lets work toward some solutions. I truly hope to see you on the water some day and possibly talk to you on the ramp.

Paragraphs are not your enemy.

Yeah, sorry. My English Lit teacher said I was to long winded. lol

I use whatever I’m in the mood for.
I have a boat and motor , kayak, pirogue and sometimes wade.



Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

It has gotten pretty bad these days. It is not only the high$$ boats with teenagers driving and kids on jet skis. It is fishermen as well. 2 boats trolling 50 to 100 feet apart and a $40,000 bass boat powers between us at 60mph and doesn't even look up. I have seen the crappie boats do the same thing. There is very little respect for your fellow man anymore. It's all about me.

sorry to hear that. I kayak too. I go slow and wave when in the Tin boat.

Im strictly a kayaker,( hence my forum name Yaker ), while I believe public water is just that,I've never had to worry bout being swamped be another kayak,or for that matter,small horse powered boats.I fish a kayak because it gets me where larger boats cannot go.
The biggest problem by far in my neck of the woods are what we call glitter boats,( don't be offended if ya got one ).Glitter boats are naturally the choice for the tournament folks,the cast and dash approach is usually the technique used to fish more spots quicker.
I choose to stay off the Ohio river due to the amount of pleasure boaters,and glitter boats that endlessly cruise the miles of water.The fact that most of our small lakes ( better fishing spots ) have 10 horse and under motor restriction,makes fishing from a kayak pleasurable,and much safer for everyone.

This can be a touchy subject but this is my opinion on it. I try to be respectful of everyone boat or kayak but like everyone I make mistakes. I have come around a bend and not seen a boater and thrown a wave but that's unintentional and I hope that people are understanding and look over it. I think we have to be respectful and understand. I don't think anyone is doing anything with the intent of making someone mad. Most people just don't realize what they're doing. So before you get mad try to put the shoe on the other foot.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

We see a bunch of kayak tournaments on Ky and Barkley lakes and I try to give plenty of room.

My issue is anybody can go to Wally World and buy a $200 kayak and take off for parts unknown. KY Lake can get as rough as many ocean inlets but I often see folks paddling along 1/2 mile from shore in waves 3 feet high with no visible markers like a flag on a pole or other warning to other boaters.

I’m surprised we haven’t had a kayak tragedy here.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Yeah mrdux I see the same thing around here. Guys not using any markers to help others see them. Like you I’m surprised there hasn’t been a major incident. I don’t think it will be long before we are going to see more regulations on kayaking. Me personally I wouldn’t even get in one of those Walmart special jobs. Way to unstable. Texas doesn’t require you to register it unless you put a trolling motor on it so there really is a disregard for safety. I have more fear of being in the way of an oncoming boat than turning it over. I jokingly say that the brightness of my clothes might blind you but you are going to see me

It ain't just boaters. People nowadays just don't think ahead. People in the stores park their grocery basket in the middle of the isles then walk halfway down the Isle to get something. Tunnel vision and not thinking of anyone else. These folks haven't been in your position and don't know how to act properly. They're pleasure boaters, a little wave doesn't bother them so why should it bother you is their way of thinking.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

There's always going to be inconsiderate people on the lake.

The the general observation about the way people are these days is pretty spot on. Who know where it started (youth, middle age, whatever) BUT, it is now throughout the system. Eventually what happens is that people have something happen to them enough times and they become like everyone else. "If they don't care, why should I" type of mentality.

Kayaking is a big business, a great way for people to fish, exercise, and enjoy a recreation. In my opinion, they have just as much right on the water as I do. I too am surprised that we have not had bigger issues thus far. Maybe we have and just have not heard about it at this point. All this being said, there are a few options in many different states. I cannot speak for every one of them, but I can speak for Michigan and USCG laws.

We do have what is called "Safe Operating Distance". That applies to ALL vessels! Here in Michigan we also have a "Fisherman Harrassment" law.
The only way for people to get the hint is by example. Hopefully, it isn't in the form of death or tragedy. I prefer it be in the form of enforcement. Once the word gets out, people will quickly realize that they have been doing something wrong and need to adjust their ways.

I cannot speak for others but this is what I would do in a situation. I would be sure the know the time and location of the incident. I would be sure the get the HULL number of the vessel. Whether it is a personal watercraft, ski boat, or fishing boat. I would then call the local DNR, Marine Officer, or Police department depending on the jurisdiction in that area. For Michigan, we have several forms depending on where you are at. In waters that connect to the great lakes, we have the coast guard. For inland waters, we have DNR, Marine patrol, or local PD. It really depends.

Here is the key: tell them the issue and give them all the facts. If they do not want to send an officer to investigate, you say the following words: "I want to press charges"! Once you state that, they MUST send an investigating officer. In most instances, a warning is what will be given (if you didn't have to use the above sentance) but it gets the point across. Don't be afraid to contact them. Remember, they are there to "Protect and Serve"! I have a friend who is a DNR officer and I have his number. I also have a good friend that is a State Trooper. In less than 30 seconds I can get the phone number to an officer in the area I am located. They love nothing more than to protect the "good guy"! Too many times people don't want to be "That guy" and call the law. If something happens on the water and you felt your life or personal property was in danger, contact someone!

I have a 17 ft flat bottom al boat with 60 hp outboard. If stay on plane running 30 mph will make less wake than if slow down drop off plane to 4 mph to putt putt by them. That said --- I still slow down for them if I see em before.

I personally do not see the need for a 200 HP motor except for pulling a Shrimp trawl

You make a very good point wag. I much prefer most boats to stay on plane. If aboat go by on plane I usually just keep fishing. The wake is minimal. It was the same when I fished out of a bass boat. Of coarse there are times that you have to slow down and that’s fine, just don’t wait until the last minute.
Wicklundrh I am studying the laws for safe boating in Texas and there are some gray areas pertaining to non motorized craft. Part of the problem we have here is way to much area for so few officers to cover. This area is primarily hunting so there seems to be more of a presence during that time of year. Not saying they are not out doing their job just don’t see them as much. If I hadn’t stowed my phone in the bow storage I would have videos

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peewee59

You make a very good point wag. I much prefer most boats to stay on plane. If aboat go by on plane I usually just keep fishing. The wake is minimal. It was the same when I fished out of a bass boat. Of coarse there are times that you have to slow down and that’s fine, just don’t wait until the last minute.
Wicklundrh I am studying the laws for safe boating in Texas and there are some gray areas pertaining to non motorized craft. Part of the problem we have here is way to much area for so few officers to cover. This area is primarily hunting so there seems to be more of a presence during that time of year. Not saying they are not out doing their job just don’t see them as much. If I hadn’t stowed my phone in the bow storage I would have videos

---

I completely understand that. Sometimes there is just so much area and so few officers to cover it. I'm not really sure of the lake or the type and amount of watercraft that frequents it at any one time but, if popularity increases in a particular lake or area, local municipalities can make a decision to hire a full or part time officer to cover that area! Heck, you might have just found a new job....

Personally, I think it sucks that, anymore we have to video tape everything in order to cover ourselves or proove something but that is where this world seems to be heading. Everyone with cameras in their vehicles (they are in all of ours at work), body cameras, and phones. In today's society, we can't even have a civil conversation with someone regarding something as they percieve it as a threat.

I hit the yak waters just the other day for the first time in years. I was thankful I was on a body of water that you cannot get a boat in to!

My wife and I kayak fish quite a bit on everything from small private ponds to KY Lake and even 1.5-2 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico fishing for king mackerel. Proper visibility is something that I appreciated early on when saltwater fishing on the yak. I wear the same orange NRS Chinook kayak PFD whether I'm fishing in my Triton or my grey Hobie kayak. I always have an orange flag deployed in one of my rear rod holders that also has a light on it for times of low visibility. I spray painted the blades of the paddle I use blaze orange so that I can grab it and wave the blades overhead to get someone's attention if they're boating too close and do not appear to be paying attention. Whistles are useless as a deterrent because they can't be heard by powerboaters underway so I also carry a compact air horn in my left PFD pocket for quick access should someone get danger close to us. You have to remain hyper-vigilant if you want to play on a plastic boat in big water with lots of powerboats in the area. In hundreds of hours on my kayak over the last several years I can comfortably count on one hand the number of times that a boater put me into a situation that was uncomfortable or dangerous-each time it was due to boater inattention or carelessness.

I completely understand situations when stealth can be an asset when kayak fishing skinny water, but do not like the trend of subdued camouflage color patterns on many of the newer yaks being sold to the fishing community. I think the industry should be advocating for ways to be MORE visible on the water when sharing the space with boaters. With KY Lake as my new home body of water, I routinely see kayak fishermen on the water without appropriate visibility gear to make them stand out on the water. I would love to see states regulating mandating minimum visibility safety gear above and beyond what is currently required to protect both communities of anglers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peewee59

I don’t think it will be long before we are going to see more regulations on kayaking.

---

I do not kayak but in the past I have done a little canoeing. I do believe that certain boats are better suited for certain environments and small craft are best used in waters where you are not sharing the same boating lanes or areas where you are mixing it up with craft capable of 70+mph or daycruisers that could run you over and never realize it.

I think eventually we will see speed limits imposed on many bodies of water as there at times is too much traffic for a boater to be running 40 mph much less 70-80 mph. Not just because of kayaks but for the safety of all pleasure boaters. True most have the sense to slow down during high traffic times and in high traffic areas but then you always have those that go flying with the look at me and I have a fast boat mentality.

We complain about distracted drivers on the road and their cell phones but many boats today are running multiple 12+ inch graphs at the console and watching those graphs as they drive the boat. A guy worried about what is in that return on the sonar is not focused on what may be in the water ahead of him as much as he could be.

Eventually again after a few kayakers die or small boats are ran over due to the boats that hit them operators being distracted by their electronics then you will see laws enacted that will only allow the electronics to be used at no wake speeds or below.

Not everyone is irresponsible but it does not take many to paint a target on an entire group.

Common sense is becoming a lost art among many in today's society.

Thank you vfourmax. I didn't want to be the first to mention the electronics aspect. I have a nephew that fishes a lot of tournaments and even he complains about the other anglers being distracted by their electronics. I remember when I got my first paper graph and how much time I spent looking at it when I was running and looking for schooling fish, and that thing was only about 6 or 7 inches tall. I have a 7" lowrance on my kayak and really don't look at it that much. I use it more for dropping way points than anything. I appreciate the 7" screen because it is easier to see. Anything bigger would be in the way of fishing. We do need more, I don't want to say regulation for fear of over regulation, but common sense among the power that be to maybe stop that accident before it happens. For the most part if you make it enforceable most people will comply.Might complain about it but will comply.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

Paragraphs are not your enemy.

---

please, we dont criticize speelin or gramer on this forum, just ask Billbob, he tole me

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fish on Line

I personally do not see the need for a 200 HP motor except for pulling a Shrimp trawl

---

Like most other things, it's the operator not the horse power. Being respectful of others is something that gets forgotten on a regular basis nowadays.

Choices on water crafts are a real large mix these days and for sure manners are at a small mix . Seen lots of folks oblivious to others and been smashed a million times in vessels by other folks passing by waving and clueless ....
Sometimes they don’t care and lots of times they don’t know ....sad but true
I could go on but it wouldn’t matter much I don’t imagine , I do know because you have a pricey rig don’t mean you have lots of what you need to operate it for sure .

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slab

please, we dont criticize speelin or gramer on this forum, just ask Billbob, he tole me

---

I iz sorrie.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

I iz sorrie.

---

Tanks. Cause if we did, Billbob would never make a post here. just sayin'

Maybe posting a sign at landings stating that You are responsible for your wake and anything it destroys. It might wake up a few.
"gene"

I hear and have seen the same . You are having the same folks that Walk and talk during the National anthem , turn right without stopping at the stop sign , walk through Walmart cussing and carrying on ,cutting line at Wendy's ect,ect. Lack of enforcement is the under lying issue in all these situations . For years kids were taught at home everything they needed to know but academics . For some odd reason many now are taught nothing . Most that even go to college, if you ask them why they are going to college ? They Will tell you because they don't wan't to have to work ! It is a yeah me / forget you world . Call game and fish , senators, ect . Till results seen wear a life vest, carry a tall flag and stay in the stumps, when possible .Remember your parents asking you if you would jump off a cliff because "someone else" does ? "Someone else" is now in charge ! JMO .:juggle

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peewee59

Yeah, sorry. My English Lit teacher said I was to long winded. lol

---

I understood everything in yo long paragraph.

I have seen this topic come up over and over. I agree on safe operating distance, which people on lake gaston, nc and others have no concept of. With that said, these are the observations or readons for both sides of this issue.

the perspective of the small craft or fisherman.

im in a small boat and therefore all boats should slow down anywhere

the perspectiv eof higher powered boats.

sometimes honest mistake, and wave saying sorry

dont expect people to slow down on main channels

the faster i go the smaller the wake

some just dont care, i need to get where im going

i have seen paddle boarders and kyakers out in the main channels of lakes and still slow down, but dang use some common sense, but i have seen the glitter boats in coves fly by and not idling by until they clear me. Double edge sword

https://www.facebook.com/10001071705...8732957827267/

Just do what this guy does and show them who's really boss

Sent from my SM-G900V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

I tried the facebook --- must have thought I was a glitter Boat --

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fish on Line

I tried the facebook --- must have thought I was a glitter Boat --

---

X2!


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

https://youtu.be/xDlZvfvlZro

Ok. Let me try it this way

Sent from my SM-G900V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app