Shark encounter - what to do - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

TINCANYAK · 09-09-2015, 10:50 AM

Was in the situation solo three weeks ago and posted here to mixed replies. It is a magnificent experience that will test your composure. Paddling faster is pointless. Bumping will let you know he has arrived via your trail. Keep your yak clean leaving no slick. I had contractor bag but did not use it that day....use it. Seems hitting it will only agitate him, so I did not. Talking to him is therapeutic. Praying is subjective unless you end up in the water, then yes, pray. At some point he will leave and you will continue on in awe, intact and a bit wiser.
John

GregAndrew · 09-09-2015, 01:58 PM

Unless there is a boat or shoreline within easy reach, there is not much sense in trying to get away. As has been stated, you are not going to outrun any shark. And you will probably get it more excited by trying to scurry away.
DO NOT feed them your bait. Our bait is not large enough to slow the ones we have to be concerned with down it the least. And it helps to promote their bad behavior of searching for food around kayaks. Feeding your dead bait to Seagulls is far better in the long run than throwing it overboard when you know Sharks or Sea lions are around. If you don't see a Seagull flying above you, give it 30 seconds or so. Hell, most of the time you can even call them in.
Using your paddle (for sound or striking) should be only in the event that the shark is persistent and/or already nibbling on your yak. Two of the 3 possible outcomes from this are probably not good for you. They can be scared off (good), pissed off or excited (not good).
If sharks had arms and hands, they would reach out and test things with their fingers. Since they don't, it is either bite or bump. So just imagine them saying "OOOOh, what is that?" next time you get bumped. Nobody has ever been treated for a shark kayak bump (that I have heard of).

Hunters Pa · 09-09-2015, 02:13 PM

[QUOTE=GregAndrew;241465]Unless there is a boat or shoreline within easy reach, there is not much sense in trying to get away. As has been stated, you are not going to outrun any shark. QUOTE]

Don't need to outrun it. Just need to outrun the slowest person out there.

Kidding, of course.

Call in another kayayer, or 5, if possible. Safety in numbers and better to have aid at hand if something goes horribly wrong.

09-09-2015, 10:50 AM	#1
TINCANYAK Junior Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: San Clemente Posts: 16	Was in the situation solo three weeks ago and posted here to mixed replies. It is a magnificent experience that will test your composure. Paddling faster is pointless. Bumping will let you know he has arrived via your trail. Keep your yak clean leaving no slick. I had contractor bag but did not use it that day....use it. Seems hitting it will only agitate him, so I did not. Talking to him is therapeutic. Praying is subjective unless you end up in the water, then yes, pray. At some point he will leave and you will continue on in awe, intact and a bit wiser. John

09-09-2015, 01:58 PM	#2
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Unless there is a boat or shoreline within easy reach, there is not much sense in trying to get away. As has been stated, you are not going to outrun any shark. And you will probably get it more excited by trying to scurry away. DO NOT feed them your bait. Our bait is not large enough to slow the ones we have to be concerned with down it the least. And it helps to promote their bad behavior of searching for food around kayaks. Feeding your dead bait to Seagulls is far better in the long run than throwing it overboard when you know Sharks or Sea lions are around. If you don't see a Seagull flying above you, give it 30 seconds or so. Hell, most of the time you can even call them in. Using your paddle (for sound or striking) should be only in the event that the shark is persistent and/or already nibbling on your yak. Two of the 3 possible outcomes from this are probably not good for you. They can be scared off (good), pissed off or excited (not good). If sharks had arms and hands, they would reach out and test things with their fingers. Since they don't, it is either bite or bump. So just imagine them saying "OOOOh, what is that?" next time you get bumped. Nobody has ever been treated for a shark kayak bump (that I have heard of).

09-09-2015, 02:13 PM	#3
Hunters Pa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fullerton Posts: 1,361	[QUOTE=GregAndrew;241465]Unless there is a boat or shoreline within easy reach, there is not much sense in trying to get away. As has been stated, you are not going to outrun any shark. QUOTE] Don't need to outrun it. Just need to outrun the slowest person out there. Kidding, of course. Call in another kayayer, or 5, if possible. Safety in numbers and better to have aid at hand if something goes horribly wrong.