Kayak fishing SOLO

[taggermike]

Ive been yak fishing over 17 years and back then there weren't many people to go with. I lived on the outer Banks of NC for a year 8 years ago and saw exactly 1 other yak angler in that time. I meet people at the launch and on the water but it just doesn't occur to me to set up meetings in advance or to have trips hinge in others availability. Mike

[Dirty Curti]

I often launch alone but anyone is welcome to hang with me. I tend to like to cover some ground out there so I am often moving around. I am not trying to avoid anyone just looking for fishy areas.

Happy to have anyone along if not I am fine with that too as the serenity is divine. Dang, that sounds like a poem.

Just go fishin'!

[Mr_Fixit]

Ok guys. You ever see a dude in a blue Outback wearing ocean blue clothing and a blue PFD, its probably me (Yeah, I like Blue... whatever!). Say Hi. We can hang out. Hopefully we can get more fish as a team.

I am needing to stock up on some YT. Co worker is heading out on a huge salmon fishing trip and wants to trade some YT for Salmon. Sounds like a deal to me.

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Buddy System is good, but it's only one safety precaution. It depends on circumstances. Two fools out together may not be an assurance of safety. "Blind leading the blind" ... yada, yada.

There are many other things to consider. Common sense and foresight is what keeps us relatively safe over being naive or foolish or reckless. Personal experience and general awareness of what we are doing counts for a lot. Think things through and be prepared.

I usually go alone. That doesn't mean I am alone. It's so much easier to move at our own pace and I enjoy the flexibility of not waiting or conforming to what others might want to do.

I think I'm safety conscious. I try to think through safety equipment, tools for repairs, first aid for accidents and backup options if we run into trouble. I always watch the weather, whether I'm fishing or not. If fog is possible I watch the temperature and dew point. As a pilot, we anticipate possible fog when the air temperature and dew point are within 4 degrees of each other. I don't know what standards are used by boaters, but 4 degrees works for me.

I always enjoy meeting new friends and other fisherpeople on the water. I'm happy to share whatever I have. It's rare that there is not someone else in the vicinity. I'm available to help anyone in distress, as I think most other kayakers and boaters are. It's a good community.

As a former adventure traveler, I always left home alone, but rarely was alone during my travels. There are already people everywhere we go. Always interesting people to meet and enjoy as part of our travel experience. Kayak fishing is similar, IMHO.

Have fun. Life is sweet.

[Sheephead]

I used to go with a partner my first 2-3 trips to LJ. After that I've had to get used to becoming a lone wolf. I'm the only thing you'll see out there on stormy days. The most serene days are when no boats/ yaks are on the water and its raining. If you go solo be comfortable capsizing and up-righting your yak in open water with gear equipped and without a pfd on. Bring a quality compass, fog can roll in fast. Even on sunny days!

[Maxfli123]

Solo...or with a buddy it's all about awareness like most have already said. I like to fish so it's not about who but when I can go, with 2 small kids I'm lucky to sneak out Sunday mornings. Not may people want to wake up early Sundays and now that people are watching football it's not likely to find someone who wants to fish.
On the bright side you can set the pace and not worry about going too fast or slow, you can pick what spots for how long and if you jump from spot to spot it's all good. Be safe out there!

[InfidelYak]

This weekend I intend to launch and fish solo if anyone wants to join me. If not then more fish for me I guess haha

[radastaff]

Originally Posted by taggermike

Ive been yak fishing over 17 years and back then there weren't many people to go with. I lived on the outer Banks of NC for a year 8 years ago and saw exactly 1 other yak angler in that time. I meet people at the launch and on the water but it just doesn't occur to me to set up meetings in advance or to have trips hinge in others availability. Mike

I wonder if it was the same DB who tried to run me down as well at Dana a few weeks back 2 mi out.

one warning shot over the bow
next into the wheel house

threating yakkers life = one step up in escalation of force

fuck that shit...


go out solo alot
even with buds end up solo
stay out forever

P

[FARRIER]

Flying solo is common amongst many kayak fisherman. But if you bring a handshake, a friendly attitude, and an extra beer or two its hard not to make friends. Rule of thumb for me is dont fish farther out than you can swim back to shore.