I’m thinking of getting a kayak this year. I don’t really know anyone else that has one around where I live (Park West). Figured I’d still brave it solo, but I’m a bit hesitant because I’ve never owned a kayak before. Do you find that it’s better to fish with somebody or is kayak a solo type thing?
I’m too much of a noob to have a cool signature. (sad face)
Just starting out - go with a buddy. Been doing it for a while - still go with a buddy.
I fish solo quite a bit, if you’re going to go solo be sure to practice self rescues, carry safety gear in a dry bag, have a loaded ditch bag, and I also carry a personal survival kit that weighs a pound and fits in my PFD.
Water sports are a blast and kayak fishing ranks really high on the things I love to do list. Water sports can and do kill people who aren’t prepared. Sometimes they kill people who are (or think they are) prepared.
There are a few guys up your way that fish the upper Wando and Copahee pretty regularly. I head up that way pretty often as well. You’re welcome to join in.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
I’ve never fished with anyone else while kayaking. I always wear a lifejacket while in the boat and tell my wife where I will be and when to expect me home. I think it would be fun to go with friends and have threatened many times to go with some of the many great kayakers on this site, just haven’t made it out.
Based on my experience, I would go for it. Find a friend if you can, but don’t hesitate to go solo as long as you are safe. It is very soothing to your soul. ALWAYS wear that lifejacket. Someone can accidentally run you over, and you need to float to stay alive.
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120
It is not our cause to perish in the defense of Lady Liberty, but to bring that eternal sleep unto those tyrants who would pursue her demise.Clemson fans are encouraged to kayak solo.
quote:To me I believe your peply is in bad taste! We just lost a fellow paddler last week that was paddling solo.
Clemson fans are encouraged to kayak solo
Mud
quote:
Originally posted by IM4USCClemson fans are encouraged to kayak solo.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
I prefer to fish with others…
During this time of year, when the water is as cold as it is, and the weather isn’t much better or worst, I do not kayak fish alone.
I will not kayak fish alone in surf or near/offshore environments.
I will fish alone in the summer months, but again prefer to have someone nearby.
Those who can’t fish, spend too much on seafood!
Okay. I didn’t mean for this to start a flame war. I was genuinely curious as to what people’s habits were. USC was just making a friendly rivalry joke although the other circumstances would make it appear insensitive. I admit that the recent tragic event has me second guessing my possible purchase.
I used to live in Hawaii and surfed north shore regularly. Riding a wave bigger than you house will quickly give you an understanding and respect for how powerful the water can be. I now have a wife and twin 2 year old boys at home. I want to be sure that I’m not getting myself in over my head. As I said, no one around me kayaks, so I can only come to the board for opinions. Thanks for the great replies though. Definitely give me something to think about. On a lighter note, 63 - 17. 
I’m too much of a noob to have a cool signature. (sad face)
P4G,
Do it. Nothing like being close to the action. Very quiet, peaceful.
Outfit yourself with all the required safety gear. Don’t forget the whistle. After I log more hours and get more experience, I’d be happy to meet up with you at Paradise later in the year.
Just a friendly rivalry. It’s all good.
Kayak fishing in the rivers is relaxing and very low risk, nothing like big wave surfing. I’ve done both, regularly traveling to Australia, Costa, etc. to surf big waves. Kayaking is totally different. If you are concerned about being out alone in cold water, wear a wet suit. You can survive literally for hours in a wetsuit. The life jacket is of course your best friend. Bring a phone. I keep mine in a waterproof bag in a zippered pocket. I always bring extra phone batteries and a marine radio in a dry bag as well.
If you stick to one of the lcoal rivers, you can always be within shouting distance of people on shore. That’s definitely low risk.
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120
It is not our cause to perish in the defense of Lady Liberty, but to bring that eternal sleep unto those tyrants who would pursue her demise.Man. I’ve always wanted to make it out to Australia. I’ve almost drowned a couple of times while surfing, so you can understand my concern. It sounds like I basically need to plan for the worst. Thanks again for all of the replies guys. Maybe I can hook up with some of you later on this year.
I’m too much of a noob to have a cool signature. (sad face)
Knowing you have the correct saftey gear helps make solo fishing a blast. You can not get any closer to nature than you can in a yak, and to be a part of nature is something that everyone should experience. It does not matter if am stalking fish or just paddling around, the ability to get to places where boats can not turns even a busy day on the water into your own personal wonderland. Do not get me wrong, sharing this with people is a blast and makes for great memories, but there is just something about being away from the everything that can clear the mind.
The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad. </font id=“size2”>
Hobie Adventure Kayak
</font id=“size2”>SC Chapter- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
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quote:
Originally posted by Punishment4GluttonsMan. I’ve always wanted to make it out to Australia. I’ve almost drowned a couple of times while surfing, so you can understand my concern. It sounds like I basically need to plan for the worst. Thanks again for all of the replies guys. Maybe I can hook up with some of you later on this year.
I hear that. I surfed huge Bells Beach in Winter of 2004. Scared the hell out of me. Took two tries to get out. Got worked inside on the first set. Just cleared the rocks on the second paddle out, just beating a huge set. Scared the hell out of me. Wait, I already said that. Scared the hell out of me! [:0]
http://charlestonarea.com/aussie/
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120
It is not our cause to perish in the defense of Lady Liberty, but to bring that eternal sleep unto those tyrants who would pursue her demise.Kayaks are great tools for enjoying the water, you need to remember that they aren’t toys. If you’re going out when the water is cold you need to be dressed for when you get wet. Basic rules for staying alive
Number 1,2, and 3 are the absolute minimum for heading out alone in cold weather. You may get lucky and never end up in the water, go in without these 3 and your chances of dying go through the roof.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
This is why I don’t go when it’s too cold. up front, I’m not equipped for it. I do enjoy kayaking alone but I’ve found that I can’t fully relax. call me a worry wort but I have a wife and a 2 yr old at home to be responsible for and I know that if something happens there is noone there to help me out. I always keep an air horn, whistle, cell phone in a small dry bag attached to my pfd, my pfd, and a windproof lighter just in case. even a warm spring day can get cold quick when the sun goes down, especially if you’re wet. and use common sense. After the recent tragedy discussed on here, this just happened near MY home. after all of the rain and snow we’ve had in the past couple weeks, the rivers and creeks flash flood with very little rain now. check out this story.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/22487112/detail.html
this should be a lesson to us all.
My kayaking buddy is my dad. it makes it well worth it to paddle with a buddy every time I go out. like I said, there are time that he can’t go and I go by myself, but I double check conditions and make sure that I put myself in the best possible situation should things go awry.