I would have called harbor patrol but being as cheap as I am I don't have a vhf and I didn't want to stop paying attention to my surroundings enough to Google there number plus I was more concerned about my cousin who was on his first yak trip with a bad shoulder and that boat was around... :(

Put their number in your cell phone on speed dial if you don't have a radio.

When possible, drop your nets up current from structure.

If a lobster or crab wont let go of the net, set the net back in the water just enough to cover the bug. It will think it has a chance to escape and loosen its grip.

In addition to your spare, tie a bobber to your gauge so if it does fall overboard you have a chance to recover it.

Use your gaff (with the hook still covered) as a boat hook to grab line that is just out of reach.

JeffB suggested a plastic mesh product for use as a bait holder. I bought a $10 roll at Home Depot and it's 50'. Don't know how the seals will treat/thrash it but here are some benefits:

I was able to use more of my 1000 yards of the cheap arse China braid I purchased on EBay a few years ago...:the_finger:

Collapsible so the bug traps stack better on the yak without the rigid cages

Easy to clip on/off...easy to bait up or empty out

Stores easily so I can keep a few extras on the yak w/o taking up space

Lays across trap bottom exposing more bait area for the bugs to go after

1/2" mesh allows water flow/blood/guts to spew the bottom...

Already proven...:D

Jim