Hate to have this happen to us - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

PAL · 12-23-2011, 07:03 PM

Three kayak anglers have been hit in Central California in the past 5 years. The most recent was around Thanksgiving. Harry Pali shared his story in the hopes others could learn from his harrowing experience.

Shark Struck: A Survivor Speaks

http://www.kayakanglermag.com/index....tures&Itemid=2

After the first, I interviewed a great white expert for tips to reduce the risk:

Shark Survival, a How-To with Bite

http://www.kayakanglermag.com/index....tures&Itemid=2

In all the years I've reported on the sport, I've yet to come across a documented report of a shark-on-fishing-kayak attack that resulted in a death or serious injury. The kayak takes the hit. However, two of the Central California victims' kayaks took on enough water that sinking was a concern. A third had razor sharp cuts through his wetsuit and sandal straps - he believes he kicked a tooth.

The take-home for me is this. Basic rescue skills and readiness are key. If you can quickly climb back on, the odds are with you.

James, what were you wearing that took on so much water you were too heavy to get back aboard?

Aaron&Julie · 12-23-2011, 07:25 PM

Yeah, Paul, I was hoping you'd repost some of that from your previous post. It always pays to be prepared, in all manners, because that is one big ocean with lots of big creatures, much bigger and meaner than a fisherman and his 'yak.

james92026 · 12-23-2011, 07:37 PM

I am new to the sport. I had never really practiced re-entry before, but read and reviewed videos and I felt confident. The day in question, I had on polyester jogging pants, lined snowboarding pants, sweat shirt, lined golf pullover, water resistant lined jacket, my legs were sort of jackknived under the boat due to the current and I could not get them stretched out behind me (in retrospect, I should have went to the other side). I probably would have figured that out but was rescued before I tried. I almost was able to get onboard a couple of times, but could not quite make it. Not particularly panicked at the time (it was much worse a few days later when I had time to consider what might have happened).
Water temp was around 55 degrees F. I was probably in the water 7 or 8 minutes. I probably could also have drifted to shore, but then I would have had to contend with a rocky shoreline. I estimate I was about 1/2 mile out.

James, what were you wearing that took on so much water you were too heavy to get back aboard?[/QUOTE]

12-23-2011, 07:25 PM	#2
Aaron&Julie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Valley Posts: 1,400	Yeah, Paul, I was hoping you'd repost some of that from your previous post. It always pays to be prepared, in all manners, because that is one big ocean with lots of big creatures, much bigger and meaner than a fisherman and his 'yak. __________________ "Never say die"

12-23-2011, 07:03 PM	#1
PAL Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 754	Three kayak anglers have been hit in Central California in the past 5 years. The most recent was around Thanksgiving. Harry Pali shared his story in the hopes others could learn from his harrowing experience. Shark Struck: A Survivor Speaks http://www.kayakanglermag.com/index....tures&Itemid=2 After the first, I interviewed a great white expert for tips to reduce the risk: Shark Survival, a How-To with Bite http://www.kayakanglermag.com/index....tures&Itemid=2 In all the years I've reported on the sport, I've yet to come across a documented report of a shark-on-fishing-kayak attack that resulted in a death or serious injury. The kayak takes the hit. However, two of the Central California victims' kayaks took on enough water that sinking was a concern. A third had razor sharp cuts through his wetsuit and sandal straps - he believes he kicked a tooth. The take-home for me is this. Basic rescue skills and readiness are key. If you can quickly climb back on, the odds are with you. James, what were you wearing that took on so much water you were too heavy to get back aboard?

12-23-2011, 07:37 PM	#3
james92026 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Escondido CA Posts: 114	I am new to the sport. I had never really practiced re-entry before, but read and reviewed videos and I felt confident. The day in question, I had on polyester jogging pants, lined snowboarding pants, sweat shirt, lined golf pullover, water resistant lined jacket, my legs were sort of jackknived under the boat due to the current and I could not get them stretched out behind me (in retrospect, I should have went to the other side). I probably would have figured that out but was rescued before I tried. I almost was able to get onboard a couple of times, but could not quite make it. Not particularly panicked at the time (it was much worse a few days later when I had time to consider what might have happened). Water temp was around 55 degrees F. I was probably in the water 7 or 8 minutes. I probably could also have drifted to shore, but then I would have had to contend with a rocky shoreline. I estimate I was about 1/2 mile out. James, what were you wearing that took on so much water you were too heavy to get back aboard?[/QUOTE]