Orcas - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

GregAndrew · 12-07-2014, 07:53 AM

I don't think there is anything you can do to prepare for an Orca incident. Short of being prepared for anything, and knowing how to get back on your kayak. While a VHF is always a good idea, it is not likely to help in an Orca attack unless it only sinks your kayak. I am pretty sure that the only recorded incidents have been with captive Orcas too. They are very intelligent animals and are very selective about what they eat. Personally I would love to see them, if only for their shark deterrant effect

easyday · 12-07-2014, 08:03 AM

And start the go pro..

Jimmyz123 · 12-07-2014, 09:34 AM

Orcas are larger versions of Dolphins and are the smartest creatures in the ocean. They will know that you are not food, but do your best to keep your distance. Obviously if they pop up close to you, stay as clam. Video and photo what you see if you can, but I wouldn't chase them down, if they feel threatened in any way they could become aggressive.

I was off mission beach once in my kayak when a massive pod of dolphin swam through the area I was paddling in. They were amazing to watch but really, I wasn't even a concern to them, the food they were heading for was.

There have not been any attacks on humans by any Orca in the wild. Easyday was correct.

Jimmyz123 · 12-07-2014, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

I don't think there is anything you can do to prepare for an Orca incident. Short of being prepared for anything, and knowing how to get back on your kayak. While a VHF is always a good idea, it is not likely to help in an Orca attack unless it only sinks your kayak. I am pretty sure that the only recorded incidents have been with captive Orcas too. They are very intelligent animals and are very selective about what they eat. Personally I would love to see them, if only for their shark deterrant effect

Like you Greg, I hope I'm able to paddle in or near some Orca some day. I've seen Grey whales 10 feet behind my kayak and diving under me, and 150 pound BSB checking me out on my Kayak, I would love to have an orca swim by.

Cbad Mike · 12-07-2014, 11:03 AM

When you see the Orcas just paddle as fast as you can and approach them from the front so not to surprise them. It helps to hold a big dead Bonito in your hand as a kind gesture. they LOVE being scratched and patted on their nose and if they open their mouth that means they like you. Make sure your sitting sideways with your feet in the water because not always, but sometimes, they like it when you stand on their nose while they push you around so you want to be ready. My friends cousins best friends brother in law does this all the time.
Have fun!

Maxfli123 · 12-07-2014, 04:30 PM

Thank you all for the replies...I guess I'm back to seeing sharks as the biggest worry. I think a pod of orcas cruising by would be awesome but when you are solo it makes it a little unnerving. My dad who was an avid fisherman back in his day recalled false killer whales trying to bump his boat around when they ventured south so that got me thinking if they can easily push a boa r around....hate to see what thy can do to a yak. I hate to say this but I'll keep fishing regardless of what threats are out there, fishing is my therapy and keeps me sane...well I just got a go pro, maybe I'll get some nice footage riding on the nose of an orca, thanks Cbad mike for the idea

CKallday71 · 12-07-2014, 04:40 PM

I Remember my fish finder going all whacky and thinking it was on the fritz. Thirty seconds later a whale surfaced close enough to my yak that when he took a breath I got the whale sneeze on me.

taggermike · 12-07-2014, 05:00 PM

What should you do if you encounter orcas while on your kayak? Seriously? Be thankful that you got to see some thing that so few get to see. Let your respect for the ocean and her inhabitants grow. Feel humble, incredibly lucky, and amazed that you could see one of earth's greatest predators so close to your home. And maybe get the go pro going.

North west natives have been around ocras for over a thousand years and their legends, myths, and real world experience don't record attacks on humans.

Mike

makobob · 12-07-2014, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CKallday71

I Remember my fish finder going all whacky and thinking it was on the fritz. Thirty seconds later a whale surfaced close enough to my yak that when he took a breath I got the whale sneeze on me.

He was just blessing YOU!

Maxfli123 · 12-07-2014, 05:26 PM

Your right mike...guess I didn't think about all the native artic people in small craft that have been in the water with them for generations. Well I just hope if they come back they can bless me with their presence...thanks again bwe!

12-07-2014, 08:03 AM	#2
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,470	And start the go pro.. __________________

12-07-2014, 09:34 AM	#3
Jimmyz123 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,385	Orcas are larger versions of Dolphins and are the smartest creatures in the ocean. They will know that you are not food, but do your best to keep your distance. Obviously if they pop up close to you, stay as clam. Video and photo what you see if you can, but I wouldn't chase them down, if they feel threatened in any way they could become aggressive. I was off mission beach once in my kayak when a massive pod of dolphin swam through the area I was paddling in. They were amazing to watch but really, I wasn't even a concern to them, the food they were heading for was. There have not been any attacks on humans by any Orca in the wild. Easyday was correct. __________________ No better time than being on the water, God Bless, JimmyZ

12-07-2014, 04:30 PM	#6
Maxfli123 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 116	Thank you all for the replies...I guess I'm back to seeing sharks as the biggest worry. I think a pod of orcas cruising by would be awesome but when you are solo it makes it a little unnerving. My dad who was an avid fisherman back in his day recalled false killer whales trying to bump his boat around when they ventured south so that got me thinking if they can easily push a boa r around....hate to see what thy can do to a yak. I hate to say this but I'll keep fishing regardless of what threats are out there, fishing is my therapy and keeps me sane...well I just got a go pro, maybe I'll get some nice footage riding on the nose of an orca, thanks Cbad mike for the idea Last edited by Maxfli123; 12-07-2014 at 05:23 PM.

12-07-2014, 04:40 PM	#7
CKallday71 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: The 951 Posts: 430	I Remember my fish finder going all whacky and thinking it was on the fritz. Thirty seconds later a whale surfaced close enough to my yak that when he took a breath I got the whale sneeze on me. __________________ I fish therefore I am. Selling cars since 2006. If you love what you do you never WORK a day in your life.

12-07-2014, 07:53 AM	#1
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I don't think there is anything you can do to prepare for an Orca incident. Short of being prepared for anything, and knowing how to get back on your kayak. While a VHF is always a good idea, it is not likely to help in an Orca attack unless it only sinks your kayak. I am pretty sure that the only recorded incidents have been with captive Orcas too. They are very intelligent animals and are very selective about what they eat. Personally I would love to see them, if only for their shark deterrant effect

12-07-2014, 05:00 PM	#8
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	What should you do if you encounter orcas while on your kayak? Seriously? Be thankful that you got to see some thing that so few get to see. Let your respect for the ocean and her inhabitants grow. Feel humble, incredibly lucky, and amazed that you could see one of earth's greatest predators so close to your home. And maybe get the go pro going. North west natives have been around ocras for over a thousand years and their legends, myths, and real world experience don't record attacks on humans. Mike

12-07-2014, 05:26 PM	#10
Maxfli123 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 116	Your right mike...guess I didn't think about all the native artic people in small craft that have been in the water with them for generations. Well I just hope if they come back they can bless me with their presence...thanks again bwe!