to VHF or not VHF ? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Politi-Cal · 01-24-2011, 07:57 PM

Better safe than sorry. I have never used my vhf in an emergency (hope I never do) but I take it none the less.

dsafety · 01-24-2011, 08:33 PM

My radio weighs well over a pound and is too bulky to keep on my vest. I used to take it with me and keep it in the front hatch for emergencies. So far none have occurred.

These days I only carry my iphone. It works great at least three miles off LJ and O'side. I have not tested the limits of the signal but I suspect it will go a bit farther.

I carry it in a waterproof pouch that hangs around my neck so it is always easily accessible. I can operate it while it is the pouch so it is really convenient. I have not flipped while wearing the phone but I am sure it would survive the event. This is not something I plan to test, however.

The iPhone, (and most other smart phones), can double as a GPS and compass as well. If you have a good charting app such as Navonics, you can even chart your trip and mark way points.

I agree that you can never be too prepared when it comes to safety while on a kayak but I feel safe enough when armed with my phone. On the other hand, you will probably not catch me fishing in some of the places and conditions that Jim and others sometimes do.

Bob

wiredantz · 01-24-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsafety

My radio weighs well over a pound and is too bulky to keep on my vest. I used to take it with me and keep it in the front hatch for emergencies. So far none have occurred.

These days I only carry my iphone. It works great at least three miles off LJ and O'side. I have not tested the limits of the signal but I suspect it will go a bit farther.

I carry it in a waterproof pouch that hangs around my neck so it is always easily accessible. I can operate it while it is the pouch so it is really convenient. I have not flipped while wearing the phone but I am sure it would survive the event. This is not something I plan to test, however.

The iPhone, (and most other smart phones), can double as a GPS and compass as well. If you have a good charting app such as Navonics, you can even chart your trip and mark way points.

I agree that you can never be too prepared when it comes to safety while on a kayak but I feel safe enough when armed with my phone. On the other hand, you will probably not catch me fishing in some of the places and conditions that Jim and others sometimes do.

Bob

Yes, I agree with Bob. I currently have this phone. I have dropped it in the ocean soaked it in water, dropped it in freshwater and it is still working. I did like the fact that with VHF i could communicate with the group, but 95% im usually fishing alone on my kayak a mile off any pier. What i didn't like is that the VHF was pretty bulky to leave on my PFD, I would be more afraid of dropping in the ocean then anything else. I do agree to be safe than sorry, so i am still debating.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CDYQ8wIwAg#

poorpaddy · 01-24-2011, 10:51 PM

I have high hopes that I'll catch something large enough to drag me several miles...so I got a Standard Horizon HX851 and love it. But in all seriousness, being new to Kayak fishing I'm terrified of some of the speed boats I can clearly see folks drinking at high speeds and of course the possibility that too long in the sun and heavy tides could be easily under estimated.

old_rookie · 01-25-2011, 06:47 AM

I bought a used Uniden unit. I take it with me each time I go out - clipped to my PFD and leashed. I monitor channel 16, and a few others. Obviously it works for listening, but I'm still wondering if it works the other way around, I try a radio check each time, but get no response. So I don't know if it is broadcasting far enough or I'm requesting a radio check incorrectly. I have done a basic test at home with a radio scanner and that works. As others have mentioned, I don't go out very far - at most 2 miles from the launch at LJ Shores.

mtnbykr2 · 01-25-2011, 06:53 AM

It's really your life line, God forbid anything bad happens out there, and for
the safety factor, I think it is a no brainer. They are a significant investment, but I think it is a necessity...

Jimmyz123 · 01-25-2011, 07:28 AM

http://www.expansys-usa.com/expansys..._campaign=base

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_rookie

I bought a used Uniden unit. I take it with me each time I go out - clipped to my PFD and leashed. I monitor channel 16, and a few others. Obviously it works for listening, but I'm still wondering if it works the other way around, I try a radio check each time, but get no response. So I don't know if it is broadcasting far enough or I'm requesting a radio check incorrectly. I have done a basic test at home with a radio scanner and that works. As others have mentioned, I don't go out very far - at most 2 miles from the launch at LJ Shores.

I have had the same wonder about my radio so I took it to West Marine and tested it with a sales rep. It worked in the store and the rep also told me that we can use channel 16 to do radio checks, DON'T DO THIS. I did a radio check on 16 and was confirmed but was then told to use Channel 9 in the future.

I think it is always better to have a VHF and a Cell Phone on you. I have researched and found water proof Bluetooth devices I added the link above if anyone is interested. I'm sure it's more water resistant but still that's better than not. It's all about safety, that one trip where you say, "Heck with that." You're going to wish you had it. We have seen it posted on here many times. Accidents can happen and you never know when. Be safe, get a radio and have a cell phone.

dorado50 · 01-25-2011, 07:55 AM

Channel 16 is for emergencies only,(for the most part). Its the coast guard channel. Used for reporting hazards on the water, stranded boats,etc. Its like the land #911. Very annoying when montoring 16 and some nitwit calls in for a radio check. Channel 27 is now set up for radio checks only,its supposed to be in full operation now.

01-24-2011, 07:57 PM	#1
Politi-Cal Junior Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sherman Oaks Posts: 12	Better safe than sorry. I have never used my vhf in an emergency (hope I never do) but I take it none the less.

01-24-2011, 08:33 PM	#2
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	My radio weighs well over a pound and is too bulky to keep on my vest. I used to take it with me and keep it in the front hatch for emergencies. So far none have occurred. These days I only carry my iphone. It works great at least three miles off LJ and O'side. I have not tested the limits of the signal but I suspect it will go a bit farther. I carry it in a waterproof pouch that hangs around my neck so it is always easily accessible. I can operate it while it is the pouch so it is really convenient. I have not flipped while wearing the phone but I am sure it would survive the event. This is not something I plan to test, however. The iPhone, (and most other smart phones), can double as a GPS and compass as well. If you have a good charting app such as Navonics, you can even chart your trip and mark way points. I agree that you can never be too prepared when it comes to safety while on a kayak but I feel safe enough when armed with my phone. On the other hand, you will probably not catch me fishing in some of the places and conditions that Jim and others sometimes do. Bob

01-24-2011, 10:51 PM	#4
poorpaddy Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Diego (North Park) Posts: 32	I have high hopes that I'll catch something large enough to drag me several miles...so I got a Standard Horizon HX851 and love it. But in all seriousness, being new to Kayak fishing I'm terrified of some of the speed boats I can clearly see folks drinking at high speeds and of course the possibility that too long in the sun and heavy tides could be easily under estimated.

01-25-2011, 06:47 AM	#5
old_rookie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Santee Posts: 904	I bought a used Uniden unit. I take it with me each time I go out - clipped to my PFD and leashed. I monitor channel 16, and a few others. Obviously it works for listening, but I'm still wondering if it works the other way around, I try a radio check each time, but get no response. So I don't know if it is broadcasting far enough or I'm requesting a radio check incorrectly. I have done a basic test at home with a radio scanner and that works. As others have mentioned, I don't go out very far - at most 2 miles from the launch at LJ Shores.

01-25-2011, 06:53 AM	#6
mtnbykr2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: newbury park ca Posts: 2,323	It's really your life line, God forbid anything bad happens out there, and for the safety factor, I think it is a no brainer. They are a significant investment, but I think it is a necessity...

01-25-2011, 07:55 AM	#8
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	Channel 16 is for emergencies only,(for the most part). Its the coast guard channel. Used for reporting hazards on the water, stranded boats,etc. Its like the land #911. Very annoying when montoring 16 and some nitwit calls in for a radio check. Channel 27 is now set up for radio checks only,its supposed to be in full operation now.