Baptism or epic fail

[spideyjg]

So took the yak down to MB. Launched out of the beach near hospitality point with a plan to paddle across to the bait barge.
Having not sat in the yak did not realize how restricted I was going to be. So get over to the barge, water drips on everything, and the west wind started kicking up. Not wanting to paddle against a gale I headed back to fish near the rocks from the outside.

Rod got tangled up and in the effort to untangle the hook leaned too far over and capsized. So lost a fair amount of gear, everything drenched because boxes were not waterproof, no dry clothes or towel in the truck, so paddled in loaded and came home to wash and dry all my tackle.

Lost a spinning rig and my castable sonar and need a recharge kit for the inflatable PFD. Expensive first run didn't even get a bait in the water.

Jim

[sasquatch]

Damn Jim that sucks.

[xjchad]

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that Jim!  Glad you're safe though!
The next try will be much better!

[BenCantrell]

Sounds like a tough day, sorry Jim. Tipping over your kayak is a right of passage, but it's best to do it intentionally and without any extra gear.  If you don't have a paddle leash, I highly recommend one. Once you have your paddle tethered you can go out and practice tipping and then climbing back on the kayak. Also, I'm not sure the inflatable PFD is a good idea for kayaking. It sounds like something better for a boat where falling in the water is a rare event.

[BenCantrell]

I would order two sets of these. You can use them for the paddle, rods, and any other gear.

https://www.amazon.com/Campingandkayaking-CYBER-Paddle-Leashes-Carabiner/dp/B00MXJFXOE/

[spideyjg]

Like anything in life there is a learning curve and you have to make mistakes.

On the bright side the kayak cart the C tug with Sandtrakz wheels cruised over the sand like it was nothing. Not much difference between sidewalk and sand on the pull.

I also have a different PFD coming but the inflatable was what I had handy. Got several plano waterproof boxes to stock up with tackle. I had put the tackle bag up near the bow and couldn't get to it.

Jim

[Eric H]

I feel bad about your lost gear but a little common sense goes a long way. Everything is to be strapped down.

[Latimeria]

Holy hell Jim!  That sounds like your first trip went terrible!  Glad you're alright and bummed about the lost gear. 

On another note, What's up with the kitty?

[spideyjg]

Got to sand and paint. The run up to Thanksgiving and beyond with the side business ate all my free time.

Plan on busting out the angle grinder and getting started again.

May take the yak to Otay Sunday or Monday. Got to make a small cat tackle organizer.

[vdisney]

Bummer about your maiden voyage Jim, sucks about losing the gear.  Gotta get better from here forward, you got all the bad sh!t behind you now   

[1morecast]

You should hit up Ben the next time you paddle out with the yak. He's an expert and can teach you the pro tips. 

[Eric H]

Theres nothing to it. All you have to do is sit down and start paddling.

[1morecast]

A kayaker just drowned at San Vicente a couple of weeks ago. Make sure to wear that PFD and fish with a buddy if possible.

[Eric H]

12 yr old girl, that really sucks.

Edit: oops thats an old incident

[spideyjg]

The guy that died apparently couldn't swim, was fishing alone, and wasn't wearing a PFD. During boot camp in the Navy they said how well you swam didn't mean jack squat in the event of a sinking it is all about floating and keeping your head.

One thing I have not heard confirmation on is if the lake rangers monitor the marine emergency channels. Seems a no brainer but you never know.

Waiting for a recharge kit on my inflatable.