Swim

Speaking of swimming, learn to use a paddle to swim.

A mile from shore wearing cold weather gear in sub 70 degree water? Probably not going to end well.

I wear a high-quality life jacket 100% of the time. When it's cold and windy, I don't get more than one to two hundred yards away from the shore. If the wind is blowing more than about fifteen miles per hour, I avoid lakes and fish from the bank or go to a pond. High winds make fishing difficult and they increase the risks of an incident.

I think the biggest thing we all need to have is a "healthy fear" of what we are doing. You have to know the risks and mitagate them as much as possible. Life jackets, whistles, VHF radios, extra clothes, etc....are all things that go into that. Know the hazards of the confitions you fish in and make good decisions.

If u can't flip ur yak back over then get back in by urself, ya got no business lake or ocean yak fishing. Get ya a boat or stay in protected waters. Always wear your lifevest regardless. At least that way u got a chance.

Don't die

I did a lot of kayak fishing in the ocean before moving to the Austin area. When you are going out a mile or more, it is a good idea to practice getting back in before putting yourself at risk. An easy way to right your kayak and get back in is to take a piece of PVC pipe and put a loop of rope through it. Connect it to one of the side handles, and it can be pulled over the top of the kayak to right it, then can be used a step to get back in. Stay safe out there.

Dave

YUP, happened to me the first time I went out in Winter on Lake Fork. Had a thick branch come right in to my scupper. I struggled for about 30 minutes. Just when I was about to jump out a boat came by and I was able to flag him down.

I had my PFD on, but I was alone. Because of this, I refused to fish in the open. I stuck to the shoreline.

I completely agree with fish zombie here. Reentry should be the first thing you learn. If you cant or dont want to, dont kayak fish. I have been caught in storms, wind, waves and horrible current countless times, had to help in a rescue twice, once was a motor boat. Its common sense. It seems kayak fishing has turned into a bunch of internet famous kayak rookies who have never been truley tested in any aspect of the sport giving instructions to those who know less. Its a real scary thing imo. It pays to know, it pays to test yourself and your kayak. Just my thoughts.

I hate stickups through the scupper and paddling in circles. Got stuck late one evening on Palestine during the winter a few years ago. Didn't want to go in the water as it was cold but I did have on chest waders but didn't want to inflate my pfd. Considered all my options, slip off kayak without dumping my stuff and lift off stickup (gonna get wet), call family and let them know I was going to fish all night and not to worry ( while waiting for a boater to help me the next morning), or giving it one more try with everything I had while leaning it over as far as I dared, risking all my gear and having to inflate my pfd. Went with the last option and made it off.

I am of the belief that every stump and stickup has a billion lures, trot lines and hooks attached just below the surface. Saw several of the east Texas lakes in the drought year and was shocked by the number of unmarked and abandoned trot lines that criss cross my favorite fishing spots.

I'm with u icon. U never can b sure what's below. It's a risk we both knowingly and un knowingly take. Spend enough time on the water and something going to go south in a hurry.

My plan is to get out of the water asap. A knife is always on me. If I slip off that knife is sliding off with me too. Best to go with experienced yak aglers. There is safety in #s

look up SOT KAYAK SELF RESCUE LADDER I got one and practiced and it works great . I practiced near shore and within site of friends till I knew I could do it.

i try to tie my gear off
floats on rods
i am in a Sit In (not sink)

i would head towards shore

the only time i thought i was going to swamp
was when they had a Thursday night tourney @ Lake Arlington
couldn't figure out why there were 40 boaats just sitting at the ramp
until the horn blew

A 10 foot sit inside among 40 boats at take off would scare an Olypic paddler.