Not trying to be a jerk, as I just got my first yak. Why do so many people lose alot of gear to flipping? Is it not the norm to secure all of your gear in a way that it will survive a flip?

Yeah it only takes one time then a person learns their lesson lol. As in myself flipping last weekend I didn't think about owning a rod leash or rod floaters until then. It's definitely a must to have floating tackle boxes, you know the Plano ones. Other then that, I can tell you it won't happen to me again. Maybe some people also don't think it won't happen to them either.

I decided I'd rather take my chances on loosing some gear than to hassle with rod leashes, floats, bungee cords etc.
So far I've been lucky.

I guess I'm paranoid and value my gear too much. I even put eyebolts on my cooler to allow the lid to be securely tied from popping open if flipped. All tackle will be secured and floatable.

I hate rod leashes, so I put a little loop of line on the reel seat under my fly reels, and I have a little clip on a short line from the rod holders to secure them while in the holders. On the rare occasions that I use conventional tackle I use rod floats above the reels. I've fallen out of my kayaks a couple of times when sitting down, but never actually rolled one. Yet.

I leave very little out when I'm fishing. My crate has a lid and a bungee cord to keep it closed. I cut a 5" section of pool noodle and slit one side. I have one on every rod that I'm not using. It comes on and off with a simple tug, and it floats the rod and reel. The only rod that doesn't have a float on it is the one in my hand. But honestly, the only time I've turned over was in the Lower Mountain Fork river in the rapids and the falls. When I go through those areas, everything is either lashed down or inside my hull.

a general rule for boats/kayaks - if you don't want to lose something... either tie it down or make sure it floats.. most of my rods have floats (so i don't have to worry about leashes) - the ones that don't are always leashed unless i'm using them. I tie or strap down all gear that doesn't float. I've only turtled once in my kayak - surprisingly as i was launching at a working mans tournament a month or so ago. It was only in 3 feet of water... but it was a solid test - none of my gear fell out/off of the kayak other than me .

Also to answer your question - people usually lose gear because they don't tie it down or have it on floats. Partially because it can be inconvenient and sometimes because they think it won't happen to them. The unexpected and mother nature has a way of making them revisit that decision.

When you have alot of gear on the yak that your constantly using it can be annoying to have everything tied down.

Also even things that float can be lost in the dark very quickly if there is a current or wind.

With that being said, I defiantly secure more of my stuff after my first flipping incident cost 200 big ones.

being a newby, I've already made several tie down cords for my rods and camera. It just makes sense and doesn't take any more time

1) They make enough $$ and don't care
2) They are ignorant (which a lot of new kayakers are)
3) They don't think flipping is possible.
4) They have too much junk in their kayak.



Take only what you need and tie most of it down. Get a crate with a lid if you're real worried and put floats on your rods.

Great idea!

When I first started kayaking I was cautious. Years later I just got over confident. Last year I lost some gear due to my over confidence. Guess we just need some reminders every now and then.

I hate leashes!!! I generally don't worry about it too much though as I mostly fish rivers that are usually shallow and easy to retrieve lost stuff. When I am on a lake I try to keep everything except my rod tied down.

I dont lime to fight leashes etc either. If you have a big fighting fish on the line often times you need to work all the way around the yak. In the surf they can be dangerous imo. Leashes+flailing people in the surf...not good. I have lost some gear, not a ton but enough to know it stings. I just take the risk to fight the fish that fight back. I couldnt imagine being a bass guy and casting all the time with a leash tied on or a float hanging off the grip. P.s. the little floats that Velcro in front of your reel...dont work. Hahahaha. The way I look at it is you win some you loose some. Mabey another angler will find a prize some day.

I just ain't bright enough to learn from mistakes of others