Any vessel less than 12 meters in length (39.4 ft.) is required to carry a whistle or horn, or some other means to make an efficient sound to signal intentions and position in periods of reduced visibility.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/safety/vessel_requirements/

I carry one but I've never been asked for it when stopped.

As the regs above state, whistle is obviously required and I have been checked numerous times for it. Particularly when fishing tourneys. I probably only get checked 5-10 times a year and half the time they ask for the whistle if I have not already pointed to it on my PFD strap. Any tourney director also asks for it during the safety check even though it is a powerboat tourney trail I fish.

It is also very practical. It is cheap and easy to keep on yourself and incredibly desirable to have in easy reach if you need it. I do not have to detach mine from the lanyard to bring it to my mouth.

The rental guy did you somewhat a disservice. It is not his responsibility, but if he was offering you a PFD, he should have had a whistle attached to it.

I'm sure every office is different but here in Kerrville I called TPWD and they walked me through it over the phone. I printed out the forms from the TPWD site and they told me what I needed to fill out. When I went to the office I was set to go. I had the mso also.

A length of rope bow and stern. If the seats don't have backs to 'em, get some kind of back to them. Sponge and bailer. Hat with a wide brim.
And congratulations on your new canoe.

I read that regulation to mean whistle is only required during periods of reduced visibility. I've rented canoes, kayaks, paddleboats at many different places, even Inks Lake State Park Store which is run by TPWD, and they do NOT provide a whistle. Lifevests yes, whistle never.

I'm not a lawyer but I've been checked by GWs 6 times in my years of kayaking and everyone of them made me blow my whistle. So tell him what your understanding of the law is and see how well it goes.

Congrats on goin with the canoe! I have a new hobby trying to outfit mine. I chose to put together a little bag with a signal mirror, whistle, bailing rag, spare motor parts batteries, flashlights, rool of thin rope, etc. I just grab it and go and know that I have all those little oh S#$% items with me if I need them. Space is at a premium so I would advise thinking through all the contingencies before you go out. I've been stranded before and it is not fun!

you do not need any of the legal stuff to fish.
you need it to get caught !!lol

I bought a pelican canoe about 10 years ago. It was very inexpensive. My wife and I have more fun in the canoe than on my big boat! Great choice, and I offer up my blessings to you. Wear a PFD and watch out for the other guy! Have fun...

Yes, a kayak paddle allows better control of the watercraft while paddling solo. Make sure the paddle is at least a 240 cm length. The lighter the better as every 4 ounces of extra paddle weight at 40 strokes per minute means you're lifting an extra 600 pounds per hour. Paddle the canoe backwards while sitting in the front seat facing backwards. A Pelican is symmetrical so paddling backwards or forwards makes no difference according to the hull. It's the only way you will be close to trimming the canoe out and getting the most performance for your efforts.

adios,

Duane TG

I have only been checked by a GW once in my yak, didn't ask for a whistle, just to check my cooler, didnt want to see license or anything.

Were they looking for booze or undersized fish?

He was probably going to confiscate a sandwich.

I heard H4rdcore rolls with the Boars Head so you might be right.

I need to correct myself.

When the game wardens ask about a whistle it is part of a " courtesy " check. The regs on the TPW website are a generalization or " digest". I found the actual water safety act and canoes and kayaks are NOT ( very much to my surprise) required to carry a whistle at all. The digest on TPW website is just a safety suggestion.

I'm really glad no one was taking bets, I would have lost the farm. But you still won't catch me without one.

Phill