Basic Safety when Angling from a fishing Ski...

Greg wrote this article for us in January and with over 4000 hits it is obvioulsy interesting and as important to everyone in and or getting into the sport.....

BASIC SAFETY

1. When going out to sea on a Fishingski/Kayak safety must be your no 1 priority.
2. Insure that you adhere to the SAMSA National small vessel minimum requirements for Kayaks.
   • Which states that all vessels must have sufficient buoyancy aid to keep the craft afloat when completely swamped, which is 30% buoyancy.
   • A buoyancy aid of appropriate size to be provided for each person on board. The 
     buoyancy aid must comply with SABS standard specifications or the equivalent CE or
     ISO standards.
   • 750ml drinking water.
   • Unexpired, approved and a minimum set of 6 pencil flares.
   • Suitable tow line not less than 10m in length.
   • Bailing device (bucket or collapsible bucket) and a sponge is always handy.
   • A signal mirror, whistle and a small 1st aid kit are important extras.
   • Bright/luminous markings can be added to skis and paddles as a safety precaution.
   • One may not exceed one km from land (1000m)
3. It is advisable that one reports his launching, fishing, beaching locations and approximate time period at sea to another person.
4. If one is a visitor to the area, take some time to learn about the area you are planning to fish. Taking into consideration that you could be forced to beach anywhere north or south of your launch site.
5. Ask one of the local paddlers, anglers or lifeguards for advice.
6. Always take some time to have a good look at your launch before putting your ski in the water. It is important to note the safest paddle route to the backline. Where the rocks are, submerged and exposed. Where the rip currents are, and take note of the different break zones. This could make the difference between a dry launch and a wet one.
7. It is advisable to fish with a buddy or in a group.
8. All Fishingski paddlers should know there capabilities/fitness levels/ocean knowledge.
9. Always respect this and you shouldn’t find yourself out of depth.
10. Always find out what wind, direction and speed is predicted for the outing by going on to the website  www.windguru.com or phone the SA Weather Services 0822311608.
11. Always remember a Fishingski is a fair weather craft.

ANGLING

1. Always plan your fishing trip as much as possible. Keep fishing on a ski simple.
2. One must know what fish you are going to target before hand. Therefore you will have the right baits and traces prepared
3. Don’t go overboard on equipment as it will end up getting in your way and causing more problems than improving your catches.
4. Have a organized routine in place from the minute you open your hatch. For example.
   • Bait box out first.
   • Two baits placed in foot wells. /bait box put away.
   • Rods out and placed in holders.
   • Traces out of tackle box. / tackle box put away.
   • By this time your baits should be defrosted.
   • You should be or can be trawling in 5min max
5. When getting a strike it is advisable to paddle a few strokes to ensure hooks are set.
6. When gaffing a fish, gaff in front of you and not behind you as a quick jerk at the wrong angle can pull you over.
7. Once the fish is gaffed always keep the head away from you when putting the fish in hatch. You don’t want a cuta head first between your legs. Treble hooks can also cause some discomfort to fleshy areas.
8. The safest bet is to put the fish head in the hatch, cut your line, and retrieve your trace once the fish is dead. Alternately use longnose pliers when pulling trebles.
9. When you are packing up to beach, once again stick to a set routine.
10. Never leave a trace on a rod which is secured to your top deck. You will be sorry.
11. Remember when you beach that the tide will have changed and rocks/sandbanks or shorebreaks may now be a problem area.
12. If one gets caught out by wind or current, the best solution is to go with the flow and beach at any safe location. You can then make a plan to be fetched. Therefore it is always a good idea to have a cell phone in a waterproof bag handy, and once again it is a pleasant feeling to have the support of another paddler with you.
13. For happy paddling, respect the ocean, be sensible, and don’t try to be a hero.

TIGHT LINES
BY GREG THOMPSON