I should really get a flag for my kayak...

[M_Duong60]

Just watched this video of a kayaker almost getting hit by a boat in California on youtube. Clip starts at the 7 minute mark https://youtu.be/CgoqGQopd88?t=422 .

I've been putting it off for a while and the last time I went to fish the OC inlet I kept thinking about how I really should increase my visibility for my safety. I've been pretty negligent with my safety in regards to not having a whistle or radio so this was a good wake up call for me, I rarely fish high traffic or speed areas but still. Stay safe out there guys.

[thedutchtouch]

agreed. i have a flag, but need a pole to put it on. saw the same video and had the same thought... but then again it doesnt look like a flag would have mattered, those boaters weren't paying attention to anything. his situational awareness is what saved him. perhaps he could have started peddling a bit sooner but i'm not going to armchair QB him, the boaters were definitely in the wrong there. stay safe out there.

[YakMan1731]

That's worst nightmare right there. I think it's Ron who always says "assume no one sees you". Scary stuff for that guy, and what a coward the way that guy continued onward...and with kids in the boat! Unreal.

I know Visi-Carbon flags are kind of the go-to, but if you want to have some fun with your flag and still have it be bright and highly visible, you should check out Citizen Pride's website for garden flags- https://citizenpride.com/collections/garden-flags

The flags are 12x18", and if you buy a pole in the form of some sort of stiff rod or plastic, just use super glue to join them. I've been using their MD Striper flag for years and it's still just as bright as the day I bought it. It's a locally-owned company and the owners, Joe and Eva, are very kind and work really hard. I'm wondering if there is enough interest if we could perhaps get them to design a kayak fishing flag. Could be pretty cool.

Regardless of what you get though, it's definitely the smart move IMO.

[john from md]

I have a Visi Carbon light pole and usually just fly a 14x12 American flag. I keep my light on in the daytime as it is pretty bright. I have been turtled but not run over, yet.

[brianisoutside]

I have a flag I hook to one of the fishing poles behind me ( one I’m not using )


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[mchottie]

I have the visi-carbon with the ~ 4" x 14" orange flag.

Definitly thinking a larger flag is in the works...

[ronaultmtd]

Anything beats nothing, but always assume they don’t see you and be prepared to move aggressively out of the way while blowing your whistle as loud and as long as you can if they appear to be on top of you..I start looking as soon as I hear their motor...like a car...be defensive driving your kayak...I’ll confess...I am not much of a kayaker...the only reason I own one is to fish...I’d get rid of mine in a heart beat if it didn’t greatly enhance my fishing...I am a fisherman first...the best fishing kayak is all I want a kayak for...yeah, it has lots of other intrinsic benefits, but...

[belairfishing]

There was a long discussion about flags on this board a while back, and there seemed to be a consensus that a flag may or may not make a difference. What I do is keep a air/fog horn with me. I have used it when I see a boat approaching that looks as thought it might not see me. I don't care if I offend them or now, and I don't care if they get pissed off. My wife and I almost got ran over by a pontoon boat on the Northeast river earlier this year, and it was because the driver was looking backwards talking to the other people on his boat. I keep the air horn with me everywhere I go - it's muscle memory when I climb into my kayak I test it.

And that goes both ways...a couple of weeks ago I was changing rigs drifting in the channel and a sailboat under motor was putting toward the creek. He gave me a quick toot on the air horn from a safe distance, and I got out of the way quick. A nod and a thank you wave and we were both off to where we were going.