VHF question(s)

[Cowpokey]

I got my radio (Standard Horizon HX280S) delivered today. Bought it primarily with the bay in mind.

Is there a preferred/default channel everyone uses/listens to?

How many folks carry/use their radio on freshwater? I always have my phone in the pocket of my PFD, so having comm, as long as there's a cell signal is g2g.

[buzz]

At Mattawoman last Saturday we were talking on 68.

When fishing streams and lakes, if I bring it at all, I scan 68 & 69.
If I'm on big water I scan 16 & 68.

[Trip]

On the bay, ch 68 is used for fish talk and cussing. I use scanning function for 16/68 and sometimes fish-catching share info on ch 68 with the people who are within my VHF range. There are other channels used for general commiunications but I've never spent time on them to know what they are like.

[moc]

For communication with Snaggedline members I usually use 68 or 69. We normally establish it before launch. I also bring my cell phone, but the radio is better to communicate with other fishman at times because of poor cell signal depending on where you are fishing or their inability to answer their phone at the time. The radio just blurts the information out at you.....perfect when you announce FISH ON!

[Jambone]

I fished on the Potomac last night and attached my Standard Horizon DSC radio to my PFD. I set the radio to scan 9/16/22/68/69 and maybe one or two more channels I'm forgetting. You should always be monitoring channel 16 at minimum. If I'm communicating on a single channel I will still dual watch with channel 16. Also, if you have a DSC radio I highly recommend updating MMSI information often to make sure it's applicable to what you're doing on the water. I also try to do a radio check often to make sure the radio is transmitting, and don't use channel 16 for that. You're supposed to be able to use channel 27 or 28 to do an automated radio check but I have never successfully done that. I think that the automated check system was set up by Sea Tow.

By the way, my MMSI number is 338092967. It would be cool if more folks used the DSC for routine communication and position information. A working DSC radio could be very instrumental in helping you get help to your location if you run into trouble on the water. I also carry a Spot unit but rarely use it.