chad403

Comming from a light night of fishing and almost ran over two kayakers about 2 miles out in the Gulf. They had navigations lighting but they didnt not show up on radar and were disappearing in the waves. I dont know what you guys think. But should these things be aloud off shore? That gulf gets crucial quick, specially those afternoon thunderstorms. I dont know scared the heck out of me last night.

Last week there was a kayaker paddling in the center of the channel on governers island cut. Wow I know these guys have the right away but come on.. Anyways want to know what you guys things about it.

Tex@OIP

Kayakers have the same right to be on the water as you do...maybe boats shouldnt be allowed on the water because they might run over a kayaker! It is your job to watch where you are going...just like driving a car....should bicycles not be allowed on the road becaus they might get ran over...NO:doh Yes kayakers should do there part too by having a flag and visible colors but you as a boater should be cautious...especially when closer to shore. Should kayakers be allowed offshore is the stupidest question I have ever seen...

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chad403

The surface that a bikes sits on is stationary, and cars have head lights.

Tex@OIP

So boats need headlights or we should ban boats because they are dangerous when in the wrong hands?

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jigslinger

Sounds like somebody needs to spend a little more time looking out instead of relying so much on their electronics. Learn from mistakes and those of others.

Sam Roberts

wow!

Jhoe

let me ask you this chad. you lost sight of them a few times so it was dangerous? were they moving so indredibly fast that you couldn't keep an idea where they were? or were you too busy not being a captain to keep track?

Gump

Jigslinger, I couldn't agree more.



They have every right to be on the water, and as a boat operator also have to abide by the rules. Radar does not substitute the need for a proper lookout.

-=Desperado=-

I think what he is saying is it is dangerous for them to be out there at night wich in reality it is.Yes they need lights and also need a whistle or horn.I use to fish around the shalimar bridge at night about 10 years ago in a little inflatable and even paddled it into the gulf.Had the coast guard called on me once or twice thinking i was in distress.

FWC asked me politely a few times to stay out of navigation channels and from around bridges.Is itagainst the law no.Should they be allowed out there at night .By all means yes as long as they have the proper gear.Is it safe NO.when you are running at night It is alot easier to see a bigger object like a buoy or land but realistically a kayaker in the waves with a light is going to be hard to see with or without electronics.I always dim my electronics way down when coming in at night and even turn the fishfinder off and still keep 1 eye on the water at all times but a kayaker close to the pass at night is asking for trouble.I imagine it is bound to happen with the recent popularity with kayakers fishing in the GULF.I hope no one on this board ends up being the unlucky one.

Tuna Man

I can't believe the question. I was told years ago in school that the only :doh:doh question was one not asked... now I have second thoughts:banghead