On the water Emergency / Survival Kit / Bail out bag

Most bloggers research for post but the reason my blogs about kayak and canoeing is because I have been doing it for over a decade. They say, "speak what you know" and that's what I'm doing. Having made a statement like that doesn't mean I can't be wrong but in this case I'm writing about what I have in my bail out bag and what I carry on my boat for safety. By all means if I missed something please comment! I may be a bit outdated but I will say I pass USCG certification inspection for safety.
Having been a boy scout when I was in my youth safety was always not only important but a part of everything we did. It's instilled in me and because of this I probably carry more than I should but our motto was, "Always be prepared."
There are a ton of things you can take with you to make any nasty situation a bit more comfortable but luckly for me I have never had to use any of the stuff in this bag. One thing though... Make sure you update your first aid kit when needed because some of the meds expire, as well as the flares.

I'll take you though my bail out bag:

Here is the bad full of safety/survival goodies

Bail Out Bag:
First Aid Kit - Meds, anti itch cream, gauge, tweezers,  Etc...
Water bottle
Flares
Hand warmers

Fluorescent green sea dye survival marker

Survival Kit
     Extra batteries
     cord
     signal mirror
     compass
     Waterproof matches
     Space blanket
     Small roll of duct tape

PFD:
USCG whistle (cool thing about this is it works even when wet)
Knife - Mine is a Gerber River Knife (make sure it wont corrode)
Water proof camera

Throw Rope -  This I attach somewhere on the boat mainly on the bail out bag.

All together it seems like a lot but it fits into a small 10L bag and it didn't cost me a fortune especially since I gathered all of it over time.

I often think I carry more that most recreational boats do but since I'm more liable to get into trouble I suppose it's ok to over do it.

Please comment if I'm missing something I'll be sure to add it!

First Canoe rigged and Ready for Fishing

As I stated earlier in the blog I sold a Jon boat and got his Wally world special (That's what southern derelicts like me call Wal-Mart for you yankees) Canoe and rigged it with as much PVC as I could find. Ugly as it was it got us to where boats couldn't or weren't allowed to go and caught us fish. I started with a PVC pipe push pole to get us though the flats as quietly as a Calusa Indian. Later I got lazy and hooked up a trolling motor which was great for those days you were our real far and wanted to take a break from paddling. One time while maxed out on the 30lbs of thrust some bottle nosed dolphins criss-crossed at the bow of the canoe. It was such a sight I didn't want to even look for the camera in fear I would miss a second of this magnificent scene. So, this piece of crap canoe got me into places motor boats couldn't go, caught me more fish than I ever caught on any boat, took a beating better than a, well never mind you get it. I ended it getting a Kayak after but this canoe was great when fishing with a buddy. Best of all you could bring a big cooler to stuff with sandwiches and drinks then later fish!

Piece of crap canoe circa 1999

There is always going to be a place in my heart for a canoe for many reasons. Among those are that you can share your day with someone, carry more gear (I'm not one of those light packers) and the fact that at least in mine, you can stand up and stretch your legs!

The day I got my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140

My wife and I were attending a semi destination wedding in Key Largo (we lived in Miami at the time) and it just so happened to be my birthday weekend. A half mile down from the Marriott where we had a great wedding there was a Kayak / canoe shop. This was the ideal shop having the bay right behind them to try any paddle boat your heart desires. Paddles, and everything you could ever need on the water this place was awesome. It's called Florida Bay Outfitters It's still there and again what's so great is that unlike many places you can try before you buy. I ended up trying the T120 but due to my weight   I felt the 140 would be better. Fast forward 10 years later and it still in great (rough) shape in my garage waiting for it's next journey.

Initially I knew I wanted a "fishing" kayak but I also wanted something on the quicker side and also something comfortable to fish in. I thought about the 160 but the thought of 2 more feet of length in tight mangrove maze situation made me stick with the 140.

This boat is plenty fast, has storage space enough for all my gear. I got it with the rudder which I would recommend on any kayak. though the years I outfitted it with different gadgets depending on my needs but the first thing I did when I got it was put rod holders. Took it out on a short paddle so I can get an idea where I wanted the rod holders to go. Gotta say the day I drilled a 1.5 inch hole I was pretty nervous. No regrets though everything came out great.

Along with the Kayak I purchased the paddle a Werner Skagit 230 which I still have. I have always wanted something lighter like a ONNO but never got around to it.

Proud owner of a brand spanking new T140!

Ready to go on it's maiden Everglades voyage. (looked so new)

Everglades National Park Memories of a Better Day...

Although I'm very happy in Nj because career wise, it's the way the go, I yearn for the simple days of fishing and paddling the Everglades. I told my wife if I die before her to cremate my body, put the ashes in a "Bustelo" coffee can, transport the ashes to my favorite fishing honey hole in the Everglades National Park (ENP) and spread my ashes there. I truly love that place and spend many hours paddling and fishing there either alone or with a few and I do mean few buddies that dared to venture out into the mosquito infested backcountry mangroves. I was going to say alligator infested but trust me the bugs were more to recon with. A day in the ENP was guaranteed stress relief! Problem about NJ is that you can't get away from civilization. ENP you were miles out and away from the roads, people and anything that can make your blood pressure rise. Enchanting and majestic, I was in love with this place and hope to one day be close (when I win the lotto).

Then there is the fishing...

Mud Lake 26in Snook, notice the head net...

Bear Lake baby tarpon caught by Adolfo

Snake Bight redfish caught in 6 inches of water

Sea Trout caught in "Tin Can" by Eddie

That makes up and Everglades "Grand Slam" but among those fish we caught Groupers, Snappers, Black Drum, Sheepshead and Many more.