As you may or may not know the Hawaiian islands get pounded by huge surf this time of year. Strong currents, big waves and gusty winds can make conditions dangerous for offshore kayak anglers. It is a good time of year for us to think about safety. I cant express how strongly I feel about wearing a pfd at all times. I have been guilty of not wearing one for years and realize how stupid that was. I now wear one at all times. Not only do I wear one but I also keep my life jacket equipped with the crucial safety gear.

Here is the scenario that keeps running through my mind. I am out kayak fishing on a the ocean when suddenly a whale breaches and lands right on me. I go unconscious and sustain bodily injury. I come too and find I was lucky enough to be wearing my life vest. I am adrift in the ocean with just a pfd. Here's is a list of things I carry in my life jacket.

1) cell phone, in water proof pouch
2) vhf marine radio, water proof
3) flashlight, water proof
4) leatherman tool kit with led light, water resistant
5) mirror
6) whistle
7) knife
8) streamer

Try to think for a moment what it would be like to be adrift with just your pfd. For any number of reasons you could potentially lose control of the yak and be adrift with just a life vest. Wear one at all time and have it equipped. It could be the difference between life and death.

Despite the rough swells I did manage to get some good fishing days in last month. I had the pleasure of taking out the worlds best woman's skydiver and her two friends. It was a real honor to be in such elite company. As kayakers the girls were inexperienced and there fishing skills were not that great either. The girls did and awesome job. It was a beautiful Hawaiian day and the winds were non existent which is very rare for the Hawaiian islands. There were lots of whales around as well as a few turtles. I manage to put the girls on some fish and Cheryl ended up doing battle with a 7 pound uku (grey snapper). The light duty rod and her inexperience made for a really tough battle. It was a really fun day. Also last month I was able to land my biggest uku. a fat 9lbs. Thanks to the infamous Rocket Rig. A killer bottom fishing rig designed by Isaac Brumaghim.

Next month I will be reporting on the Aqua Hunters annual accumulative kayak fishing tournament. The boys are off to a good start and there will be a lot of big fish brought up this year. Also I will be sharing some of the rigs we will be using to catch pelagics in the upcoming season. Until then keep it safe. Aloha.