[JT]

Guys,

I am interested in VHF/UHF radios and the ability to muster support should the brown stuff hit the fan. Also get weather warnings and a bunch of other things. It seems that alot more Yak fishermen in the US and NZ use them way more than we do here in Oz. There must be a reason.

One part of me says that they are unneccesary but another part says that when the brown stuff does start to be chucked around that you want every option possible (this part of the thought process is being eagerly encouraged by the gadget man in me).

So what are your thoughts? Anyone got any direct experience with their use in anger from a Yak (even communicationg between yaks when bait balls are found)?

JT

 

[DGax65]

JT
I think that a large percentage of kayak fishermen in the San Diego, California area use them. It makes sense for a couple of reasons. Safety is the obvious and primary reason to carry a radio. The US Coast Guard has receiver sites all along the coast and equipment that monitors and automatically triangulates position on all calls on CH 16 (possibly other channels). There is a good chance that if you are fishing anywhere in the local coastal waters you will be heard and DF'd if you make a distress call. At any given time, there will usually be a large number of fishermen (yaks and stink boats) out on the local waters. A radio can provide you with some good intel on where the bite is hot.
I carry two; one attched to my PFD and one inside a Camelback that I keep survival gear in.

 

[JT]

JT
I think that a large percentage of kayak fishermen in the San Diego, California area use them. It makes sense for a couple of reasons. Safety is the obvious and primary reason to carry a radio. The US Coast Guard has receiver sites all along the coast and equipment that monitors and automatically triangulates position on all calls on CH 16 (possibly other channels). There is a good chance that if you are fishing anywhere in the local coastal waters you will be heard and DF'd if you make a distress call. At any given time, there will usually be a large number of fishermen (yaks and stink boats) out on the local waters. A radio can provide you with some good intel on where the bite is hot.
I carry two; one attched to my PFD and one inside a Camelback that I keep survival gear in.

Having done a little research on the Kiwis they seem to carry radios for the exact same reason. Safety and communication on where the fish are massing or biting.

 

[Dodge]

Intend getting a pair of the cheap UHF handhelds for contact between yaks inshore waters with about 3 kms range line of sight which is all I require

 

[JT]

- VHF is best, although UHF is better than nothing,

Forgive me for asking Paul but why then are you spending so much time looking at UHF? Are you exploring VHF?

A big part of weighing up desirability is really understanding the functionailty and capability. Could someone give an overview of how these things could/should be used, particularly in light of being able to choose a channel and use it for communication amongst a group of yakkers? :?:

Cheers,

John

 

[Angles]

Yeh I use a pair of Uniden UHF 1 watt walkie talkies - so that the Mrs can let me know if she is in trouble - 8) - I get a little engrossed in my fishing sometimes. It adds allot of comfort to Suz as well as myself knowing i can find out were she is if i look around and can't see her YAK. We just have them in waterproof bags atached to our PFD or Yak - don't even take them out to use them. Recommend it
Phil.

 

[Phoenix]

I carry a small waterproof radio on my PFD.

Even if I was to capsize and the kayak drift away from me - I still have all my safety gear in my PFD, radio, EPIRB, mirror, whistle, strobe, etc.

 

[justcrusin]

Gday All,

The VHF is the way to go very few marine rescue (ses and so forth i believe have them) organisations in australia are equipped with UHF, but they all have VHF and have a VHF on every vessel.
If you are going for the cheaper UHF sets check with the local VMR base on what they are equipped with.

But for my money just about every yatch and about 1/2 of stinkboats carry VHF radios. I don't now of any that carry UHF (there will be some). So if you do have to call a mayday or a pan pan the chance of being heard buy a boat a minute away is increased ten fold and well worth the extra few bucks.

I know the licence you are meant to have is a pain but most VMR bases run 2 day licence courses.

Cheers Dave

 

[Angles]

Occy,
You have summed up our fishing trips amazingly well - both in location and radio conversations. She who must be obeyed :lol: Maybey there is a downside to you wife/partner fishing/paddling with you :wink: