* if you spot a sea turtle on the beach call 1 866 TURTLE 5
* less is more when it comes to fishing gear. I prefer to take the minimum amount of gear since the same gear can become a liability when things don't go as planned. When fishing in the bay I use and inexpensive rod/reel combo ($50.00) so I'm not heart broken if the combo takes a dive. No gear is worth your safe return.
* here is a picture of an inexpensive live bait carrier that has minimum drag when kayak fishing. It consists of a repurposed orange juice (or gatorade) bottle with holes drilled into it and the lid secured by a line. I have used it successfully in the bay and off the beach. It can hold about a pint of live shrimp or 10 finger mullet.
* i recommend polarized sunglasses, the difference is amazing but a floating leash is a great addition and is inexpensive insurance (personal experience: REVOs, ouch!).
* brush up on your bird identification before getting to the island. There is a wide variety of birds that frequent the island but some can be tricky and commonly confused or misidentified (ie.there are no flamingos on the island, the pink bird is a Roseate Spoonbill)
* get a reliable waterproof case for your phone, preferably one that will allow you to still use the phone while remaining waterproof. I use a Lifeproof case for my iPhone and it has proven to be well worth the investment.
* sunblock, sunblock, sunblock.
* if you have any questions about events, restaurants or specific information about the island I am happy to pass on my experience, please feel free to call.
* the brighter the clothing the better. I wear high visibility orange, long sleeved, polyester running/fishing shirts.
* i use the MapMyRide free app to record my voyages. It will give you distance, speed and it can be used to navigate back if you get turned around.
* the USCG offers a paddlesports training program, visit their website to see if there is a class close to you.
* know what is expected from the weather before you head out and have a Plan B if the weather report is wrong.
* stretch before you paddle. Arms, shoulders and lower back.
* as a courtesy give shoreline, pier or boating fishermen (women) a wide berth when the situation allows. Be aware of their lines as to not get tangled or hooked.
* please do not disturb nesting birds.
* when in doubt signal a powerboat before it gets to close for comfort.
* less is more when it comes to fishing gear. I prefer to take the minimum amount of gear since the same gear can become a liability when things don't go as planned. When fishing in the bay I use and inexpensive rod/reel combo ($50.00) so I'm not heart broken if the combo takes a dive. No gear is worth your safe return.
* here is a picture of an inexpensive live bait carrier that has minimum drag when kayak fishing. It consists of a repurposed orange juice (or gatorade) bottle with holes drilled into it and the lid secured by a line. I have used it successfully in the bay and off the beach. It can hold about a pint of live shrimp or 10 finger mullet.
* i recommend polarized sunglasses, the difference is amazing but a floating leash is a great addition and is inexpensive insurance (personal experience: REVOs, ouch!).
* brush up on your bird identification before getting to the island. There is a wide variety of birds that frequent the island but some can be tricky and commonly confused or misidentified (ie.there are no flamingos on the island, the pink bird is a Roseate Spoonbill)
* get a reliable waterproof case for your phone, preferably one that will allow you to still use the phone while remaining waterproof. I use a Lifeproof case for my iPhone and it has proven to be well worth the investment.
* sunblock, sunblock, sunblock.
* if you have any questions about events, restaurants or specific information about the island I am happy to pass on my experience, please feel free to call.
* the brighter the clothing the better. I wear high visibility orange, long sleeved, polyester running/fishing shirts.
* i use the MapMyRide free app to record my voyages. It will give you distance, speed and it can be used to navigate back if you get turned around.
* the USCG offers a paddlesports training program, visit their website to see if there is a class close to you.
* know what is expected from the weather before you head out and have a Plan B if the weather report is wrong.
* stretch before you paddle. Arms, shoulders and lower back.
* as a courtesy give shoreline, pier or boating fishermen (women) a wide berth when the situation allows. Be aware of their lines as to not get tangled or hooked.
* please do not disturb nesting birds.
* when in doubt signal a powerboat before it gets to close for comfort.
