Is kayaking safe in canals and ponds?

murphy13

I just moved down from the Buckeye state and was wondering if it was safe to Kayak fish a lot of the local ponds and canals in the St. Lucie and Vero Beach areas. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Jason1977

Its safe just watch out for the big gators.

jayseas

Avoid the green slime it can be toxic.

GRIZZL

Don't hang caught fish over the side. DON'T bring your dog with you. Watch out in May/June for breeding season. The big bulls are territorial and often "display" aggression to ward you out of his area. I kayak allot and have had no problems cause I BACK the HELL off when a bigun shows me his back above water. They bloat up to look bigger. Normal gator will have just his head above water. Also you may get a hitchhiker try and board your boat (snakes). Know what a water moccasin looks like. Push em off with the paddle.

murphy13

GRIZZL wrote: »

Don't hang caught fish over the side. DON'T bring your dog with you. Watch out in May/June for breeding season. The big bulls are territorial and often "display" aggression to ward you out of his area. I kayak allot and have had no problems cause I BACK the HELL off when a bigun shows me his back above water. They bloat up to look bigger. Normal gator will have just his head above water. Also you may get a hitchhiker try and board your boat (snakes). Know what a water moccasin looks like. Push em off with the paddle.

Thank you for your response. So in other words a little common sense and situational awareness goes along way? I can't wait to completely finish the move and get to fishing most days of the week.

Austins26

Great an valid into below

Use common sense

GRIZZL wrote: »

Don't hang caught fish over the side. DON'T bring your dog with you. Watch out in May/June for breeding season. The big bulls are territorial and often "display" aggression to ward you out of his area. I kayak allot and have had no problems cause I BACK the HELL off when a bigun shows me his back above water. They bloat up to look bigger. Normal gator will have just his head above water. Also you may get a hitchhiker try and board your boat (snakes). Know what a water moccasin looks like. Push em off with the paddle.

BareHook

Most ponds in Port Saint Lucie are posted no watercraft and you can get ticketed.

capt louie

You nailed it. Common sense and situational awareness. Post us a report when you catch 'um !

Catfish_Hunter

driving to the ramp in your truck is probably more dangerous than fishing from a kayak... i've never had any problems with snakes or gators the many years i've been kayaking while fishing and hunting in florida. I'd worry more about the idoits on the water running you over. if your in a place with airboats or high traffic i'd suggest putting a flag on your yak.

FLCoyote

Beware of mud bottom. I nearly drowned about three months ago when I flipped out of my kayak and found myself stuck in mud up to my crotch and was unable to get unstuck. Luckily I grabbed the Yak before it got out of reach and used it as leverage to pull myself along the bottom until I reached hard bottom. It took me about an hour and I was nearly exhausted before I managed to reach a small island. I was in an isolated location and help was not around. I've been around back water locations all my life and had no idea that mud would hold you like glue. I've been boating, fishing, wading for over 60 years and this was about as close as I've been to thinking I wasn't going to make it. Since this happened I've talked/heard from several other people that had a similar experience. If you get stuck in mud its nearly impossible to get back in the yak as you can't get leverage to jump across it and the mud is so heavy that it also prevents you from getting back in. In my case I could slide my feet about four inches at a time while leaning on the Yak until I got to hard bottom and walked it up to a small island where I cleaned up and laid on the bank for about 30 minutes, thanking God and getting my strength back. I've posted this story previously, but can't over emphasize that mud can kill you.

FLCoyote

GRIZZL

FLCoyote wrote: »

but can't over emphasize that mud can kill you.

FLCoyote

I've been in a few situations with quick mud. What worked for *me* is laying down on my chest, spreading my weight over as much surface as I can. Like doing a breath stroke and SLOWLY bend my knees up to get my feet above my knees..then breast stroke out (hopefully grab some flotation like the yak or log or even vegetation to add buoyancy). Worst thing you can do is try and "walk" out vertically without some flotation. All your weight is on the soles of your feet.

Best is to have your life jacket tethered to you in some fassion

murphy13

GRIZZL wrote: »

I've been in a few situations with quick mud. What worked for *me* is laying down on my chest, spreading my weight over as much surface as I can. Like doing a breath stroke and SLOWLY bend my knees up to get my feet above my knees..then breast stroke out (hopefully grab some flotation like the yak or log or even vegetation to add buoyancy). Worst thing you can do is try and "walk" out vertically without some flotation. All your weight is on the soles of your feet.

Best is to have your life jacket tethered to you in some fassion

I got stuck in some of that today at work wading a stream! I sunk in past my boots.... Fishing has been pretty descent for me since I moved down. I've been catching alot however the biggest is only around 3lbs hoping to change that soon.