Large tidal runs

[firefighter]

I would like your comments and help please on the above regarding fishing the tide up on anything over a 26 ft tide....I met a member of this forum one day whilst fishing in my kayak off Prestatyn...Fred , was on his way in, and he told me that he doesn't like fishing when the tidal run gets strong, and this run increases dramatically as tides approaches the 30, and especially 32 ft mark....I have to agreewith him, having anchored in 28ft in the same location, I found it very disconcerting,the anchor rope buzzing, and a definate feeling of unease, and a feeling of assurance, having found my knife, to cut free if all else fails. I was well aware also that in the event of falling out, the kayak is anchored, and I could have quickly drifted away....Reading through some of the accounts of fishing, on this forum, I get the impression that it is not an issue,the tide is to be fished...Please understand that this is not at all a critiscism...Is this a feeling of insecurity, in those conditions, through lack of experience on my part...does anybody else have the same feelings.... I know the answer is to paddle inshore a bit, but that means leaving the fishing grounds.....maybe I'm just a wimp..lol..... Dave Win.

[THURSOMAN]

Dave, you seem a sensible guy to me.
Where I fish the tidal run can be extremely dangerous and would never consider paddling in it never mind anchoring.(16+ knots!! )I've heard story's of boats having trouble staying in anchor never mind the kayak.
I never consider going in such waters simply because I can't paddle faster than 16 knots. ;D ;D ;D
Personally I find that fishing on the shore side of a headland produces very good fishing on the drift.
Because I am sheltered from the main current, I believe the fish also prefer it because this is where the food collects.

Dave if you do not feel safe anchored in the current you most likely are not. As you say if you fall out then you will not be able to swim faster than the current. But all of this completely depends on the current speed.

Better safe than sorry mate.

Chris.

[curly]

Should be a good one at Blackpool tomorrow if the weather plays ball.....8.8 metres. When ancoring in a big tide like this always make sure to let out plenty of warp and the closer to the stern/bow that your ancor trolly finishes the bettter too. I also always attach myself to the yak with a throw line when at ancor....that way if the worst does happen and you get tipped you will always make it back to the yak ( I know this from experience....)

[SEAJUNKY]

Curly I think that that is a valuable piece of information there about the throw line, and being able to get back to the kayak. Personally I wouldn't go out in those kind of conditions as I wouldn't feel comfortable. What I would say is that although that is a good idea about the throw line, I think that I would advise anybody that might end up in the water, were there is rope, to also carry a safety knife, just in case.

[curly]

good point about the knife.......I have one attatched to my PFD

[firefighter]

Brilliant lads , thanks for that...I thought it was possibly just a confidence thing at first, but, upon reflection, ...if you don't feel safe, then you aint safe, has got to be the ruling factor regardless of experience, and to carry a throw line in such runs is a must. I have to say, I was on my own at the time, which adds to the danger, of course, and the trouble with Prestatyn is that there is no headland, tis just a straight run down towards Mostyn for miles....thanks for your interest fella's....looking forward to meeting you all in due course...Dave Win.

[THURSOMAN]

Nov 27, 2008 16:23:15 GMT -1 curly said:

I also always attach myself to the yak with a throw line when at ancor....quote]

Curly that is a very valid point there.
What sort of line do you use? Material / diameter etc?
I quess you do not need a very strong line for this one that will cut easily if needed.
Where do you attach it on yourself and the kayak?

Ta
Chris

[curly]

The line I use is about 7mm thick....I attach this around my waist and to one of the deck eyes on the opposite side from my ancor trolly! The line should be long enough for you to get around the stern or bow so if tipped you can get to the correct side to re enter....(With the wave` s at your back)

[THURSOMAN]

Good point about length there Curly.
7mm Wowzers. You don't intend on loosing your kayak then. ;D ;D ;D

Ta for that.

Chris

[curly]

At 7mmm it`s thick enough to use a a tow rope too!

[SEAJUNKY]

Chris I have been told that we could use 50lb braid as an anchor line. And if thats the case you could wind it back onto a multiplier, that would keep things tidy.

[cj]

When on holiday in normandy this tear I tied up to a bouy in a 9m tide. Started using more and more weight to fish, when the tide was at its strongest (rule of 12) My mini x was sitting nice and stable but the tide was really racing. If I let go I would of been out in the channel. Put a 15m safety line out on a bouy and just sat and ate my sandwiches. Remember if you tie yourself on you will be pulled under as well. 4 hrs later I paddled back in, went up the estuary the next day.