Wetting a line in remote, unpressured waters is hard to beat, but your backcountry fishing trip can go from fun times to survival situation when least expected. So, what should you do when things go wrong in the wilderness? Survival expert Jack Richland shares survival tips for kayak anglers using items already at hand, plus the extra item you should pack, and more.
5 Items on Your Kayak That Can Be Used to Survive
1 Kayak
A kayak alone can be used for many survival applications. Normally kayaks are brightly colored and will give contrast to your environment making you easily seen by rescuers. It can also be used to catch rain and be used as a water container. You will need to use your All Weather Blanket to funnel rain water into the cockpit of the kayak.
2 Paddle
If your paddle is brightly colored you can wave it as a distress signal. In the event you have to attempt a self-rescue, you may remove the paddles and use the center pole as a trekking pole.
3 Anchor Trolley
A temporary shelter using your kayak can be constructed by attaching your anchor trolley to a tree in a “lean-to” type fashion. The cordage can also be removed and used for anything that you may need to rig.
4 Kayak Seat
The seat can be removed and used to insulate you from sitting on the ground. This is important because conduction (losing core body heat to the ground) is a known killer.
5 Bilge Pump/Sponge
A handheld bilge pump or sponge can be used to collect invaluable water. This water will need to be purified prior to drinking; boiling with your metal canteen will be most effective technique.
The Extra Survival Item to Pack
For most situations I choose a 4-inch fixed blade knife. It should have a full tang design. This means that the knife is constructed of a solid piece of steel with handles affixed by bolts or pins. I prefer a drop point design with a cutting edge only on one side. In a wet environment, a stainless steel blade is best to protect it from corrosion. I like for my knife to have a lanyard hole at the butt of the handle. Access to a lanyard hole allows the user to tether the knife to prevent loss of your most valuable tool.
A knife is a survivor’s most useful tool because it can provide almost all of your basic needs. It can be used to build shelters, process firewood, provide food by building traps, as well as prepare any wild game or fish you procure.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Typically in a survival situation you should stay put. Most victims are found within a 72 hour window by search teams. To increase your chance of survival you should develop a travel plan and give it to a close friend or relative. A travel plan will detail where you are going and when you will return. This is vital information that can be given to Search and Rescue teams if you do not arrive when expected. Your emergency signaling gear will also play a part in your rescue. A kayak is also going to be a large visual signal to anyone that may be looking for you.
A self-rescue should always be last resort and only considered if:
- You’re in more danger by not moving
- You’re in a familiar area
- You have no mechanical injuries
- Bad weather forces you to an area that has a more formidable shelter
- You find a location where signaling is more effective
- You failed to give a travel plan to someone
Jack Richland spent eight years in the U.S. Marines and deployed to countries all over the world. He is an expert in urban/wilderness survival and creator of blackscoutsurvival.com.
Some useful survival items are already along for the ride on your fishing kayak. | Feature photo: Michael Hewis
