Thursday 28 March 2013

ON THE PLUS SIDE...

We are now on Google+! 
 
Be a part of our fishing circle at +ScottyFishingProducts and share your fishing stories, pictures and experiences with us and our online fishing community!


>> Check out our profile and add us today!


Monday 25 March 2013

TIPS FROM THE PROS - Kayak Fishing Safety




Kayak Fishing & Safety
By Mike Zilkowsky
Scotty Pro-Staff Kayak Angler


As a Safety Professional in Alberta’s oil field I am constantly mentoring fellow workers on the need for safety equipment and using it correctly. My job is to ensure that everyone works safely so that they can get home to see their families and participate in the hobbies they love, which for me is fishing!!!! Here is a list of what I believe we should all have and carry with us out fishing to ensure we make it back home from our fishing adventures.

P.F.D.
Every year we hear of people that have lost their lives due to not wearing a P.F.D. With P.F.D.s designed for kayak fishing addressing comfort and versatility, there is no longer a reason to not wear one. The first thing to do is to try it on and be comfortable wearing it prior to being on the water. Try different types, different makes and different styles until you find the one that fits you best. Just be sure it has the proper rating and approvals for its intended use.

Lights
Even though kayaks are not required to run the red, green and white lights, we should still take the time to think about our visibility in low light conditions. Many of us paddle around bright orange or yellow kayaks, but many of us also paddle the darker green, brown or camouflage models as well. Scotty Fishing & Outdoor Products has developed the  SEA-light and it is perfect for kayaks. Whether you purchase the 825 SEA-light with the suction cup base or the 828 SEA-light with the 42” adjustable pole, with a 2 mile visibility you will not regret your purchase.

I bought myself the 823 SEA-light last year with a 20” pole and love it. I have been on very large lakes with tons of motor boat traffic and paddling in at dark would have been a lot more dangerous if the other boats were not able to see me.

Knife
Preferably a knife designed to attach to your P.F.D., but any sharp knife will do. Whether you need the knife to cut bait, cut your line or cut the anchor rope, be sure you knife is sharp and easily accessible. The biggest mistake a lot of kayakers and fishermen make to not having that knife within reach. Things can go sideways in a real hurry and sometimes the difference between paddling and swimming can be having your knife within reach.

Safety Kit
Depending on the type of kayak you have you will either be required to have a bilge pump or baler on board. Scotty® has some great safety kits available that contain everything you need to comply with the Canadian Coast Guard Regulations, and those items are needed for any body of water you are paddling on. Keep a whistle attached to your P.F.D., keep a buoyant heaving line accessible as well as you bilge pump or baler. Add a few items to your kit as well. First aid supplies are a must! Bandages and disinfectant are the most important.











I speak from experience after having a Northern Pike decide to hook me through the finger with the same treble hook that was in its mouth. Which brings me to another item…. Good pliers or side cutters. Make sure you have something to be able to cut through any hook you have to remove it, should you happen to find yourself hooked!


Paddle Leash
There is nothing worse that losing your paddle. Remember the old adage “Up a certain creek with out a paddle”? Imagine being out on a big body of water and not being able to paddle back. Ensuring you paddle is attached to your boat with a leash will definitely ensure that you are not in this predicament. I use the Scotty® Paddle Leash and absolutely love it. No matter what leash you use, just use it. Either that or bring another paddle along for the ride.

Paddle Plan
Most of all, let someone know where you are planning to go and if possible the time you are expecting to be back. Things happen and if someone knows where you plan to be, it is a lot easier for them to find you. That being said most areas we fish have some sort of cellular coverage now, so if you are on a hot spot and going to run late make sure you pass that along so you don’t become the focus of a search party.

Water Re-Entry
And last but not least, find open water and flip your kayak. Learning how to right your kayak and re-enter it could save you. I find the easiest way to right a sit-on-top kayak, is to have a short rope to help out. I have a small rope with a carabineer at each end, probably 4.5 feet long. I attach the rope to the handle of the kayak then toss the line over the kayak hull. Swim around to the other side and create a loop to stand in. Stand up in the loop, reach across the kayak, grab the handle and tug back. You should be able to right your kayak in a few tries and hopefully you had everything tied down and didn’t loose anything.

To get back on it now I find the easiest way for me is to pull myself up the bow and slide on. Regardless of how you do it, just practice it a few times and you should hopefully not have any issues should this arise while out on the water.

Hope this helps everyone looking for a few safety tips for kayak fishing!


Tight lines and see you at the launch.




Monday 11 March 2013

Gear Up with Us Giveaway!


Get ready for our Spring Gear Giveaway 
starting next week! 



WHEN:  March 18th - 22nd 2013
WHERE:
Scotty Fishing & Outdoor Products Facebook page!

We're getting excited here at Scotty to give out fishing gear every day for 5 days!!! Five lucky winners will be drawn at random every day, starting next Monday and will be sent out some of their fishing "wish list" items!



Do you have a long Spring wish/check list for the upcoming fishing season? It's simple and easy to enter to win some of those items!

Gear Giveaway Details:

What do you need to complete your gear checklist, in order to have the best fishing season yet?

1. )
 LIKE - our Facebook giveaway posts daily! (New post to re-like daily)

2.)  COMMENT - on our daily posts, letting us know what's on
       your "wish list!" (New post to re-comment on  daily)

3.)  SHARE - our daily post and instantly be entered to win great gear!
        (New post to re-share daily)


*Daily winner on our Facebook page will be announced and drawn at random the following day after 7am PST.


* Facebook Draw Rules & Regulations:
Maximum of 1 share + 1 "wish list" comment/person/day. Applicants must share the original Scotty Fishing Products Facebook post in order to be eligible. Applicants are numbered according to the order/time in which the participant shared that daily draw post. A number is selected randomly and the according winner is announced after 7am PST the following day; after the daily draw picture was posted. Prizes granted will be within a $100 retail value proximity and are to be determined at our discretion.  Winners announced are responsible for direct messaging Scotty Fishing Products with their valid, preferred shipping address and contact phone number in order to receive their desired draw prize. Contact information will not be stored on file, and a phone number is for shipping purposes only.

(Previous winners during the 2013 "Scotty Spring Gear Giveaway"will no longer be eligible for future wins during the 2013 giveaway period. If name is drawn, an automatic re-draw will take place.)



Thursday 7 March 2013

Spring's Almost Sprung!

With Spring & Summer just around the corner, it's a great time to make sure you have all your downrigger fishing essentials stocked up and ready for the best season yet! 



There are some products that you just shouldn't leave the dock without... It's also always good to have spares of certain essential products. Isn't it always better to be safe than sorry, while out on the water fishing!


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What are your "go-to" Scotty downrigger accessories?

** Be sure to check back for more information about our Scotty Spring Gear Giveaway! Coming soon! **