Pennsylvania Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement

During cold weather, boaters in the Mid Atlantic states experience elevated risks related to sudden cold water immersion.

Almost 80 percent of all boating fatalities happen to boaters not wearing a life jacket, according to Pennsylvania’s boating accident reports. A large number of fatalities occur during the months of November through April.

To highten awareness, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) recently issued a reminder to boaters concerning one of the state's boating safety regulations.

From November 1 through April 30, boaters in the state are required to wear a life jacket (PFD) while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any canoe or kayak. Pennsylvania's cold season PFD requirement applies to all  waters within the state.

For more information, visit www.fishandboat.com

source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Kayak Fishing Checklist

A fishing equipment checklist is essential for kayak fishing. Preparing for any kayaking trip usually involves a basic kayaking checklist, which primarily focuses on safety.

A kayak fishing checklist should begin with safety-related items. Checklists for kayak anglers will also include important tackle and fishing-related gear.

The following example checklist includes a variety of equipment that may be needed when kayak fishing (all safety equipment is not listed):

rod-reel outfits
tackle assortment
bait
landing net
pliers
knife
line cutters
rag
fish bag
ice
drinks-snacks
portable GPS
digital camera
cell phone
spare batteries
electronics pouches
compass
maps-charts
hat
sunglasses-eyewear
jacket-rain gear
gloves
equipment crate w/ rod holders
track mount accessories

This checklist is only an example. In reality, each kayak angler will create their own personal equipment list based upon their local fishing requirements.

 

Related Information

Essential Kayaking Gear

Chesapeake Bay Public Access

A recent National Park Service study highlights the demand for public access to the Chesapeake Bay for kayak launching and other uses.

According to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Public Access Plan, the following areas received the highest numbers of site suggestions:

1. Dundalk/Edgemere area (Baltimore County, Maryland)

2. Annapolis (Maryland)

3. Sassafras River and main stem of the Chesapeake Bay south of the Sassafras River (Maryland)

4. Nanticoke River (Delaware and Maryland)

5. Anacostia and Potomac Rivers (Washington DC, and Arlington, Virginia)

6. Fort Monroe (Hampton, Virginia)

7. Colonial National Historic Park (Virginia)

8. Nansemond River (Virginia)

9. Harrisburg (Pennsylvania)

10. Raystown Branch of the Juniata River (Pennsylvania)

11. Altoona (Pennsylvania)

source: National Park Service