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

Pennsylvania Water Trails Programs

Water trails in Pennsylvania are being promoted by partnership of DCNR, the Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and the National Park Service.

The Pennsylvania Water Trails Program was created to expand, connect, and promote Pennsylvania's water trails system.

Pennsylvania water trails include access points, boat launches, day use sites and some overnight camping sites on or along waterways.

A recent study focused on visitors to four Pennsylvania water trails during the summer of 2012. According to the study, the trips generated almost three-quarters of a million dollars in economic activity and supported 11 full-time jobs in the state.

For Pennsylvania water trail information, visit fishandboat.com

source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Why Do Kayaks Capsize?

Since most kayaks are extremely light and have a shallow draft (depth), they tend to be very stable when empty. Their stability decreases as loads are added.

Human occupants present the most challenge, not only due to weight but also because of the potential for imbalance.

Shifting loads can also lead to capsizing. Before launching, it is important to secure loose equipment, especially heavy items.

Water intrusion can also lead to problems, especially if large amounts of water enter the cockpit or storage compartments.

To minimize instability, it is important to keep occupants and all equipment as low as possible and centered in the craft. In most cases, standing up or leaning over the gunwale is all but impossible.

More Information

Kayaking Dangers

Bloede Dam - Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco River kayakers could have improved access in the future, if a third dam is removed from the river. Bloede Dam, which is owned by DNR is located in Patapsco Valley State Park.

The possible removal of Bloede Dam is part of a larger, more comprehensive effort to restore 43 miles of stream habitat for migratory and resident fish. The Patapsco River restoration project started with the removal of Union Dam in September 2009.

The Patapsco River once supported runs of shad, herring, and American eels, but multiple dams on the river have blocked fish migrations. According to biologists, a number of species have returned to the upper river following the removal of Union and Simkins Dams.

DNR is accepting input online at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

Comments or suggestions are due by August 31, 2012.

A complete copy of the draft and more information is available at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

source: MD DNR

Potomac River Smallmouth Bass Angler Survey

From June through October 2012 Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) will be conducting a smallmouth bass angler survey on the Potomac River between Harpers Ferry and Seneca Breaks.

Information gathered from the survey will be used to help biologists track smallmouth bass population trends and gauge the effects of regulations.

The survey will collect basic fishing information from anglers via postage prepaid survey cards, which will be distributed to anglers on the river and at bass clubs.

In November, DNR will randomly draw 10 winners from the survey submissions who will each receive a $50 prepaid debit card.

source: MD DNR