Please don’t be confused the Zombie Fish Doomsday scenario is NOT coming on the next high tide, this is a different type of Ditch Bag. That being said If things where to go wrong, it’s would be nice to take solace in a Nature Valley moment watching the Pelagic Dead beach themselves at your feet.
That “Oh Crap” moment
Forgot to pack a lunch, Leaky Boat, Unexpected Squall, Equipment Malfunction, Navigation Error, Unwanted house guest. There are any number of reasons you plan’s for the day may change.
Having a well equipped Ditch Bag will enable you handle the situation.
Rule of 3
If you day turns into the worst-case scenario. Here are some things to consider from the “Rule of 3” on your odds of Survival and what to include in your Kayak Fishing Ditch Bag
- 3 minutes without air
- 3 hours without shelter
- 3 days without water
- 3 weeks without food
You may be thinking when would the 1st one happen? How many of these have you seen?
That last one I hope shouldn’t be an issue. You are a kayak fisherman, and hopefully not a hermit so somebody is going to come looking for you.
So Let’s Make a Ditch Bag
Yes you need a Bag. The technical term is Dry Bag and not all are created equally.
Not to be confused with a Compression Sack, even if it says waterproof I highly suggest look for the term Dry Bag. They come in all shapes sizes and colors. I like the Clear Dry Bags just a look and know if it’s in there.
Raiding the Medicine Cabinet and Junk Draw looking for extra’s and half rolls of tape, may sound like a good time….yea no it doesn’t. Do it right and buy a kit, these Survival Kits are design by professionals, weight close to nothing, take up little space, and include some hard to find items. These will give a great base to start with, and now you can fill out your Ditch Bag with some other items from around the house.
Extra Clothes
Forget the cotton and wool, keep the Fleece.
Before the old Fleece goes the way of the rag bin, add it to your Ditch Bag. I’ve been underdressed for the weather a few times wishing I had another layer to wear, and if I knew was going to spend the night I would have packed some extra clothes anyway.
Where’s that free hat you got that you wouldn’t dare be seen wearing in public. Sound like Ditch Bag Material To Me
Some Extra’s
- Cheap Sunglasses …. oooh yeeah – ZZ Top singalong
- Crazy Glue
- Zip Ties … real ones Thomas and Betts
- Mult Tool
- Mosquito Head Net
- Paracord
- Sunblock
- Bug repellant
Travel Size containers are good enough here. You don’t need a Ditch Duffel Bag to carry when kayak fishing
Got Bug’s
Bugs are a real problem, anybody that has beached a kayak to answer the call of nature while Kayak Fishing can probably attest. Mosquito, Black Fly’s, Horse Fly’s, Gnats they can make an environment inhospitable. If your kayak fishing in an area where you may encounter biting Fly’s I highly suggest getting a Mosquito Head net or maybe something bigger. Nobody knows your backyard like you do.
Field Repairs
Some Paracord, Zip Ties, and Crazy glue will go a long way. My Multi tool a Leatherman Surge combined with Bits and extender gets almost daily use. Sometimes all need is the right tool and you can get back to on your way. A good mult. tool can be worth its weight in gold.
Food & Water
Remember that Nature Valley moment comment? Stale or Fresh who can tell the difference with Granola Bar, 3 or 4 prepacked pairs should hold you over. Water should be the 1st item you bring on any kayak fishing trip. If you don’t normally pack a lunch or always carry your fishing gear. Emergency food rations maybe a good idea for your ditch bag.