PLEASE NOTE AUGUST 2008 NEW LAWS ISSUED BY SAMSA Please keep checking www.kayakfishingsa.com regularly for updates to laws and regulations.

Currently (late 2008) the laws in place regarding Kayaks / Fishing skis are as follows-

We are now listed under SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) as Paddle craft. Our representative body is called SAKFA (South African Kayak Fishing Association)

Please remember individuals are responsible for their own safety and must take all precautions to to assure your own safety. No individual or club liable for your safety. Minimum safety requirements are as follows-

• SAMSA MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Kayak must be over 3 metres in length to go to sea (beyond the backline).
• Kayak must have minimum 30% buoyancy
• You must wear an approved PFD (personal flotation device)
• Carry a 10 mtr rope.  (tow rope)
• Pencil flares (not out of date)
• Bailing device (bucket or collapsible bucket) You can use your tackle box or a sponge
• You must have 750ml drinking water.
• You must not exceed 1km from land (1000m)
• You must also have a current fishing licence and pay for skipper of a vessel on the same licence. You can launch anywhere except if the launch site is restricted by Port Authority, Private owner, Parks Board, or Municipality for which you may be asked to pay a fee
• KFSA also recommend...
• Paddle leash.
• Attach your paddle to your ski via a leash (some like to detach during launching and beaching)
•  Kayak should display approved SAKFA identification number something like KFSC69 which means Kayak Fishing (KF) Scottburgh (SC) and allocated number. So if your Kayak is found out at sea NSRI or anyone who finds it can phone SAKFA or the club which issued the number and get your details
• Carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch programme in 082 911 SEA RESCUE
• SMS your launch and return time or leave a float plan with someone
• SAKFA recommend you join a local Kayak club
• Always check the weather forecast before you leave and keep checking when you are out at sea
• Make sure you can turn over and climb on your Kayak if it capsizes
• Never paddle alone always paddle with at least one person
• If your Kayak capsizes stay with it and phone for help
• Tell someone where you are going and estimated time due back
• Complete a launch register at your launch site if applicable
• Check your Kayak before leaving for cracks and leaks. Make sure the bungs are in!
• Remember -  know your own personal paddling capabilities and do not exceed them
• Don't forget your fishing licence and vessel licence (both on the same licence)
• Obey any Parks board or municipality launch site rules and pay fees if applicable
• A plastic whistle is also handy to have to attract attention
• A mirror to use for attracting attention (using suns reflection)
• Write your SAKFA number and cell number on your paddle and equipment

Below article taken from http://www.tasks.co.za/sea_kayak_news/news_details.asp?nid=346

Rigging a Kayak / Fishing ski

When rigging a Kayak or Fishing Ski please remember that when starting out you need to keep things simple. Take one rod only and catch a few fish to gain confidence. Some basic items to take with you are as follows-

What will I need?

• Your kayak: The best thing to do is test several kayaks to see which fits your needs the best. For a fishing kayak expect to pay R3500 – R4000 second hand and R5500-R9000 new. Fishing Kayaks hold their value well and can always be traded in against a new one.
• Paddle: If you want to get anywhere you need a paddle. A good paddle will run you about R600 – R1200 Paddles are available in flat blade or wing blade and fibreglass or lightweight carbon epoxy. Please try both types before you buy.
• Seat: Kayaks come in many different sizes and styles, and a kayak is custom made when new, although some are adjustable. Please come and see us and try before you buy. Your Kayak will last years so make sure you get the right one!
• Paddle Leash: This allows you to keep your paddle with your craft at all times. Imagine fighting a fish out at sea and when you turn round the paddle has gone! We have developed a very good paddle leash, please be aware in the surf zone.
• Personal Floatation Device: This item is not only required by law but an absolute necessity
• Fishing Rods: Match the rood to what you are fishing for, ideal rods are Shimano Beastmaster Elbe ski pro 8-12kg or the budget12-16kg Kingfisher SF10 or SF12  The main consideration is length. Your rod must be able to fit in the hatch but also allow you to reach around the bow of your kayak while fighting a fish. A spinning rod is also required for catching Bonito, Snoek, etc. and can also be used to catch Mackerel or sardines. Drop shot rigs may also be considered.
• Reels: For trolling a reel in the “50” size should be used like Shimano TLD Star 20/40 or Daiwa SL50 Daiwa Firewolf is a good budget version with low maintenance plastic bushes instead of bearings. AReels for spinning are Shaimano Symetre, Stella, or Penn Applause
• Rod Holders: I like to have a extra rod holder fitted behind the seat and one in front of me.
• Fish Finder: Don’t worry too much about them at first but one day you will need one, especially for new areas. Not for finding fish, but for finding reefs, pinnacles, wrecks, drop offs.
• Dry Bags: A dry pouch for a cell phone is a must, non of the dry hatches are really dry 100%
• Fishing tackle: I personally keep my tackle in a waterproof sealed container.
• Safety Equipment: You will require a small pack of hand held flares, a tow rope in case someone has to tow you in an emergency also handy for tying up a huge fish
• GPS Great for plotting routes and going back known marks that produce fish. Also good for an emergency to tell someone your position.
• Rod leashes: Essential so you don’t loose your expensive rod and reel
• Gaff: Always gaff a fish you intend to keep so you have control over the fish so hooks and teeth are not flying everywhere. Please note when you gaff a fish watch your balance!
• Priest \ fish pacifier: Make sure the fish is subdued quickly if you intend keeping it to eat, you don’t want a fish jumping around in the hatch
• Back rest: If you find you are getting back aches in your lower back use a back rest, two types are available please see website
• Sun protection: Don’t forget hat sun cream and sunglasses in ht weather, also something for bluebottle stings
• Bait box The Safari chiller is the best but polystyrene will be ok
• In your plastic tackle box Line as follows Trolling 10-15kg clear line Dropshot 30lb braid with fluorocarbon leader Traces, hooks, leads, Rapalas, Halcos, forceps, wire cutters, elastic bands for down rigging, lead weights 2oz, 3oz, 4oz, knife, pliers,

Hooks Trolling treble hooks size 4 or size 2 VMC 9626 in silver or black

Hooks trolling front hook size VMC4/0 9626ps or mustad tuna or mustad hoodlum

Wire Size 5 front size 6 back In wire 6 front 7 back

Line clear like Berkley big game 12.5kg 15kg in winter when larger fish arrive

Dusters Pink pearl or charteuse are all good 

Safety & laws

Currently (early 2008) there are no specific laws in place regarding Kayaks / Fishing skis other than falling into watercraft  over 3 metres in length. We are now listed under SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) as Paddlescraft under the name of KFF (Kayak Fishing Federation) Please remember individuals are responsible for their own safety and must take all precautions to to assure your own safety. No individual or club liable for your safety. Minimum safety requirements are as follows-

• Always check the weather forecast before you leave and keep checking when you are out at sea
• Attach your paddle to your ski via a leash (some like to detach during launching and beaching)
• Carry a set of pencil flares (make sure they are not out of date)
• Wear a suitable PFD (personal floatation device) often called a life jacket
• Make sure you can turn over and climb on your Kayak if it capsizes
• Never paddle alone always paddle with at least one person
• If your Kayak capsizes stay with it and phone for help
• Tell someone where you are going and estimated time due back
• Complete a launch register at your launch site
• Carry a cell phone in a watertight case programme NSRI number 082 911
• Check your Kayak before leaving for cracks and leaks. Make sure the bungs are in!
• Remember -  know your own personal paddling capabilities and do not exceed them

• Essential items
• Paddle!
• PFD (personal flotation device)
• Paddle leash  (some like to detach during launching and beaching) so you don't loose your paddle.
• Suitable clothing like a rash vest to protect you from the sun & blue bottles in the summer and a warmer waterproof  top for the cold winter mornings.
• A cell phone in a waterproof pouch is a must take item for safety reasons and to communicate with your fishing buddies!
• Always take a drink with you
• Spare rope to tie to something if you come into difficulty
• Main tackle
• Trolling rods like Kingfisher SF10 / SF12 Elbe Ski pro 8-12kg or 12kg-16kg
• Trolling reel Daiwa Sl50 or Shimano 20/40 are the preferred choice or budget reels like Daiwa Firewolf 50
• For Snoek you can use SF7 / SF10 and smaller Shimano 10/30 or Daiwa Firewolf 40
• For spinning or dropshot rods Shimano Trevala or budget priced like Elbe Bonita or Swordsman
• Reels are Shimano Stella or Symetre or budget priced reels like Okuma or Daiwa Excellor
• Bits and pieces
• Gaff
• Pacifier / priest you don't want a fish thrashing around with hooks in them or they will end up in you
• Bait box to keep bait frozen and fresh
• In your plastic tackle box
• Line as follows Trolling 10-15kg clear line Dropshot 30lb braid with fluorocarbon leader
• Traces, hooks, leads, Rapalas, Halcos, forceps, wire cutters, elastic bands for down rigging, lead weights 2oz, 3oz, 4oz, knife, pliers,
• For the more experienced Kayak fisherman (fishing person)
• Fish finder
• GPS or combo unit

How do I set up an anchor on a Fishing Kayak?