Zak
WFF Supporter
I'm getting excited for the warmer weather and would like to get off the beach and into the Sound in my 14' rowing dory for some SRC and salmon fishing and crabbing. I moved out here from New England last summer and am just learning the Sound. I've never had my boat in anything but freshwater lakes, but it is stand-to-cast stable and tracks and rows well (much better with one person than two or three), and has positive flotation. No running lights or motor. Plenty of room for a cooler and gear.
I'm concerned about safety. I see kayakers out there a lot and have spent a bunch of time waist-deep in the areas where I'd go boating (North Puget Sound around Mukilteo), but I've also heard that if I go out in a small boat "You will die."
I'm seeking tips on gear and safety. I have a dry suit, but don't want to wear it if I don't have to. I'd wear a PFD, of course. What gear do you think is essential? A gallon or more of water? GPS? Satellite phone? A long rope to walk my boat back if I need to? Is it stupid to go out on the Sound without a motor? What if I stay close to shore? It's hard to believe that if I'm within a couple hundred yards of shore I couldn't get back to safety. It seems all about the tides, but the stuff moving past me when I'm beach fishing isn't moving nearly as fast as I can row. Advice, horror stories, and rowing/paddling buddies welcome!

I'm concerned about safety. I see kayakers out there a lot and have spent a bunch of time waist-deep in the areas where I'd go boating (North Puget Sound around Mukilteo), but I've also heard that if I go out in a small boat "You will die."
I'm seeking tips on gear and safety. I have a dry suit, but don't want to wear it if I don't have to. I'd wear a PFD, of course. What gear do you think is essential? A gallon or more of water? GPS? Satellite phone? A long rope to walk my boat back if I need to? Is it stupid to go out on the Sound without a motor? What if I stay close to shore? It's hard to believe that if I'm within a couple hundred yards of shore I couldn't get back to safety. It seems all about the tides, but the stuff moving past me when I'm beach fishing isn't moving nearly as fast as I can row. Advice, horror stories, and rowing/paddling buddies welcome!
