Kayak Fishing in a Helmet?

I was asked the other day to use a helmet when running rivers for Steelhead. Thought about it for a bit. I guess I might use one for just running a river without fishing gear. But I'd be more reluctant to strap on one when I'm on the same river to fish, unless there was a good chance of swimming in the rapids.

Anyone use a helmet on the rivers?

I don't think I have ever worn a helmet while kayak fishing a river, but I stick to Class 1 and 2.  If I were to paddle bigger water, with a greater chance of dumping, I would wear one.

Anyone use a helmet on the rivers?

Helmets are for herring

I use a helmet when I drive my truck. I became use to it when ridding the bus to school everyday as a child.

I don't think I have ever worn a helmet while kayak fishing a river, but I stick to Class 1 and 2.  If I were to paddle bigger water, with a greater chance of dumping, I would wear one.

+1 But only during the class 3's. Something about bouncing my head on a rock just doesn't seem right. I know that I'd break the rock but...

Wobbler

I was asked the other day to use a helmet when running rivers for Steelhead. Thought about it for a bit. I guess I might use one for just running a river without fishing gear. But I'd be more reluctant to strap on one when I'm on the same river to fish, unless there was a good chance of swimming in the rapids.

Anyone use a helmet on the rivers?

Why would you do when you don't have fishing gear vs same scenario fishing gear?  Seems to me that the added distraction of having fishing gear would increase the possibility of hitting an issue.  Just wondering ...

-Allen

I was asked the other day to use a helmet when running rivers for Steelhead. Thought about it for a bit. I guess I might use one for just running a river without fishing gear. But I'd be more reluctant to strap on one when I'm on the same river to fish, unless there was a good chance of swimming in the rapids.

Anyone use a helmet on the rivers?

Why would you do when you don't have fishing gear vs same scenario fishing gear?  Seems to me that the added distraction of having fishing gear would increase the possibility of hitting an issue.  Just wondering ...

-Allen

I like to believe that I might hear a fish splash behind me without a helmet covering my head. Plus it's one more piece of gear I'd need to remember, haul, clean after the trip....

I agree class 3 is the point where I start thinking about headgear. It feels like overkill to wear a helmet in rivers with short sections of class 2 but are mostly class 1 (which is a typical river around here).

I like to believe that I might hear a fish splash behind me without a helmet covering my head. Plus it's one more piece of gear I'd need to remember, haul, clean after the trip....

Fisherman first!!!

I agree class 3 is the point where I start thinking about headgear. It feels like overkill to wear a helmet in rivers with short sections of class 2 but are mostly class 1 (which is a typical river around here).

I think for me personally, I agree with this thinking, especially in SOT kayaks where you're likely to slide right off instead of getting stuck upside down with your head backing the stream bottom.

-Allen