Tested my safety gear on the Columbia

Good for you to not panic.  I once had my paddle leash wrap around my leg in surf.  Ever since then I've been reducing leashes, but still need the paddle leash, until I get a Hobbie.

Thanks everyone for your comments and I'm glad it inspired a few others to think about their own safety. NWKA is a great and supportive community to be a part of, like a second family really. Tight lines!

So, so glad Tyler got out of this no worse for the wear. I've never seen someone in such a situation be so calm, collected, and clear-headed throughout such a serious situation. Although I have no idea how amped up he was in his own head, I'm pretty sure I looked more panicked inside my kayak than he did bobbing next to yours.

And no, you absolutely didn't "ruin" my fishing trip. Any chance I have to get out is a good chance, and i'm very much indebted to you for showing me the ropes for my first time on the big C. You didn't have to insist upon providing me with a demonstration of self-rescue in moving water, but to each their own. 

I've only ever flipped my yak once - at night, in heavy surf in Lake Michigan in August, when water temps were in the 70s. I was also wrapped up in heavy line, and had to utilize my rescue knife. To those out there that don't have a blade, please get one pronto and make sure it's attached to you while on the water.

Just chatted with Tyler - not really "safety" related, but something to consider.

Like Tyler did, get an inline fuse for your fishfinder. If your battery gets wet/submerged (isn't in a housing, or water), that 50cent investment will pay off hundreds-fold.

What brand/model is your safety knife?

No clue. it's some no-name fixed blade in a plastic sheath. i just make sure it's sharpened to a razor's edge. Tyler's got a much nicer one, though.

What brand/model is your safety knife?

Tusa Imprex Knife with blunt tip. Got it at Divers Supply.

That's good you got out safe. It's probably a good idea to second guess how you organize your equipment and conduct your fishing if you have not been lucky enough to be humbled by flipping over yet 

I learned (the easy way) that using a leash for my rods (or anything else) in the river was a bad idea. In fact I have basically done away with leashes under most circumstances. Although I didn't have any leashes when I flipped in the river in January, it was clear to me that if I did, it could have made the situation more complex and annoying at the very least. I have sometimes leashed my paddle in the past while in the ocean, but recently  I worked out some better options for that and I don't leash it on the river at all. I use Nite Ize Gear ties at 18" or bungee on the deck for securing paddles and rods, and I recommend something like that. It's pretty rare that I anchor in the river but I don't fish sturgeon much from the kayak and therefore I have little reason to anchor. I agree with your assertion to always carry a knife just in case. Besides how am I going to defend myself from a Great White Shark without a knife 

Maybe you can find that fishing rod with a grappling hook. That's how mine was recovered but that depends on depth, current, etc.

That's good you got out safe. It's probably a good idea to second guess how you organize your equipment and conduct your fishing if you have not been lucky enough to be humbled by flipping over yet 

I learned (the easy way) that using a leash for my rods (or anything else) in the river was a bad idea. In fact I have basically done away with leashes under most circumstances. Although I didn't have any leashes when I flipped in the river in January, it was clear to me that if I did, it could have made the situation more complex and annoying at the very least. I have sometimes leashed my paddle in the past while in the ocean, but recently  I worked out some better options for that and I don't leash it on the river at all. I use Nite Ize Gear ties at 18" or bungee on the deck for securing paddles and rods, and I recommend something like that. It's pretty rare that I anchor in the river but I don't fish sturgeon much from the kayak and therefore I have little reason to anchor. I agree with your assertion to always carry a knife just in case. Besides how am I going to defend myself from a Great White Shark without a knife 

Maybe you can find that fishing rod with a grappling hook. That's how mine was recovered but that depends on depth, current, etc.

The difference between a paddle leash and a rod leash is if you lose your rod you can still get home.

My take-away from all of these stories is not that leashes are bad, but that how your desk is laid out and making sure your legs are as clear of snags as possible is important. And of course the PFD and river knife, etc.

I didn't imply my ideas are the only good ones and that they are absolute, but as a general idea I personally think leashes are bad in the river. YMMV.

I appreciate the advice about leashes. After my experience I am moving away from leashes. I'll keep the leash on my paddle but wrap it up and keep it out of the way. I hardly ever use my paddle on the hobie anyways.

For now I am going to try using rod floats for salmon trolling and perhaps jigging over reefs.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Blakemore-Rod-Floaters/699781.uts

I am still thinking of ways to secure my rods in situations where I am casting more frequently.