how many fish the ocean alone?

This thread is great timing for me.  I'm just getting into kayak fishing and was previously under the impression that most on this site frowned upon solo trips (maybe I need to read more).

People tend to be louder about safety than about being risky.

Truth is, anyone who is willing to go kayak fishing in the open ocean is a much higher risk taker than the average couch potato. 

Risk = Fun

Sent from my GD300

with kayak fishing being so dependent on weather and wave size, it's very hard to plan a trip in advance. So most people who fish alot go alone and don't post in fear of the (gustapo)

Fishing the ocean solo is a no joke endeavour.  Either you're prepared and know how to take care of yourself or you're litterally risking your life.  Even prepared for every foreseeable eventuality, sometimes you'll be risking your life.   

But then, what fun is life without a little risk?

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=3279.msg31699#msg31699

-Spot-

Fishing the ocean solo is a no joke endeavour.  Either you're prepared and know how to take care of yourself or you're litterally risking your life.  Even prepared for every foreseeable eventuality, sometimes you'll be risking your life.   

But then, what fun is life without a little risk?

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=3279.msg31699#msg31699

-Spot-

That's what I say! I'd be pretty fishless right now if I required myself to be dependent on others to be around.

done it for years. read the weather, watch the water, decide. tell my wife where i'm going. started fishing with others when introduced to this forum. still use the same yak i started with, no bells & whistles. often dive alone also. use a radio & other gizmos when required. don't recommend it for anyone else.

But then, what fun is life without a little risk?

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=3279.msg31699#msg31699

-Spot-

Excellent story!

The OP was about fishing the ocean alone, the Pacific Ocean.

There is nothing wrong with fishing solo.  I feel the same way about it as Fungunnin's friend.  I won't even accept help loading and unloading the boat.  Not a single fish or crab in the freezer was caught buddy fishing.  At this time of year I am fishing Puget Sound alone more than once a week, but it is not the ocean.  It's a big lake and perhaps safer than Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. 

Listen to those who fish the ocean regularly.

The OP was about fishing the ocean alone, the Pacific Ocean.

There is nothing wrong with fishing solo.  I feel the same way about it as Fungunnin's friend.  I won't even accept help loading and unloading the boat.  Not a single fish or crab in the freezer was caught buddy fishing.  At this time of year I am fishing Puget Sound alone more than once a week, but it is not the ocean.  It's a big lake and perhaps safer than Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. 

Listen to those who fish the ocean regularly.

Accepting help loading or unloading your boat is completely different than wanting to know you can handle things on your own.

Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.

You probably won't find me fishing the open ocean by myself, not because I don't think it's safe, but more because I don't think it is fun. It's a minimum 4 hour RT drive for me, plus time loading / unloading, fishing etc. - an all day affair. It is just more fun to do it with a friend. I'm already a bit hermit-like - I need more contact with others, not less. I fish alone close to home for a couple of hours - but not all day.

But on the safety note, I am not like Fungunnin, I am past the day of dolphin-like re-entries straight from the water to a standing position. If I go in, I am going to struggle getting back in my yak - I will make it, but not gracefully. My plan is to not to go in the water (except in the surf - I feel confident about riding my yak to shore ala Ndogg) so I don't push the conditions, and I pay attention to what I am doing. I am old & slow, and that serves me well when moving around on my yak. And if I do go in, I am going to notify my companion and accept help getting back in - I am no longer too proud. In other words, I have a good idea of my limits, and I push them a little sometimes because it is fun, but only a little.

I fish alone most of the time and it has never bothered me. I think i feel more nervous when fishing with other people. Having said that, I will be at Sunset bay in about 30 minutes if anyone is around and wants to go.

...
 I am past the day of dolphin-like re-entries straight from the water to a standing position.

Thank you for this line -- best laugh of the day so far for one on the shady side of 50.   

All the time and love it.  I just got off the water in Trinidad after 11hrs otw.  I was 6.5 miles offshore with not a soul in sight and lost a 40lb+ halibut.

This thread is great timing for me.  I'm just getting into kayak fishing and was previously under the impression that most on this site frowned upon solo trips (maybe I need to read more)

 
There have been several post where I have mentioned going along with seasoned kayak anglers to those hitting the salt for the first time.  I made it a point to not make it sound like they needed someone to hold their hand for safety reasons.  Instead I approached it as how much you can learn from seeing it done vs.  reading how it is done.   Micahgee was kind enough to let me tag along with him on my first couple times hitting the open salt off Ocean Shores.   I learned more on those two occasions than from months of reading and watching videos.   A couple lessons the hard way.    Did I feel there was an added safety factor knowing he and some other experienced forum members were on the water with me ... Hell Ya.   
I knew there could be some situation I would come upon that perhaps I had not read the correct resolve for from some thread on a forum.   I know of few activities or occupations where some kind of apprenticeship,  internship, tutoring or first hand training from those much more knowledgeable is not involved if safety is a factor.    For me,  the road to getting to the level of confidence and knowledge that Demonick, Spot, Fungunnin and many others here have will include learning by watching and asking questions on the water.  Not just from what I learn through a screen or monitor or practicing with ferry wakes in the lower sound. 

There is also the factor that if I embarrass myself, there is the chance the silence of my fellow anglers can be bought.   If by some chance I do something extraordinary,  I have witnesses.    

Accepting help loading or unloading your boat is completely different than wanting to know you can handle things on your own.

Actually, it is not different.  It's all part of handling things alone.  If I can't get my boat off and on the truck and in and out of the water alone, I'm going to have an issue at O-Dark-Thirty when I need to load and unload alone.  Also, I have found, generally, other people just get in the way

Accepting help loading or unloading your boat is completely different than wanting to know you can handle things on your own.

Actually, it is not different.  It's all part of handling things alone.  If I can't get my boat off and on the truck and in and out of the water alone, I'm going to have an issue at O-Dark-Thirty when I need to load and unload alone.  Also, I have found, generally, other people just get in the way

The difference is between can't and accepting help.
I'm pretty sure I can get my kayak on my rack alone, but it is great when rigging up at O-Dark-Thirty and your buddy helps you without saying a word. Smooth and efficient.

Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.

Anytime anyone wants to help load or unload my boat, help me harpon a halibut, or for that matter drive me out set up my tent and cook me a meal, I'm happy to oblige. In fact Bill actually offered to let me reel in the next fish he caught when i was having a bad day.

Just remember I like cold micro brews and please pop the top for me.