1.     Personal Flotation device.  Kayak Fishermen prefer the manually inflating type for their comfortable wear.  You won't even know you have it on, so you'll be more likely to wear it while you're in the boat.  Read one persons story of how he was glad he was wearing his, instead of having it lashed to the deck.  Hooked! 

2.     First aid kit with cutters capable of cutting off a fishhook barb (see story above).   Also include some kind of anti bacterial hand wash.  If you doubt the need of this, see article on “Marsh Death”.

·       Vibrio Vulnificus is a dangerous bacterium that lives in our warm Gulf waters.  If you have open wounds/cuts be sure to wash the area thoroughly after leaving the saltwater.  It is suggested to wash the wound with high-pressure water jets.  An antibacterial hand wash might be useful here as well to clean the wound.  For more information on  Vibrio Vulnificus, visit this informational link on the bacterium provided by the CDC, Center for Disease Control.  Also visit Dr. James D. Oliver’s information page on Vibrio Vulnificus.

·       Stings from Stingray’s, pricks from a shrimp barb, Jelly Fish stings, cuts from sharp oyster shells, or any exposed wound in saltwater can aid in the contracting of this bacterium.  People with weakened immune systems can particularly be at risk for infection.  Anything that causes an open wound can be infected with this deadly bacterium.  It’s said that Oilrig workers in the Gulf use Clorox to clean wounds, OUCH! 

3.     A LOUD Whistle, this is a must for signaling help, and to warn power boaters of your presence.  Highly recommended is the "Storm" whistle. Read the article Hooked and you’ll see where this could have come in handy, if he had been alone.

4.     Other stuff: 

·       Flash light

·       Knife

·       Nylon cord

·       Hat

·       Sunscreen

·       Sunglasses

·       VHF hand-held radios are gaining in popularity, you can quickly contact the Coast Guard with one.

·       A small mirror for signaling, (a Compact Disk works well for this).

·       Take a cell phone if you have one.

·       Wading boots

·       Stingray Guards for wading, there are boots made now that protect your foot as well as your upper calf and shin.

·       Wear long pants and long sleeve fishing type clothing for protection against the sun.