I have a quick story to tell about my kayaking adventure last Sunday. I went on the Upper James River from Howardsville to Scottsville. It was a beautiful day, the temperature was in the mid-eighties and there was a slight breeze. The trip started off great, I was catching lots of smallies, about six or seven. I saw a bald eagle and a black bear actually swam across the river in front of me. I thought that everything was going very well. There were some small class I rapids that were a breeze to go through, but about halfway between the landings everything changed. There was a class II/III rapid with a wave train that was huge. I had to go through it because the rest of the river was filled with rocks and even larger rapids. I was confident that I could make it through, however I hit that wave train and everything went downhill. I flipped over on my left side and everything immediately fell out of my boat, even though I had it secured. I am pretty sure a bungee cord broke. My milk crate, tackle boxes and rods all went in the river. One rod broke in half on a rock, two of my tackle boxes (which contained all of my hard baits and terminal tackle) sunk and were lost. Needless to say I was not happy. I did manage to recover my rods and everything that floated. Moral of the story, make sure everything in your boat is secure and that you are always prepared to flip. I am now in the process of replacing what I lost. Anyway, feel free to send me lures (lol just kidding). Hope everyone enjoyed my story. Tight Lines!

That'll put a damper on an other wise good day & quick.

Sounds like other than lost gear and bruised pride, you're OK.

So that's good.

Have fun getting some new gear and hope you have drier days ahead.

A-Jay

Glad you're ok.  It is a bit scary.  I flipped in the Shenandoah last year....got to get right back out there...don't let the nerves bother you next time you face that spot...you titled this thread 'Big Mistake'....what was it?  How might you have handled that spot differently?

I'm glad you're alright also. That's something I know nothing about. Kayaking. You could have been seriously injured. Is kayaking something you normally do alone? I'm generally alone boating. Have seen some crazy crap go on over the years. 

I kayak alone 80+% of the time...but never on swift rivers....but that's mostly because of transportation, I suppose

Sucks you lost a couple tackle boxes and a rod got broke. At least you didn't get broke, that's the main thing. Glad you're ok. Don't know if it was a big mistake though. Just a learning experience. Next time you'll be better prepared in the event that situation happens again. I know you were just kidding and all, but I'll see what I can do to send you a lure. Want be much really. I have a couple 1/2oz Strike King Red Eye Shad baits brand new never been used. I can send you one if you want. They're not in the package anymore, but I'm sure I could find a plastic case at work to put it in. I work for Bill Lewis Outdoors/Lures Rat-L-Trap. If there's a specific one of those you would like, let me know. I'll do my best to get it to you. Just wanna help if I can.

Well I'm glad you walked away with your life. I heard that the river already claimed 4 people. I just moved to Richmond and saving up for a kayak to fish the James. 

I would recommend searching for some kayak fishing videos where they are running sections of river like that. Their advice and watching them helps. When my wife and I got our kayaks, we took them out with no fishing stuff on them and basically on purposely placed ourselves in wave trains and harder rapids just to get the experience of going thru those areas. Scouting is a very good idea. It has saved me a few times when I have been by myself. 

On 8/24/2017 at 10:24 PM, MichaelCopeland said:

 I work for Bill Lewis Outdoors/Lures Rat-L-Trap. If there's a specific one of those you would like, let me know. I'll do my best to get it to you. Just wanna help if I can.

Maybe you could get a store near Chatham Ontario to carry your lures. I can't find any place that sells the Echo 1.75. Bass Pro, Sail, Walmart or Canadian Tire doesn't sell them.

Sorry you got dumped, man.  It can be terrifying, and obviously expensive.  Rapids above class 2 can be really, really tricky, because as much as big kayak is great for stability in most conditions, they can be extremely difficult to maneuver in complex currents and big rapids.  I'm really glad you're alright.  The important thing is to learn from it and not just let it ruin fishing from a yak.  If I can make a suggestion about video series or instruction, seek out anything you can find from Jeff Little.  Not only does he put out great stuff on paddling in current, kayak safety, etc, he's also one of the best river smallmouth instructors you'll find anywhere.  

Glad your ok......you will remember this for a long time and your very fortunate to be able to share it with others.  Now enjoy your new adventure of finding waterproof boxes that you can strap in better and new tackle to try.

Tight Lines

Glad the important part worked out well, you're ok!

 

Be safe, the gear is replaceable!