No matter how visible you think your kayak is, a kayak sits low on the water and if you kayak fish in any area where there is boat traffic you should have a safety flag installed. We recommend a flag of at least 4 feet high and of a material that will not conduct electricity and act like a lightning rod - a material like fiberglass. We have come up with our own set up that can be installed on any kayak.
Below are some pictures of how to install the flag on a kayak both with internal access and without. It is always a good idea to mount the flag on the opposite of your casting hand so you won’t hit it while casting or fly fishing. The flag can be unscrewed when not in use.
The KFS Safety Flag can be purchased from our online store.
Our flag set up is easy and works whether you have access to the inside of the kayak or not.
Above you see an installation where a hole is drilled and the bolt is put from the inside of kayak out. Then you can mount the flag fitting onto the bolt.
The flag can be easily taken on and off.
Another option for those who don't have inside access is to mount this bracket with 2 wellnuts.
For those not familiar with wellnuts they are installed and then when you screw the bolts into them, they expand making a strong tight seal.
Here is how the bracket attaches and you are ready to insert the flag.
There are other safety flags available as well.
Yak Attack recently introduced the Visipole. This unit is a safety flag / light combo. They offer multiple mounting options for various situations - you can even change the flag from orange to the American flag for those moments when you're feeling extra patriotic. A great system overall. Visipoles can be purchased right here at KFS.
Scotty also offers a light and a flag / light combo. They work with any Scotty base.