Bought My First Kayak Today. Lake Laws?

[Rick Baker]

What are the rules about taking a kayak out onto the main body of Stockton or pomme?

I put a blemished wilderness systems ride 115 on layaway today at Ozark mountain trading company in Ozark. What a really cool store.

My first trips planned are. Below Stockton dam. Below pomme dam. And below Bennett springs access.

And probably several trips below Aldrich.

So what's the rules for on the lake?

[ScottK]

I wouldnt take it out in the main lake at least until you are a bit more experienced and can get back in it after you get dumped in deep water. Stockton can get pretty rough.. If you're asking about regulations for kayaks, you don't need to register a paddle craft.

I bought a Jackson kayak from OMTC in Ozark last weekend. Good folks.

[Rick Baker]

I'm familiar with stocktons wind. Was just curious about the regs. Are lights required to run them at night just like boats? I would be staying close to shore at night but need to know the laws.

Those Jackson kayaks are awesome but wow pricey. That big tuna is something else. The omtc crew was pretty good to deal with.

[ScottK]

Here's a PDF of the regulations. Unpowered vessel requirements and suggestions for lighting are on pg 38-39.

http://www.tablerocklakelodging.com/MO_handbook_entire.pdf

[Rick Baker]

Thank you. They only "suggest" a flashlight. I can do better than that. Honestly I've never seen anyone kayak at Stockton and thought maybe it was illegal. Appreciate it.

[fishinwrench]

One good way to calm the waters of our bigger lakes is for a buttload of canoe and kayak users to start taking it over. They have to yield to smaller craft or face possible manslaughter charges and having their rigs seized.

Talk about something that would chafe the asses of scarab owners

If they couldn't operate their boats without killing someone they would eventually trailer them elsewhere.

[moguy1973]

Thank you. They only "suggest" a flashlight. I can do better than that. Honestly I've never seen anyone kayak at Stockton and thought maybe it was illegal. Appreciate it.

Kind of pricey for what it is but it's all about what you make of being safe out on the water:

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/7483/YakAttack-VisiCarbon-Pro-Light-CPM.html

I've also seen some DIY lights made of PVC and an LED AA Maglite with a ping pong ball that's been cut open and taped to the flash light (to diffuse the light in 360 degrees) used as a night running light for a kayak too.

[Rick Baker]

Yea that's pricey but eventually I will have something like that. Wanted a small fish finder anyway so I will already have the bat for a light.

These angler kayaks sure are cool. I've already been looking at DIY stakeout polls, anchor trolly systems. You can almost do anything with them that you can do to flat bottom.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think if I were to venture on the lakes I would rig one of the flag poles with a small flag. Should be able to get one at a bike shop. On the places you mentioned, have fun. I would imagine the Ride would be a workout going against much current because of the length and beam, but good exercise.

I used to take my 12' Tarpon up a chute on the Niangua that was pretty strong and probably 20', it would do it, but if it was 2' longer I wouldn't have made it.

[Rick Baker]

I'm not much for paddling like I am sitting I one spot, anchored, fishing and drinking a beer. . I picked it up today. I think. My daughter is trying to lay claim to it.