a quick question on rules

[kygorski]

Thats exactly what I thought, but was told by the DNR on dale that the air horn isn't legal.These two officers also told me a paddle was neccesary. I asked how in the heck you could paddle an almost 18 ft deep vee.But the warden told the other one that I probably didn't need one. Why? because With a bow mount trolling motor, a stern mount electric motor, I also had a four stroke 5 hp gasoline engine, plus the regular outboard.I( have a whistle, and an air horn. Sometimes a warden is having a bad day, I was polite, till it came to the paddle.I still dont have one.

[Grumpy]

I sent an email to KYDFW asking about the legality of the handheld airhorn. I will post thier reply when I get it.

Grumpy

[elnutsmalljaws]

I was checked on Barren a couple of years ago and the things that he asked to see were

Life Jackets, enough for everyone in the boat
Floatation Device, I showed him a seat cushion that was legal
Hand held air horn, he said was ok
Whistle
Fire Extinguisher
Paddle
Sort of flagging system, I showed him an orange flag that I carry
Fishing Liscense

This was all he asked to see, I had everything in order, even offered him the registration and insurance but he said he did not need to see that. He said all was ok and sent me on my way. I will say that I have a compass, first aid kit and hook remover kit in the boat as well for safety reasons.

Other safety things to consider:

I have a spare set of clothes, socks, plenty of towels, extra jacket, toboggins, gloves, waterproof matches, space age (aluminum foil material) blanket, several flashlights with extra batteries and even some steel wool in the boat. PS - You can take the steel wool and hold it across the post of a 9 volt battery to have an instant flame for a fire starter. I learned this by watching Man vs Wild, Man Woman Wild or Dual Survival (one of these shows). It is amazing at what you can learn for survival techniques from these people.

[Trophyhunter8]

didn't know about the flagging device

[kydonky]

didn't know about the flagging device

Visual distress signal devices are only required on federally controlled waters.

Federally controlled waters are waters on which vessels must observe federal requirements, including VDS requirements. These waters include:
Coastal waters
The Great Lakes
Territorial seas
Waters which are two miles wide or wider and are directly connected to one of the above.
Cumberland is not directly connected to these waters.

Still not a bad idea to have them on board.