[led0321]

I have a spot GPS that I use for hunting and I also carry it with me when I travel off the beach. At the push of a button it sends out a SOS signal and provides my GPS location. I can also send non emergency messages to my wife just to let her know that I am ok. I am also looking into a handheld VHF radio and from doing some research it looks like it would be ok out to 10 miles for transmitting but not so much for having a conversation. I know the Coast Guard has relay towers and would be able to hear me but wouldn't be able to talk to me until they were in range.

For you nearshore guys (12 miles and in) what do you have and what would you recommend?

 

[Bruce]

You can't overdo safety IMHO. Buy a quality permanent mount VHF with an 8 ft quality antenna. If that isn't in the budget go with a handheld.

 

[Ncsportfisher]

i always carry a PLB with me, and a spare hand held VHF in a ditch bag of some sort.

 

[bmac]

It's all about power & antenna height on both ends-- antenna height being the most important. Hand held VHF will get you 5+ miles boat to boat and probably 10 - 15 miles to a land based station, but that depends on conditions. Links below to USCG Nav Center provide a little more info & a map of coverage. Note that the map assumes a 2 meter antenna height on your end. I wouldn't even consider going out in the ocean without a permanent mount or at minimum a hand held with a fresh charge.


http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtNds

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/images/marcomms/cgcomms/Rescue21/SecNorCar.jpg

 

[led0321]

I should have updated this thread but I went ahead and purchased an ICOM M73. Saturday I was fishing in the ICW near New river but I was still picking up the CG traffic from Morehead city. Sunday I was listening to the CG at 9 miles out of New River inlet.

I also ordered a PLB to go along with my SPOT GPS that I already have. I am a firm believer that "two is one and one is none".

http://www.basspro.com/ACR-ResQLink...uct/12081405324248/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL



Now I have the following.
A quality handheld VHF
SPOT GPS
ACR PLB
Cellphone