Deck lines

Does anyone rig their kayaks with deck lines? If you are overboard in unkind conditions, I would imagine it may be difficult to grab the slick polyethylene surface of the kayak. Pros? Cons?

I keep one safety deckline tied to the stern cleat. It's 12 feet long with a small 5 inch float attached. If I am in a strong current or rough conditions I rig it to float free should I flip. For me holding on to the kayak is not the issue, as their are plenty of things on the kayak to grip. My issue is getting to the kayak if the current or wind floats it away from me. With the line trailing astern, with the float it is easy to retrieve. Also in surf just get in the water and hold on to the float. With your weight it will track right through the breakers without flipping the kayak. (In Theory) "We are at sea and things can go to hell in a moments notice"

Having said all that, I attach my safety vest to a 10 foot lead attached to the kayak most of the time. Except comming in through the surf. (Always carry a knife on my person)

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I'm right 98% of the time. The other 3% I don't worry about.

That's an interesting technique for surf exits -- is this what you typically do?

I also like the trailing line with float. Do you every get your fishing line/hooks tangled up in it while trolling?

Done it twice and it worked well. I'm usually to stupid to plan that far ahead. You might have misunderstood the use of line with the float. I keep it aboard when traveling or fishing. I have it on deck so it floats free if I turn over.