I try to always have the flag on my kayak and I got the bigger flag for easier visibility. I also choose yellow in hopes that it stands out more. I don't kayak by myself ever. I stay out of the shipping lanes and have never had my kayak in an inlet. I avoid rough weather in the kayak for the reasons mentioned in the previous posts (disappearing in the swell) and because I don't find it fun. I can usually catch more fish with my feet planted on the ground.

i should add a plastic whistle, waterproof radio, and some reflective tape to my kayak and life vest.