Thanks for the comments. I will be using all of these ideas. I am looking forward being on the water for Memorial Day weekend.

I avoid flashlight/strobe combos, you should have one of each of these. The combo units can drain the batteries quicker then the individual units. Yes, you have more weight but you also gain alot in relaiablity. There are many good small waterproof lights out there and a few good light strobes.

Here's an example of the kind of vest I wear, it has plenty of pockets, so you can always have things at hand. This version is inflatable, so it's not as uncomfortable to wear all the time. You can also get them in a regular version with foam floatation instead of the CO2 inflation method.

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=228

Yes it does. I've done more smallmouth fishing on the Elkhorn than all of my other fishing combined. Wading the Elkhorn was my favorite.

One thing that hasn't been mentionned that I carry in my gear is a pen flare with flares & bear bangers (at least 3 red, 3 green flares & 3 bear bangers). The air horn is also a very good idea. I find that canoeing on a busy waterway is unnerving because many boaters don't look where they're going, so make yourself & your canoe as visible as you can. Consider a flag, perhaps like a Bike flag on a 6' lightweight pole, if you find that motor boats get too close.

I like the flag idea -- maybe get one with a light/ flasher for twilight paddling?