need help

[tarponfisher]

I just got a new kayak and I am ready to hit the saltwater. I am bored of bass fishing as I have been out everyday getting my kayak legs under me. What an incredible way to fish! I NEED SOME ADVISE.... I would like to begin fishing the saltwater and could use some suggestions on locations for a novice as well as riging and bait tips. I am willing to start slow, but I hate getting skunked. Any suggestions for newbie would be appreciated. Thanks

[tarponfisher]

I just got a new kayak and I am ready to hit the saltwater. I am bored of bass fishing as I have been out everyday getting my kayak legs under me. What an incredible way to fish! I NEED SOME ADVISE.... I would like to begin fishing the saltwater and could use some suggestions on locations for a novice as well as riging and bait tips. I am willing to start slow, but I hate getting skunked. Any suggestions for newbie would be appreciated. Thanks

[Jerseyhunter]

try sandy hook bayside and drift killies with a strip of squid. guaranteed fish of all sorts. While your in the tackle shop get a copy of the marine digest and learn the size limits, wouldn't want to spoil your first time out with a ticket.

[pmjasper]

First off, don't go alone. Fishing the salt is different than fishing in freshwater and things can go bad in a hurry if you're not prepared and aware of your surroundings. There are lots of places you can get out and fish the salt, Sandy Hook (the bay side), the bayshore beaches or Cliffwood Beach, Union Beach, Keansburg, etc. Two lures I would not be without would be 1/2 oz white bucktail jig (normally tipped with squid strips) and a small Yozuri crystal minnow in black with silver sides. I use 10lb test line, sometimes with a short 4 to 6 inch wire leader if bluefish are around, and troll the Yozuri plugs around until I get a strike. Also, you can cast them much like you would for bass reeling straight back or jerking it under the surface of the water to get strikes. With the jig, I like to let it hit the bottom and bounce along in small 4 inch hops. With the squid strips you will pick up fluke, weakfish and ocassionally bluefish and bass. I prefer to fish around the high tide 2 hours before through two hours after high tide but that will vary from spot to spot. With those two lures, that diameter line and the techniques you will end up picking up some fish. Hook up with someone and get out there. I live in Parsippany so if you want to get together one night and go over things that would be fine. Good luck and most of all, be safe.

[GaryNJ]

Shrewsbury River can also be good for newbies. Trolling a floating Yozuri or Rapala will almost always get you a bluefish or two and there is plenty of safer water where motor boats can't go. I'll probably be there sometime this weekend.

I would also suggest trying to go as early in the morning as possible before the major boat/jet ski traffic picks up.

Safe yaking to all.

GC

[tarponfisher]

Thanks for the advice. Are the currents in these locations managable? I feel very confident in my yak and have been doing very well in the fresh water rivers around the area..(rockaway river, delaware) I have been getting my arms and lungs in shape by paddling up river for a while and fishing on the way back to my launch. Is this comparable, or not an issue.
About gear.. I invested a bit in a good pfd and I am working on better rod holders (I use a modified milk crate with pvc pipes for rod holders)and a better quality paddle. Still wondering what size paddle? I am using a cheap aluminum 230 but I don't feel it is effiecient as it could be for a sit on top. Should I look for a 240?
Do I need an anchor and drift chute for the bay areas?
This time of year what sort of clothing do you suggest. I usually wear shorts and a t-shirt (and my pfd) but I don't know about the water temps in the bays or the wind chill issues... should I be searching for a wet suit or waders splash jacket etc... too much information out there to make a good guess at what I really need.
Sorry about the volume of questions, I just don't want to do it wrong and get discouraged.
thanks again for your knowledge and advice!

[pmjasper]

Well let's start with current...If you've paddled against the Delaware you should be fine. Most times the current and tide is minimal in the places mentioned. That being said if you get conditions such as a strong outgoing tide and the wind blowing with the tide, like the other day, you'll put your arms to work paddling back against the tide and wind. As far as paddle size goes, that's Jon's expertise. At this time of the year, the type of clothing you wear clothing is really a personal option. Now do not hear me wrong, the waters can still be dangerously cold but as with the other day, I felt comfortable wearing breathable waders and a dry top while John felt fine wearing shorts and a T-shirt. As the water warms you will be comfortable wearing shorts but we're close to that transition period now so especially in the early morning, you may want the added shieldability of waders and a dry top. I'll say this again as I feel it's very important....make sure to go with someone else the first time out there. While the areas can be pleasurable and safe to paddle, they can also be very dangerous. It is much smarter to travel as a pair or a group just in case trouble should occur.

[saltyh2ofly]

Go here and read this post..
http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=418607442&f=948607442&m=5446080853
A good discussion on what to wear.

Sit back and enjoy the ride!

[No name]

Pmjasper Speekum with much wisdom Like the mighty Eagel that guides us on our Way on the Water read and heed all of his Wisdom ,Jasper May your Teepee be warm A full of Fish .Ol Brave BillW, Boy what was in that pipe.

Here to help and learn my word is fact /not/ fiction

[tarponfisher]

Thanks for the wisdom in this great sport. Today I fished the Delaware Water Gap and ran into some little stripped bass that loved the Storm Shad swimmer that I was trolling. I didn't know the strippers were up that far in the river. Three small carp were also fond of this marvel of rubber and weight. I lost more fish though since I am still struggling with the rods behind me. Caught a nice carp in front of three guys casting from their large boat. The expression on their face was worth the trip by itself.

Thanks for the clothing advice. I will be looking for some waders next week. Any brands that you know and trust?

again, your wisdom is appreciated.

[No name]

The small Stripers can be found up to NY and maybe more. Give it a try up by Worthington camp ground I do great in that area by the bridge pillers and the shear rock wall these are bass hangouts, also Yak around Shawnee Island you won't believe the size of the carp and numbers back there go completely around the island its not far and a nice paddle do it from the top to the bottom and it will bring you out by the pillers Paddle straight across and thats the shear wall, some smallies in the paddle back up but not much else till you get up to the next island take the right cut fish it up to the end of the camp ground ,yes I paddle up river when you can't get out and pull past fast water and get back in Teva sanddles or better are needed to walk the Delaware no bare feet, at night they bow fish for the carp, and get this The Die hard Striper guys live line Rainbow trout 5 to 8 inchers at night and day in the holes and fast water holes, you get the trout at asbury hatchery, And have your receit with you while your fishing those rangers are always there,which is a very good thing,you don't need wadders now a bathing suit is good I go swimming to cool off on a day paddle, OH and keep a eye out for OL Blackie ,he might want your fish if you keep any , BillW

Here to help and learn my word is fact /not/ fiction

[JonS]

Welcome to the site. We're neighbors as I'm just the next town over in Rockaway. pmjaspers on the other side of you in Parsipanny.

baja55@optonline.net