The skinny waters around New York and New Jersey might not have the allure of the gin-clear flats of Cape Cod, but we do have some incredible shallow-water fishing, and the kayak is the best way to explore this exciting action. Fishing is fishing, and that goes for any time of year and there are never guarantees, but stripers are much more predictable come April and May -- find the warmer waters and you'll find the fish. There is no better way to fish these shallow waters than by kayak, because a kayak will take you into places that even the best flats boat can only dream of poling into. I am not sure what excites me so much about exploring previously unexplored areas, but it does get my heart racing and only a kayak can get you into these largely untapped fisheries.
So how do you find the local flats that hold fish? Whether you're looking to find skinny-water stripers in the harbors of the Long Island Sound, inside of Sandy Hook, or around the many back bays off New York and Long Island, the most important variable is water temperature, and shallow water warms faster than deeper water. Just finding skinny water doesn't always mean warmer water, however, since the amount of deep water near the flat and how the current flushes that flat can have a large impact on temperature.
Shallow water that has lots of current really won't get the opportunity to warm enough to attract the fish, which is why you should be looking for areas with less current. For the same reason, you should also be looking to get your kayak as far back and away from current-heavy inlets as possible (and no vehicle does this better than a kayak!).
In the Spring, it's equally important to look for flats that border deep-water channels or cuts; as tides rise and drop, fish use these underwater highways to get onto and off the flats, and this is generally true for all species of fish: the best flats are always near deep water. The easiest way to find these fish-holding areas is by studying online topographic or marine maps, a few of my favorites are Topozone.com and Maptech.com.
Once you see a likely spot, first-time exploration is best done on a dropping tide, since you'll be able to see where the deep pockets are and how the water works its way off the flats. These edges are the most likely places to find fish on lowering tides, while rising tides will have the fish pushing up on areas that several hours earlier were probably bone dry. Being able to view an area at dead low tide will uncover many secrets to where the fish might be holding when it is covered. That said, remember that some of these areas can completely dry up, so don't get caught without any water to paddle back in; I've had to drag my kayak back over sand and rocks a few times, and it's not fun. The risks are worth it, however. I can't tell you how many times I've been trolling off my kayak and the moment that I cross the edge from deeper water onto the flat - bang, a fish is on. Pay a lot attention to these areas: they will produce.
I consider a good depth range to be anywhere from 6 inches to 3 feet. I like this depth range for a couple reasons. First, it will obviously warm the quickest. Second, if fish are holding in the area, you'll find out about it pretty quickly - and pretty dramatically - since your paddling will spook a few of them and when a big striped bass is spooked in a foot of water, it makes a monster splash like somebody tossed in a cinder block. Actually, the kayak is so stealthy that sometimes fish won't spook until you are right on top of them and they crash into the kayak in their hurry to get away.
You also should be looking for the usual spraying baitfish and diving birds; at this time of year, the flats are active with life. Also, it is very common to see waking or tailing fish. In Jamaica Bay last year, it was like being in the Keys, with tailing blues in the 10-pound range all around.
One of the few disadvantages to kayak fishing is the lower seating position: it does take away your sight-fishing abilities. Although I prefer fishing in this position, some kayak fisherman are now using pontoons and outrigger systems that enable them to stand in their kayaks. These systems can be deployed and removed while on the water which makes them very versatile.
Depth finders and GPS units really improve your game, especially since our local waters are often so murky you can't tell if you're in 3 feet of water or 30. A depth finder wont be able to mark fish in shallow water, but it can give you essential information about bottom depth and contour, and it can be used to mark fish once you start fishing deeper water. A completely functional unit costs only about $100, and it will unlock many clues in your search for prime fishing areas.
A GPS is just as invaluable, both for safety reasons and for being able to mark a spot that produces and coming back to it another time. Eagle Electronics has come out with an integrated Depth finder/GPS unit that is watertight and works very well on the kayak. The price is only $199. Hooking up these units is easy; the transducer shoots through the hull so all you need to do is use some epoxy and you're ready to go.
Most of the rules that apply to fishing year round also apply to Spring fishing. Try to fish later in the day so the sun has time to warm the flats. Incoming tides in the afternoon can be very productive, as is the top of the outgoing. A stiff wind will cool the water even if the temperatures are warm, so try to fish on calmer days. Darker color bottoms like mud, mussel beds and grassy patches will warm nicely and more attention should to be given to these areas; especially look for bottom vegetation, as it will undoubtedly hold more baitfish than sandy bottoms.
When it comes to fishing techniques, whether it's fly or spin gear, fishing slower is the key. The fly rod can out fish spin gear because the fly can be worked much slower on the flats and therefore produce more strikes. Floating or intermediate lines will both work but an intermediate will give an advantage in fishing some of the little drop-offs around the flats. When it comes to spin gear, I like a 7 to 8 foot stick that can toss ¼ to ¾ oz lures. I use 20 lb. braided line so I can cast lighter plastics; I can effectively retrieve a 3/8 oz plastic in 16 inches of water without hitting bottom. The last couple years, my favorite plastic has been the Salt Shaker by Lunker City; its thinner profile resembles the profile of most of the early-season forage, and the 3 ½" size is a perfect match with a 3/8 oz jig head for the flats. Surface plugs and flies are a great way to scan an area; even if the fish are not active enough to hit a popper, they might at least swirl on it, indicating that they're around and might need a different offering. Having some plastics rigged weedless is always a good idea as some areas can really get weeded up.
Sometimes if the bottom is hard enough I either anchor the kayak or tether it to my arm and wade fish. Wading is a great way to cover ground especially if it's windy and the drift is too fast to effectively fish from the kayak. Sit-on-top kayaks are best for these purposes; sit-insides can be harder to re-enter if you're in a couple feet of water.
Kayak fishing at anytime of year has some inherent dangers but the spring poses even more risk because of the chilly water temperatures. I could dedicate this entire article and many more to kayak safety, but I will just touch on it here and say that before you head out, you should understand the effects of hypothermia and how to dress to protect yourself. Whether the air temperature is 90 degrees or 40, you have to be prepared for the water temperatures. There are many choices out there in terms of clothing but I like a simple set up of waders and a dry top with a good waist seal. With this set-up you are protected from the water in the event that the worst happens and you go in the drink and can't get back on your kayak. Although this is unlikely to happen, you never can be too careful out on the water. Of course, wearing a PFD is absolutely paramount -- and it's not good enough to just bring it along: wear it at all time.
Kayak fishing is definitely better enjoyed with a partner or a group. It also increases the safety of the sport. There are many local kayak-fishing groups that share information and fish together. I highly recommend becoming part of one. Kayak fishing has opened my eyes to some of the fantastic fishing we have in the NY/NJ area, and most of the places I fish are completely off the beaten track -- places that you can't wade to and boats can't get into.