NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
Boating => NJ Kayak Fishing => Topic started by: ped579 on September 10, 2009, 01:24:11 AM
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Hi All,
Well a good friend Rich and I were itching to get out and fish the back of IBSP this evening so we checked the radars and saw no serious weather so we made a go of it. We loaded the kayaks into his pickup and headed for the island. Said hi to Fred at the gate and we were on the island about 20 after 6. Our plan was to fish for about an hour and a half with a quick row out to the back of the sedge islands and plug for striper's as Rich caught 3 shorts there on Monday.
As we unloaded the boats set them up and Rich drove the truck back out to the lot at A21. Upon his return we got into the kayaks and started to paddle out and once about half way out we noticed the wind started to pick up which was at that time no big deal, till a good gust of wind and wave action flipped me over. No biggie, I just stood up and untangled myself from the lanyards and got back in and it was at that time we kind of realized the wind is now really starting to kick.
Rich hugged one of the sedges and began to fish and had a good strike but did not land this one. I cast out and notices that I was drifting at a good pace, to good in fact. I dropped my new anchor and waited for the tug but the anchor was not holding. It was a new design and I thought it would work pretty good. No matter what the scope of line I let out it still was not holding. So I figured I would row over to Rich and regroup and decide our next move.
Well I never made it to Rich as fast as I was paddling I was going backwards, not good. So I figured I would paddle over to another sedge and wait till Rich realized I was not moving. I planted my bow into the island and with in a few minutes he was over by me. We had to make a decision here. By this time the wind was howling at over 20 with small whitecaps but what we realized the current was going out as well. Defiantly not good. At this point we were at the last sedge island before the secondary channel going out to the inlet.
We made the decision to walk the sedge island by foot and tow the kayaks in the water. Well that was a very slippery decision but the right one. It was a slow go but when we reached the small island off to our left we knew if we were able to get there traipsing in the water we were in a pretty good position to hoof it back the the small beach area.
By this time it was getting pretty dark and the water although warm was nasty. Rich was the smart one and he wore water shoes and all I had were my moccasins, again not good as if I kept them on the silt would of claimed them in an instant. So I barefooted it. Well needless to say it brought me back to my childhood traipsing back there looking for clams, cool but squishy.
I guess all the time I spent back there as a child paid off. We both knew the water was walkable from that point except for about 20 yards off the beach. We also knew it would be deeper, but because of the NE wind and the ripping current going out we thought for sure it was passable. We could make out the tree line as it is now totally dark and what was really cool were the jellies. As you would walk along and walk through the grass on the bottom you could see them fire off their luminescent glow.
Well we hit the section where we could sense the bottom getting deeper. We talked about it before we got to this point and made a ruling anything over chest high we would get back in the kayaks and paddle the rest of the way. We stopped for a while and rested had some water and just talked.
Okay it is time for the final push. At this point the water is at the limit marker where we made the decision, but just at that instant something weird happened. I am holding my kayak, Rich is holding onto his and all of a sudden I hear this strange sound. PFSSSSSSSSHT. I shouted What the Hell was that? I look over at Rich and his head is looking up at the sky and there is this big yellow thing around his neck. He started to laugh and then I realized what it was; his life vest went off, he for got to turn it to manual and when the water got high enough it automatically inflated. It scared the hell out of both of us.
From there is was an easy walk to the beach and safety. BTW we both were wearing life vests. Mine was a manual unit so I was safe from having it go off.
Well I guess the fish were safe tonight but what a hell of a ride and walk. Got home before 9:30 and unloaded my stuff and sent rich on his way. He only lives a few blocks away so it was not to bad for him.
There are a few good things that came out of this trip. Make sure you have a good anchor. Watch for the wind, sea, and tide conditions as they could change in an instant as they did tonight. Be aware of your surroundings as they can look very different in the dark. I have been fishing and walking those flats for about 50 years and it took both of us to get back safe.
I have to say that rigging for tonight's outing was a good lesson in what not to bring. I like to go lite anyway and I am glad I am that way. Everything was lanyard off and everything else was stowed in waterproof bags, pelican boxes are the greatest, and stowed below in water tight compartments. Neither of us lost any gear.
I am glad I had someone with me on a night like tonight like Rich who is a seasoned kayaker that knows the back about as well as anyone. We did not catch any fish but it was an experience that I soon won't forget.
Be safe...And Happy Catching
Can't wait for the next outing, What a RUSH.
Paul
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Glad to hear you made it out safe and didn't lose any gear.
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you made it back in 1 piece and breathing to give it another go,,,, what else can you ask for,,,,,,
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Glad it all worked out and you guys made it back safe. slt
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Not good. At least you made it back in one piece. t^
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Wow.. what a trip t^
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Sounds like an adventure for sure. Glad it all worked out for you and Rich. t^
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Glad you made it back safely Paul!
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Be safe out there :'(
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Scary stuff.Always afraid of hitting something at nite in the water.After a full moon there's always plenty of logs and other debris in the water.
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Quiet an odyssey there Paul, those trips are the ones you always remember the most.
You and Rich made some good decisions and kept your head in the game to have a good outcome.
Glad you guys are safe.....
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Quite an adventure Paul,in those conditions in the dark,rough enough even if it was daylight,good all safe. t^ Kez
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all i can say is.. w0w
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Glad you're safe!
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Thanks guys,
The reason I wrote this up in detail is to show those that are contemplating the purchase of a kayak. Before you go out make sure you are safe, #1 always wear a life vest when on the water (in or out of the boat). #2 take the time to know the waters you will be fishing or at least go with someone you highly trust. #3 keep your fishing gear to a minimum. Why loose everything if (when) you roll over. #4 lanyard everything down so when you go over nothing is lost. #5 keep your lures to a minimum and in boxes that can be stowed so a rollover will not jar them loose and go overboard.
I fish with one rod 7 lures. You have to put safety first and fishing second. It was nice to not to have to worry about anything being lost. A rollover will happen so why should you worry about your gear when your life may depend on it.
Keep it Simple and Keep alive.
I hope this is an eye opener for some. I sure learned a couple of things. Will this deter me from going again, not a chance but I can go knowing I will be safe and so will the gear I bring along.
Happy Catching
Paul
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That area can be a beotch! Wind will put a damper on your outings at the drop of a hat! And the forecasts don't always help!!
It certainly appears that all your homework & preparations, before going out, were well worth the effort.
Glad to hear to made it back, safe & sound, with all your gear!!!
Charlie
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WOW...what a trip! I won't complain about my bad outings anymore. Glad you made it back safe and sound...and you know Rich's PFD works ;D. This is a great reminder of how conditions can change quickly and suddenly. You really have to have a game plan and a backup plan. Plus being knowledgeable of the type of activity you are doing and the area is a MUST!
TT^
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Paul,
Great heads up writing on your adventure. Glad you and your buddy ended the day on a good note t^ I've never been kayaking. Looks like there's a lot to learn for something that appears to be simple. Catch 'em up next time.
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Good report...home safe and sound!
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WOW......Paul that sounds like one hell of a trip to the back country for sure....
With every trip you have from this point on will only be better.....Each time out I only seem to learn more....which makes this type of fishing better.
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I agree Dave. I am so glad I was with a friend that knows the back and all its little quirks. The trip was a bummer but a learning one. It was not to be plus when ever you have wind, wave and current working against you you will loose every time. Plus you have to watch out for the quick change like what happened that night. It was a precursor of today. :P
Now I am looking forward to the next outing once I get a new anchor. I thought the one I bought last wee would work but it did not dig into the sandy bottom out back. I will have to go with the tried and true 3 prong 3lb one. Plus I will be rigging up a traveler like yours. Good stuff. t^
Happy Catching
Paul
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Glad your safe and sound,good report. ;D
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Paul....If you need a hand working on the anchor set up just let me know.....I would not mind at all helping you. t^
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Sounds good Dave thanks.
Did you buy all the hardware separability or was it in kit form? The reason I ask is that I was over at West Marine the other day and their prices for the parts alone were double some of the kits I have been looking at.
I like your setup and would like to copy it but at west maring prices the pullies alone are like $18.00 the SS ring was 13 bucks and not counting the other stuff needed their prices will bring me over 50 bucks for the trolley system. I know its petty but I have to be stingy on some stuff right now while my daughter is back in school.