NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

The Surf Fisherman Forum => From The Surf => Topic started by: Twitch on May 25, 2008, 11:40:49 AM

Title: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 25, 2008, 11:40:49 AM
Are these legal to use in NJ? want to take one out to Sandy Hook tomorrow and test it out.  Was not sure if they had any regulations for that.. Have not seen anything posted about it.  Has anyone used these before any advise or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 26, 2008, 07:10:39 PM
Bait molds failed will try again in a couple of weeks.  Did go out anyway and get my lines wet, didnt even get a bite!  Fished from 7:30am till about noon with clams and bunker.  Just one of those days, still a better day than a great day at work.  Gotta learn the area more I guess.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: IrishAyes on May 26, 2008, 07:13:21 PM
Did you use the launcher? If so, how did it work?
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 26, 2008, 07:38:41 PM
Nope, The molds I made for the bait failed!  Too short for the rigs and gotta figure out a new way to get them out of the mold in a solid form.  The launcher worked just fine I was shooting 150 - 200 yards easily with potatoes.  I could go buy a set up anywhere from $350 to $800 but I could also get the results I need and not spend $50.  Once I get all the bugs worked out and fine tuned I will post the materials and instructions in case anyone else is interested.  Until then I will keep you posted on my progress.

Basicly this is a potatoe launcher with a few mods to it that shoots your bait, line  and sinker way way out. most of you have probably seem them from time to time at outdoor shows and tackle shops but they are kinda pricey (too pricey for what they are)  They really are not that hard to make.  If any one has suggestions on the bait molds I am all ears...
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: IrishAyes on May 26, 2008, 07:41:13 PM
Twitch, if they are the same as a potato launcher, they may be illegal in NJ. Depends on what is used to propel the missle, if I remember correctly. You may want to check with the State Police on that.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 26, 2008, 08:01:29 PM
I will do that, I was under the impression that if there is no bang, no flame, no smoke there is no problem. 
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Hotrod on May 26, 2008, 08:21:23 PM
Cool!!
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: adesai73 on May 26, 2008, 08:27:48 PM
page 27 of this year's marine digest has an advertisement for something called a surf rocket that uses compressed air. 

i'm guessing that if dfw allows an ad for it in one of their publications, then you're probably good to go.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: IrishAyes on May 26, 2008, 08:30:59 PM
Ash, have you forgotten? This is New Jersey, you can't assume anything about this god-forsaken state.   :P
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: adesai73 on May 26, 2008, 08:31:55 PM
 00ps  TT^
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: ped579 on May 27, 2008, 10:54:08 AM
Hi everyone,  I have seen the surf rocket and I know the guy that sells them has been on our site before.  I am sure he will chime in soon once he gets on after the weekend.

I have not seen them in operation but I have heard them on IBSP being used.  Compressed air is used but as far as illegal I think they are OK for now.

You might want to PM Surfrocket to find out as he is the one that sells them.

Happy Catching

Paul
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 27, 2008, 06:27:49 PM
Contacted state police and was directed to a 3 differant extensions...lol.. no one was sure 5hrug
I left my name,number and email addy for them to get back to me...  When I know, youll know
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Hotrod on May 27, 2008, 07:14:45 PM
My Wife is the Executive Assistant to the Colonel of the NJSP.. I'll have her get you and answer tomorrow. t^

And yes..  SurfRocket is the maker of The Surf Rocket  t^
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 28, 2008, 08:08:59 AM
Awsome... Thanks a bunch... slt
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 28, 2008, 11:05:02 AM
Here is a response I recieved in an email this AM from the NJSP:
I am writing in response to your inquiry regarding surf fishing on New Jersey beaches.  There are no regulations regraind use a bait launcher for surf fishing.  Fee free to contact me should you need additional information.  Thank you for your inquiry.

Debbie Zook

I have replied to her with more detailed information about the launcher and we will see if the same applies.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 28, 2008, 11:36:30 AM
I just got off the phone with NJ fish and game and they told me there are no regulations or laws against these and that for all they care I could launch beer cans from them as long as I dont aim them at people or create a safety issue with them..... rofla
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: brijones1 on May 28, 2008, 11:41:43 AM
 rofla   NICE!
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Hotrod on May 28, 2008, 12:55:12 PM
 i was told the same thing t^
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: salty pig on May 28, 2008, 06:34:05 PM
Twitch, if they are the same as a potato launcher, they may be illegal in NJ. Depends on what is used to propel the missle, if I remember correctly. You may want to check with the State Police on that.
Yea DFW aint too up to date on that stuff not that you would get in trouble but technically  since it can propel a missle (states words) u could get jammed up. im more worried about the 40 cals out there than i am the bait launchers lol rofla
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 29, 2008, 10:59:25 AM
In my emails and while on the phone with the NJSP,DEP and Fish & Game I was very descriptive as to what the purpose of and as to what my intensions are and the emission of projectile objects... like I said they told me quote " We dont care if you shoot beer cans out of it! just dont be stupid and cause a safety issue with it!  If you launch at or towards people thats an issue, if your launching bait towards the ocean have fun and enjoy your day!
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: fishon42 on May 29, 2008, 07:56:55 PM
I dont understand these things. Where do I get them, how much do they cost, what exactly are they called ? How do they take your line out so fast off of your reel without tangling the reel up ? How far do these things shoot. I want one now.  chrz slt
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: ped579 on May 29, 2008, 11:56:22 PM
Hey Mark,

You can get them as a number of B&T's Grumpy's in SSP has them.  it is called the Surf Rocket.  It uses compressed air to propel a frozen cylinder with your bait and hook out close to 500 feet.  It is about 7' long and comes complete with everything necessary to launch your offerings out past the breakers.  You can also just use it to launch your chum as well.

The cost, well lets say it is $500 on round figures.

Nice idea but I think I will have to stick with my sticks and reels and sheer strength to get my weekly offerings to the fish gods.

Happy Catching

Paul
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on May 31, 2008, 10:26:53 AM
I would have more fun donating them to people with handicaps that can not cast or have difficulties in doing so.  Veterans would be at the top of my list!
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: surfrocket on June 01, 2008, 08:46:16 AM
We have done numerous tests on how to make this properly,and safe. The problem isnt the pvc, its the glue.Along with the glue not holding the pressure, pvc and the glue breaks down with exposure to uv rays.Trust me if it could have been done that way saftly, I would have done it that way.There is a saftey rating for pressure vessels and stored energy containers,and in order to meet the saftey standard pvc can not be used. Within our testing done by refatable engineers, pvc only achieved a number rating of a 2 in this saftey scale. We even tried to use treaded fittings with the glue,and in testing they both came apart.Any container that stores energy or pressure vessle must meet a min rating of a 6 to meet the saftey standard. As for the cost of such a product, this is why it is on the high side. Each tank has to be built to the engineers specs exactly,and then go threw a pressure test that lasts 24 hours,done by a certified pressure vessel engineer.Then there is insurance,but I dont have the time to get into that. I have donated a lot of Surf Rockets to diffrent organazations and handicaped people. It has never been about me me me. I am always out and about helping people and giving back. Anyone can meet me on the beach anytime, I am very open that way. I will never turn my back on a fellow fisherman,and am always looking to meet new people. I can be reached just about any time, my number is all over the web and in a bunch of bait shops. Although the price seems high;450.00, it is still a cheap alternative to a boat. I have rods and reels that cost that much,and the oppertunity to catch something great from the beach, you cant put a price on that. I am in no way trying to stop you from doing what you want to do, all I'm saying is be careful and dont get hurt.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Twitch on June 01, 2008, 09:10:04 AM
Thanks, I will definitly keep an eye on the glue thing.  God bless you for donating them to Vets!  Let me ask you this,  What we got going is kinda like what you and several other people have going, I dont want to plug anyones particuler launchers but some are made from coolers with PVC as a launch tube.  Is your launch tube made ov Plastic or is the entire unit metal?  I understand the safety concept rating and all, The unit we have is not meant to store pressure for 24hrs at a time.  Once we load the bait we launch.  I never have to bring a battery or compressor to the beach as well.  Oh yea I forgot what kind of safety warnings or msds comes with your unit.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: surfrocket on June 02, 2008, 06:48:42 PM
we have a large warning label on the barrel,comon sence labeling really. we dont recomend anyone store air in the surf rocket when its not in use either. that 24 hour period i mentioned is for the safty test to make it avalible to the public. Our air chambers are certified for 1500 psi,so there is no chance of failer.As for our launch tubes we use acrlic tubing, it holds up against the elements and uv rays much more then pvc.The surf rocket weighs in at about 7 pounds, it is not heavy by any means,and breaks down for easy storage.As for your comment about a drain cock in the unit to release the condensation, in theory you have the right idea. You do not want to add another weakness to the air chamber. If that plug comes loose it will be like a bullet, outcome probally not good. Our launch tube easily seperaits from the air chamber, which enables you to wash out and lubricate properly. I do not by any means think i invented the wheel with the surf rocket, I know that there are similar products out there. I just perfected it,and made it as safe as possible.It took a lot of time and money, to put this great product on the market.Although you are not happy with the price,concidering all of factors,the surf rocket is a bargin. I have a few rod and reels that cost more than a surf rocket, I also own a boat. Fuel prices today are threw the roof.Depending where I go, I can eaisly go threw 300 dollars in fuel in a day.Thats not counting fuel to get the boat to the water,tackel,food, really the list can go on.Air and ice is cheep, and it doesnt cause cancer in California. So although the inital cost seems high, in reality you just bought a product that is proven,safe,and affordable to use every day.Not only does the surf rocket launch bait, and give you the ability to chum your area, you can use lures, bunker snags, live bait what ever the situation calls for.To top things off the surf rocket can be used in rescue situations. With the surf rocket you can launch a rope, with either a weighted bean bag or a special compressed life jacket hundreds of feet off shore. Not only does it work to catch monster fish but you can save a life with it also.That my friend you cant put a price on.I know I came off harsh with my first responce,and for that I apologize. I dont knock anyone who puts effort into anything, thats how this country was built God bless us all.And I wish you all the luck in creating your launcher,just be safe. Like I said you can contact me any time. Mabey we can meet up and have the battle of bait launchers, have a great time and catch some fish.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: 0ffShoreRy@n on June 26, 2008, 11:41:09 PM
sorry to get off topic though Jericho rocks and the tv station dont know a boat if it was spelled out in front of them
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: seanr8w on June 27, 2008, 12:04:49 AM
Mabey we can meet up and have the battle of bait launchers, have a great time and catch some fish.

I'm coming to see the Battle! It Would be a great time!!!! Maybe I will build a GIANT slingshot and get in on the action  rofla hhppy rofla
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Mr Limpett on June 27, 2008, 09:39:54 AM
I can just see me with one of those things.
Reeling in a sea robin from 2 football fields
away!
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Bucktail on June 27, 2008, 09:58:56 AM
I can just see me with one of those things.
Reeling in a sea robin from 2 football fields
away!
;D
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: surfrocket on July 01, 2008, 07:25:42 PM
lol, bucktail been there done that.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Greg7 on July 28, 2008, 02:33:25 AM
Air and ice is cheap, and it doesnt cause cancer in California.

Give it some time and california will find air and ice to be cancer causing.  rofla
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: surfrocket on July 30, 2008, 12:57:40 AM
what dosent cause cancer there. i love reading lables that say that. causes cancer in california.... but not in jersey,lol.
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Pfishingruven on July 30, 2008, 03:15:06 PM
what dosent cause cancer there. i love reading lables that say that. causes cancer in california.... but not in jersey,lol.

On anywhere else for that matter!  It makes me laugh everytime I read one!!

 rofla  hhppy  rofla

 TT^
Title: Re: Bait Launchers
Post by: Greg7 on July 31, 2008, 11:45:19 PM
Welcome to california, the cancer state.