If I can get some work issues taken care of and get my boats rigged up, I am thinking of coming down with my 15 year old son to try our hand at kayak fishing on Friday July 1. Bearing in mind we are novice kayakers and have NEVER fished from one, where would be a good, safe spot to launch from? I am looking at either Paradise or Gadsonville. Are one of these better than the other or is there some other place I should consider?
Thanks
Is the Gadsonville Copahee Sound? Copahee has excellent fishing for reds but at dead low there is no water at the launch, so even a kayak has to worry about the tide. Copahee sound has had some problems with the neighborhood there though. Peoples cars get broken into sometimes and don’t be there at night. Paradise usually has enough water for kayaks 24/7, just not for boats. I fish paradise often and have never had any trouble with car theft or any of the sort. Paradise is a little tougher fishing so I suggest bringing or catching many different baits.
“In every species of fish I’ve angled for, it is the ones that have got away that thrill me the most, the ones that keep fresh in my memory. So I say it is good to lose fish. If we didn’t, much of the thrill of angling would be gone.” Ray Bergman
The Copahee Stomp is the nickname for dragging your yaks through the creek to access water 1 hr either side of low. Avoind those times for launching and landing and you can have a nice time out there. no current to speak of in the sound itself and the creeks have very manageable flow. Lots of folks just set up on creek mouths on the grass edge and soak bait. Works very well.
Paradise more tidal flow and if the wind and tide are working against you it can be a tough paddle back to the landing. Generally good fishing. I’ve only been on the water 1 time since Memorial Day and they were picky. very soft bites instead of the grab it and growl of a few weeks ago. Once hooked even the mid slot fish put up a great fight.
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
Copahee sounds nice but I’m not sure I want to run the risk of a car break-in. I’ll have to think about it and check the tides for that day. Thanks for the info fellas.
I’ve fished there 3 years without incident. Maybe they know me by now. Or there’s nothing worth stealing in my car.
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
Read and re read the 2busy post above. Its gold. The c’hee stomp holds true for skiffs too. Good stuff 2busy. That woulda slashed my learnin curve some years back
I also have never had my car been broken into either just heard of it happening alot. Mabey the people who fish there alot say that to keep more people from coming. But don’t listen to me i’m just a kid. 
“In every species of fish I’ve angled for, it is the ones that have got away that thrill me the most, the ones that keep fresh in my memory. So I say it is good to lose fish. If we didn’t, much of the thrill of angling would be gone.” Ray Bergman
If you want to do some paddling, you can launch from the Isle of Palms to get to Copahee, right?
quote:
Originally posted by elgeebeeIf you want to do some paddling, you can launch from the Isle of Palms to get to Copahee, right?
That’s a LONG paddle past some very fish friendly water. No point in going that far.
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
I think based on all of the info, I will give Copahee a shot as it sounds like it may be a friendlier environment for newbies. If I understood correctly, we should be fine tide wise if we are an hour before or an hour after dead low tide, is that correct?
Maybe if I put a sign in my window saying Too Busy sent me they won’t mess with my car.
Thanks again folks.
DFreedom,
Based on the tide tables for tomorrow I would say an 1 1/2 to 2 hrs might be safer bet on getting out without doing the stomp.
May try to get out myself. I’ll keep an eye for you. What kind of kayak are paddling?
TB2
TimBuck2
Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5
Wilderness Systems Ride 135
Oh, not coming down until next Friday (July 1) We’ll be in a yellow sink and a yellow/red Perception Angler sot. Should be on the water around 9:00 a.m. since we are coming from Columbia. We will definitely have to time getting off the water it looks like. Holler if you are going to be out and let me know what color yak to look for.
If you’re inexperienced with the local tides, be careful out on the sound within a few hours of low tide. It can leave you stranded in dangerously soft mud until the tide comes back in. The sound seems to drain a lot quicker than you expect, and unlike the creek drag mentioned above, you can’t just walk out of it. I barely made it out on one of my first trips, and the last time I was out there, a guy was coming out with a broken paddle he had tried to use as a pole. He finally just sat in his yak and waited on the water to return. Always bring emergency water, just in case
I’ll on a tan Ride 135. As a rule of thumb, when you start seeing oyster beds it’s a good time to start working your way back to towards the landing.
TimBuck2
Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5
Wilderness Systems Ride 135
Thanks,that’s good info. I’ll keep an eye out for you.
I’m planning my first trip to Copahee Sound tomorrow morning. I’m planning to launch at the Gadsonville Rd area. If anyone would like to tag along, I’d like the company.
Sailfish 2100 bay/YamahaF150
Perception 12.5 Caster
How about a report when you get back? Unless something unexpected happens, we’ll be down next Friday.
I went out yesterday for a couple hours on the rising tide. Crappy tide and the wind was making it a little choppy. Managed to land 3 nice reds in the yak before heading home for the afternoon.
The first hookup was a blast. I saw some movement over to my right, so I tossed my 2 hook rig with cut mullet. Thing hit it like like a freight train as soon as it hit the water. Nice 27"er.
Fun day considering the conditions.
TB2
TimBuck2
Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5
Wilderness Systems Ride 135
Guys, this is gold! I’m down next sat for a week at IOP…7/9-7/16. Likely bring my river SOT and, based on this, thinking I shouldn’t work harder than just launching from IOP? Maybe work the creek mouths and head in the general direction of Gadson but no more paddling than necessary, rather get some bait soaking, right!?
I might open a new post to see what direction I can get, but this thread is right on target already so thought I’d start with “thanks” and go from there!
Oh…and how was the trip yesterday!?
Looked at map and had no idea the gadsonville road launch was so close…the more I read here the more I think that is worth the quick drive over the connector…