I’ve combed through this section of the message board searching for information about kayak fishing out at the jetties. While there are a lot of great posts, they are from a few years ago. I’m looking for more recent posts and insight.
I would like to go fish the jetties on my kayak but have never done so. I had been there once on a charter boat and saw a man in a yellow kayak just paddling along with a line trolling behind him. He was so nonchalant and seemed to have no issues with the wake. Is this common? I’m newer to kayak fishing but I’ve paddled miles inshore and have launched my kayak off the beach through the waves many times.
Just looking to see what I’m trying to get myself into. Any and all tips and tricks of where to launch from, tackle used and fishing techniques would be greatly appreciated.
There are a few of us who fish out there, at least a couple times a year.
I like to launch from the beach at Station 22. When I go, I look for a calm day - no flood tides, with winds out of the south, as I can fish along the rocks w/o having to fight the wind and current at the same time. I always fish the north side of the north jetty, staying out of the shipping channel and avoiding wakes and boat traffic. It is best to go with someone so you can look out for each other. You have to have good control of your kayak - I have found myself concentrating on fishing and suddenly a roller comes through and deposits me and my kayak on a rock, resulting in a harrowing experience of trying to get un-stuck and not tip over.
I carry a couple of normal inshore setups for sheepshead and reds along the rocks, and I take a couple of heavier boat rods for putting some bait out deeper. 8000-sized spinning setups on med/heavy rods.
I have been wanting to do this for a couple years. Most of the shops around don’t know of anyone that will do a mothership type excursion out there. Think I would feel a hell of a lot more comfortable knowing there was a boat nearby. Would be even better to pack the yaks and head off shore with a boat
“Everyone should believe in something; I believe I’ll go fishing.” Henry David Thoreau
Nervous Mullet
1986 Boston Whaler 15 Sport
2000 70 Yamama
I have been wanting to do this for a couple years. Most of the shops around don’t know of anyone that will do a mothership type excursion out there. Think I would feel a hell of a lot more comfortable knowing there was a boat nearby. Would be even better to pack the yaks and head off shore with a boat
“Everyone should believe in something; I believe I’ll go fishing.” Henry David Thoreau
Nervous Mullet
1986 Boston Whaler 15 Sport
2000 70 Yamama
Mud Minnow
Wilderness System Tarpon 120
If you don’t trust your skills to get you out there and back safely, you don’t belong out there.
Spend some money on paddling lessons, you’ll thank e one day.
I fish the jetties a couple times a year. It is for the most experienced kayak anglers only. Not saying you can’t do it. But like TooBusy said. If you are not 100% confident in your abilities, you should not be out there. Any BTB fishing can be dangerous. Strong currents, wind, heavy boat traffic, and weather changes can create the most adverse conditions for fishing possible. It is solid 30-45 minute paddle to get there. I have had storm fronts roll up and go from glass to 3-4 foot seas in 20 minutes. It is no joke when I say, you can die out there. If you choose to go, take someone who has the ability to save your life and be able to save his. I will probably do a seminar later the year for BTB fishing. You are welcome to attend. It is very fun and can be done safely, but the right precautions must be taken.
Chris
Wilderness Systems Ride 135 “Sauer Trout” Hobie Adventure Island “Rogue Wave”
Hobie Outback “Silverback”
I fish the jetties a couple times a year. It is for the most experienced kayak anglers only. Not saying you can’t do it. But like TooBusy said. If you are not 100% confident in your abilities, you should not be out there. Any BTB fishing can be dangerous. Strong currents, wind, heavy boat traffic, and weather changes can create the most adverse conditions for fishing possible. It is solid 30-45 minute paddle to get there. I have had storm fronts roll up and go from glass to 3-4 foot seas in 20 minutes. It is no joke when I say, you can die out there. If you choose to go, take someone who has the ability to save your life and be able to save his. I will probably do a seminar later the year for BTB fishing. You are welcome to attend. It is very fun and can be done safely, but the right precautions must be taken.
Chris
Wilderness Systems Ride 135 “Sauer Trout” Hobie Adventure Island “Rogue Wave”
Hobie Outback “Silverback”
Fishing the jetties is on my list for this year as well.
If you guys go on a day where I’m off work, I would take my skiff out and stick close to you if that would make you feel any safer. I plan on fishing the north jetty more this season.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
