fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (Full Version)

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TransAmWS6 -> fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/28/2009 6:15:50 AM)

i have a hobie which is 13' long and lots of people use them in the ocean....anyone try kayaking in the mon river? im a little worried about barges and pleasure boaters



freshwaterdrumR -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/28/2009 9:47:26 AM)

I just got a 10' kayak and have been using it on the rivers with no problem. Just stay near the shore and you shouldnt have to worry about barges and boaters. If your kayak is a dark color, maybe put something bright on it like a small flag that will stick out so you are easily seen.



TransAmWS6 -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/28/2009 11:45:44 AM)

which rivers? any luck?



freshwaterdrumR -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/28/2009 12:29:59 PM)

Mostly the Allegheny, I've been trolling crankbaits from my kayak and catching a lot of bass, sauger, walleye, and catfish.



tire-iron -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/28/2009 4:32:29 PM)

Some time or another, expect to take a swim.
My first time out I flipped the yak and had to drag myself to shore through the mud.
Wear a life vest.
Know how to get out of the kayak.
Always try to have a partner.
Wear a fishing vest with zippered pockets for storage.
Put all valuables in watertight plastic bags.
Tie/anchor all gear down including your glasses, rod, bait, etc.
Have your fishing license attached to your life vest and not your hat.



Porktown -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/29/2009 8:57:03 AM)

TA -

I have fished all three of the big rivers from the kayak.  Like said, be careful of the barges, and even pleasure boats.  Stick relatively close to shore and have your vest on.  When a barge passes, point your bow into the wake, and paddle into it.  Take a whistle or airhorn, and a flash light, especially if you are going to be out during low light times. 

If the river is high, don't be stupid...  I've done this before...  Had everything packed up, got there and noticed the river was really high.  I launched anyways.  I found myself not being able to really fish, and struggled to go upstream.  Nothing gained with the experience, but could have lost everything.

There are 2 kayak specific launches on the Mon that I know of.  One at the Riverfront Park in the South Side (about 100 yards south of the regular boat launch, far end of the parking lot).  There is also one on 6th St. (I think) also in the South Side, close to Station Square.  This one is right next to the Terminal Office Buildings.  There's a pretty steep set of stairs to climb.  Both of these have signs that look like a paddle next to them.  I am pretty sure there is another over where they rent the kayaks close to PNC Park.  Also the Milvale Boathouse, but not sure if you are supposed to pay to launch there.  I've done it before with no problems.

Being a kayak, you can pretty much launch anywhere you can fish from though.  I've launched at Duck Hollow (city side under High-Level bridge), Lock 3, and Montour Run to name a few.  Also, wait a few days after a big rain, so you're not splashing raw sewage on yourself...

Fishing wise, use whatever you'd use from shore, and add some deeper water items as well.  Most fish seem to be relatively close to shore, but you'll be able to cover a lot more shore.  Those barge tie off cylinder things are great structure to work, so are tied off barges (empty ones seem better / easier to fish), especially when it is sunny out.  Don't forget the bridge pilings, just be very careful not to fall in there.  They are full of debris, so just break off if you snag and forget about getting your lure free. 



vinestbrew -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/29/2009 3:20:08 PM)

what part of town are you from?



TransAmWS6 -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/29/2009 3:20:54 PM)

thanks for the info....if i go, im planning on weekdays after work when there is less boat traffic or from 6 am to 10 am on weekends......the barges dont scare me, its the pleasure boats and jet skiers



Porktown -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/30/2009 9:08:49 AM)

Ceck out the map on this link.  It shows a bunch of launch areas.  Not really sure you need an official launch, but usually have parking and stuff near them.

http://www.friendsoftheriverfront.org/new_pages/watertrail.htm



AK22 -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/30/2009 2:45:38 PM)

Do you ever have trouble working lures out of a kayak? I find it more difficult to work a jerk bait because you are right on the water and its harder to work properly.



TransAmWS6 -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/30/2009 2:59:39 PM)

no im pretty proficient from a kayak with any lures.  caught a small musky on a jerkbait couple weeks back.  im from west mifflin



Porktown -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/30/2009 3:38:29 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: AK22

Do you ever have trouble working lures out of a kayak? I find it more difficult to work a jerk bait because you are right on the water and its harder to work properly.



I do (did), I've only had my kayak out about 3 times in the past two years...  I'm much more comfortable standing while fishing than sitting, especially working a bait like that, which I usually have my rod pointed down.  I had tried to fly fish from the kayak about 5-6 times, but usually found myself pulling up to a good looking spot and getting out.  At least on smaller rivers like the Yough.  A little harder to do on a lake or larger river.  Like anything though, with enough practice, it becomes the normal thing to you. 

I think that I am going to get mine out sooner than later, more for exercise than anything.  I can't imagine going out on it without a rod and lure box though...



Tiller -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/30/2009 7:04:44 PM)

You might want to try the Yough.  No barges and fewer pleasure boaters.



TransAmWS6 -> RE: fishing the big rivers from a kayak? (6/30/2009 7:08:40 PM)

i fish the yough all the time,  need something different



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