River Kayak Fishing Safety?

[Burtbords149]

Hey everyone it's been a while.
I'm thinking about taking my 12' inflatable kayak up to the West Branch this weekend to do a short float. Has anyone ever tried this with an inflatable? I've heard there are concerns about anchoring, which I would certainly have to do to fish. Also any paddling tips for the West? I've seen the riffle above Hale Eddy, any tips on traversing it or am I just being a baby?

I should preface this with I haven't taken this kayak or any for that matter in a river yet. Any other safety tips. Any info is super appreciated. I don't want to be out of my league or worse, sunk. Thanks again and tightest of lines to you all.

 

[tompg]

hooks and inflatables might be a tricky combo

 

[Burtbords149]

Good point but I've tried this kayak out and fished in lakes before. The material is just as durable as what they make pontoon boats out of. My biggest concern is whether anchoring is safe or not. Any thoughts? Thank you.

 

[Trouser Trout]

Wear a decent life vest and give it a shot, what's the worst thing that can happen?

 

[beeber]

Don't anchor in moving water. Use the yak as transport from wade spot to wade spot. Good luck!

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Don't anchor in moving water. Use the yak as transport from wade spot to wade spot. Good luck!

That's the key. I yak the WB from time to time and have never once cast from the kayak itself. Instead, I use it to cover water and get out to fish. I toss out a small bell shaped anchor in slow water to hold the yak in place while I fish or you can just beach it. Kayaking this river under "normal flows" is a piece of cake. I have a 12' sit on top model that handles every riffle the West can send my way and I never once felt like I was unstable.

 

[WBDluver]

I think the West Branch has Class -2 rapids. You will be fine. What type of inflatable do you have? Im curious

 

[Burtbords149]

I have a Sea Eagle-370. It's a 12' inflatable yak.

I'm thinking of taking it to the Upper East to find some sulphurs. Anyone know a shuttle service that will run near the top of the Upper East? Or better yet will anyone be floating around up there this Saturday and is in need of a shuttle driver?

Thanks a ton everyone.
Mike

 

[Pete]

Recalling a hairy experience I once had during a "spring tide" in that canal between the Manasquan and the Bay...

If you do anchor (or tie up) in moving water....
Use a knot that you can undo instantly (a bowline isn't good enough).
If you misjudged the current, some sort of slip knot may let you sacrifice the anchor, and save the rest of your gear.. OR keep a very sharp knife handy.

 

[Burtbords149]

Thanks Pete. Everyone keeps warning me of anchoring this thing in moving water, so I think I'll heed your advice.

The Upper East is so low right now that I'll just using it to get around to different spots, then wade.

 

[trico mike]

Pete why would you be in the Pt pleasant canal in a yak. Pure suicide.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Some of the fly shops in Hancock can arrange the shuttle driving for you. I paid them once, but typically go up with buddies in two cars and we do our own shuttles. Or I float to a buddies house and take out there and have him drive me back for a few cold beers.

 

[CMoser]

I had a shuttle at the WBD. It was scheduled thru the WB anglers at $45. You can probably call them to get the shuttle service #.

 

[Joe D]

Here are some things to know before you put a kayak, canoe, inflatable or any other type of watercraft on the Delaware: What You Need to Know Before You Use Them on the Upper Delaware River