Friday, August 21, 2009

Kayak fishing during my vacation at Napatree

I went on vacation for a week in RI. I ended up yak fishing 5 times at Napatree and in "the kitchen" area. It was very hot and sunny. Overall, it it was very exhausting but fun.

Each fishing day I got up at 4:45am and was on the ocean by 6am the latest. I am always nervous fishing this area. It can be a very dangerous area especially by yourself. The winds and waves can kick up at anytime. The weather can change in a flash. Some locals say it has its own weather. It takes about 35-45 minutes to get back to the launch. Last year, it started to rain and thunder at the blink of the eye when it was a perfect day. I remember tubing and catching big bass all the way back to the launch. This year I was prepared with some rain gear. The fishing is always very good. Lots of structure. You can catch big bass is less than 10 feet of water. But, it's not as easy as it sounds. Lots of big rocks and heavy current. You need to be at the top of your game when you fish it.

I have a bad habit in regards of the point. In all my years, I have always made my way around it. It's like a mental challenge. It's very stupid. I always say to myself not this trip but I still go around it. The point is always unpredictable once you go around it. Last year, I made my way around it and it was calm. I ended up fishing for fluke for about 45 mins and decided to go back. As I approached it, 5-8 feet standing waves. I was nervous. The clouds were getting dark and I was thinking of a thunder storm was coming. I looked around and there were no boats. The guy that patrols the beach was gone too. Good thing I take martial arts (Aikido). I relaxed and kept my "one point" as I made my way around it. It takes about 5-10 mins to go around it. I remember pedaling my hobie so fast and riding the waves as I navigated by big rocks. I had a cold beer once I got back. I made a promise to myself that I would not fish the side and go back once I made it. One day I was alittle hairy going around it. I relaxed about 5 mins on the other side. As I made my way back, it started to pick up. Additionally, big boats were creating huge wakes as I made my way around it. All in all, it's a test of your yak skills.

This year it was me and my daughters. I did have some relatives and their friends next to my cottage. I told my neighbor I would supply her and her family with fresh fish and she agreed to keep an eye on my daughters. My reputation was on the line but I knew the area always produces for me. Some people fish it without luck. I understand the tides and know where the fiash are located. Well, I caught some big fish for her and her friends.....

2 comments:

Fishing413 said...

Great post. That must have been an interesting time riding the waves in! Glad you hooked up for the babysitter.

popeye said...

Thanks. It was a fun vacation. I have to wait another year unutil I fish it again....