Update for 2013
Kayak Eco Tours at Liberty State Park

Come explore the natural beauty of the Hudson River Estuary by kayak. Tours will embark from the canoe/kayak launch located at the south side of Liberty State Park near the park office and will highlight the local wildlife and habitats of Caven Point.

Trips will run approximately two hours and will include a brief safety and paddle instruction. No prior paddling experience is required, however, participants need to be comfortable navigating in relatively deep water. Life Jackets (PFDs) will be provided and are required. This program is appropriate for adults and children 16 years and older. Children 16 and older need to be accompanied by a legal adult.

For registration and payment information, or any other questions, please contact Liberty State Park at (201) 915-3402. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. All programs run from 10 a.m. to noon. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior for check-in. Schedule is subject to change. Program fee $15/person.

Please contact the park office at (201) 915-3402 or send an e-mail to lspoffice@verizon.net.

The kayak you can take it home with you.

The Oru Kayak folds out of a compact box?easily, quickly, and almost magically


http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1 ... -the-origami-folding-boat

I've been following this thread in the hopes of using the info to justify getting out there and paddling.

I know we're principally talking about kayaking but wanted to bring stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) into the mix.

Does anybody SUP around Liberty State Park? Or elsewhere in the area?

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Great advice. I'll have to try both places. Btw, is Moe's the only bait shop around? Where else can I get bunker or squid?

Unfortunately right out there is a crappy place to hang out in a small hard to see kayak, you have lots of ferries and other river traffic. But that dropoff runs right up the whole riverfront, and if you go south there's a network of deep channels in front of the MOT, where there's much less traffic. I did have to dodge a departing cruise ship there, btu overall, much less traffic.

Exactly right. All along there, where there is a 20' drop.

Do you mean right near buoy #35?


http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/12327.shtml

Yeah I mostly do cruising on my boat ... getting more and more into the fishing thing, though. Paulushooker, I'm referring to the main shipping channel ... so you'll want to be basically northeast of the Statue itself, where the bottom goes from deep to shallower. Let me know if what I just said is confusing, LOL.

Tommy, you mean the channel between Ellis Island and Liberty Island?

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And here we were impressed by your boat! Thanks for the advice, any info is always appreciated, even if it is second hand. I've concluded there's no such thing as a wholly self taught fisherman, despite some claims I've heard. It's just too easy not to catch anything, so there's no way to learn.

I'm nervous about fishing the Verrazano, it's quite a paddle, and there's some bodacious currents around there.

Yeah the spot north of the Statue of Liberty is a well known spot. I've caught stripers there, but have always anchored - not sure if that makes a difference, but I believe it does.

For fluke, if you can make it to the Bay Ridge Flats, that's a hotspot. Heck of a paddle though. Fluke can also be found all around the Verrazano. I believe September is the best month for fluking.

In August/September, the NY harbor becomes very active for fish, so this is the time to go.

Bear in mind, I am a VERY novice fisherman, and most times that I've caught fish I have been with more experienced fishermen.

It's true that the kayak is not cheap but the price also includes a lifetime warranty on parts. So, if something breaks, they will replace it. Also, the rubberized skin on the kayak is very tough. You would need a direct hit with something really sharp to puncture it. If it does get punctured, duct tape will cover it.

I'm sure an inflatable would work just fine I just don't know how it would stand up to our urban launch sites.

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There's a HUGE price difference! Those Folbots are great but cost thousands. For just screwing around you can get a 12' Tahiti for ~$150. With a small fan/pump you can inflate it in 15 minutes. I have one for taking the kids down whitewater.

Are there still stripers lurking in the channels? I've tried chunking the deep channels down by MOT this time of year with no luck. What about time of day? Dusk, dark? And is there fluke to be had near us? The only hookup I've had on the yak so far was a smallish blue while trolling Deadly Dick.

I like Moe, but his job is to sell you bait whether or not it'll catch fish.

When you're doing it the first couple of times, it'll take about 30-40 mins but if you're doing more often, I would say you can do it in 15-20 mins

How long does it take to assemble? I'd love to have a foldable kayak to keep in my boat...I was thinking of the inflatable ones, but this seems like a better bet.

Tommy,

I have a Folbot Yukon. Here are the specs:

http://www.folbot.com/kayaks/yukon/

This is what it looks like packed in its 2 bags. I've taken this on planes with me with no hassle.

PaulusHooker, where did you get that folding kayak, and what dimensions does it fold into?

Was just referred to the topic from a friend and here's a little info on launches that will be helpful to some. The first is great and everyone can add new ones to it.

http://www.paddling.net/launches/
http://www.jsska.org/launchsites/index.shtml

Also, I have (soon to be) two canoes and would be interested in getting out with others for fishing or paddling.

Try catching stripers just off the channel north of Statue of Liberty. Bunker chunks. If it's just the action you're after, this time of year is snapper season. Go into the Morris Canal near some of the docks and cast out an ultra light rod with a small shiny lure, and reel it in slowly, keeping it about 2-3' below the water.

As far as laws go NYC Park Department has some info on kayaks and canoes:

http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/kayak/

Btw, if you paddle to a designated launch site in NYC, like Governor's Island and come back to Jersey, you're supposed to have to kayak launch permit to be able to launch from there. It costs $15.

@Brewster

I was using live bait (spearing) for fluke by recommendation from Moe at Moe's Bait and Tackle but I got nothing. Others said to use bunker and one other person said to just use a spoon. I'll try all three and let you know.

I called up the LSP Rangers at 201.915.3407 and they confirmed it's legal to launch a kayak at the free boat launch located at the last parking lot.

He recommended signing in at the ranger house prior to launching your boat so they're aware you're out in the water.

He also said it's a good idea to call the coast guard to get informed on the laws pertaining to boating in the area.

Finally, though it's obvious to most it's illegal to sail close to the Statue and Ellis Island.

Watch out for those big boats and currents!

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Bummer. I just picked up some bucktails & Gulp with the same idea. For some reason no one has any real info on how to fish this side of the river system. I got the tackle at Capitol on 36th & Bwy, and they knew of fishing in the East River, and I've heard of good fishing by Governors I., but no one seems to do more than throw chunks from piers here. I've tried trolling tube n' worm and drifting chunks with no success.

Stephanie, PM sent to you on kayak storage...

Here's a snap from last weekend with me attempting to fish for fluke but no dice. The bottom one is my folding kayak.

FYI from the Liberty State Park Interpretive Center:

Come explore the natural beauty of the Hudson River Estuary by kayak. Tours will embark from the canoe/kayak launch located at the south side of Liberty State Park near the Park Office and will highlight the local wildlife and habitats of Caven Point.

Trips will run approximately two hours and will include a brief safety and paddle instruction. No prior paddling experience is required; however, participants need to be comfortable navigating in relatively deep water. Life Jackets (PFDs) will be provided and are required. This program is appropriate for adults and children 16 years and older. Children 16 and older need to be accompanied by a legal adult.

For registration and schedule information, please contact the Liberty State Park Interpretive Center at (201) 915-3409 or lspic@verizon.net. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. All programs run from 10am to noon. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior for check-in. Due to the extreme popularity of our kayak eco tours, participants may only sign up for one tour per season.

2012 SUMMER SCHEDULE - Schedule is subject to change

Saturday, June 30th
Thursday, July 5th
Friday, July 6th
Saturday, July 7th
Thursday, July 12th
Friday, July 13th
Friday July 20th
Saturday, July 21st
Thursday, July 26th
Friday, July 27th
Sunday, July 29th
Thursday, August 2nd
Friday, August 3rd
Saturday, August 4th
Wednesday, August 8th
Thursday, August 9th
Thursday, August 23rd
Friday, August 24th
Thursday, August 30th

That's awesome.

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I guess where they work must have gym with a shower! Nothing like turning up for work sweaty & salty.

Kayak commuters....

http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ss ... -workers_take_commut.html

Individual locked storage, key to private dock.

$50 per month + $25 key deposit.

Let me know if you are interested, there are not many spots.

BTW, I'm told that at the end of Hudson Street and the Morris Canal there will be a kayak ramp. There is zero parking there, however. They are working on the Governor's Walkway right now, and I wasn't given an ETA. I wouldn't hold my breath for it being ready this summer, but you never know.

Stephanie