where to go? what to do?

[onestory]

I'm new to paddling and to the Northshore (Covington), have a kayak and a canoe, and have a few questions that I hope helpful folks will answer...

Where can I go for some leisurely paddling/fishing?
With all the private property around it seems like I can't get in/out of the water without trespassing.

Is there a place that i can get info. on exactly where to launch with instructions/maps of where to paddle/fish?

What should I know about the security of leaving my vehicle parked in remote spots?

How do ya'll feel about going out alone? Any advice on going solo?

Where can a newbie get more info?
I found a kayaking site that has some info. on events where members get together for trips but, like most info., it seems to be written for people who already have some knowledge of the area and kayaking in general.

Am I limited to having to pay to launch at marinas or boat launches or parks?
Being a newbie, it seems somewhat risky to be around powerboats and I don't really want to pay to launch a kayak.

How do ya'll deal with powerboats?
It seems that kayaks on the water are like motorcycles on the road. Prior to my first kayak ride a week ago, I never realized how hard kayaks are to see when powerboating. My kayak is green and I'm very low in the water so I can see where someone wouldn't see me until the last second.

Is there any advice that you'd give a newbie so that I don't get myself into trouble or have to reinvent the paddle?

How do you guys do it?

I started a thread in another section of this forum and am planning to "hook up" with some of you. I'm sure to learn a lot from my first couple of trips but would appreciate getting a few questions answered before I hit the water.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[Sandman]

In the Covington area you can launch on the Lakefront in Mandeville if you want a leisurely paddle on a calm day. That was my very first yak experience and it was nice. My goal was to try to catch some trout off the Causeway, but that didn't pan out too well. I launched at the public pier, but my yak was very lite and I was able to drag it down a few rocks. I'm not sure how heavy yours is, but there should still be a place to launch near there. If you feel like making a drive to the Lacombe area, you can launch at the end of lake road (again, make sure it is not too rough or you will get a surfing lesson). You should be able to pick up some trout if the conditions are right. And my favorite Northshore fishing spot is by far Lake St. Catherine in Slidell. That should be a pretty easy drive for you and the fishing is pretty good.

You can access high resolution maps on this site, but you will only have the access to that if you are a full member. I think the home page can direct you there. It will also open up the section on fishing reports, which is a huge wealth of information. I learned a lot from reading other members reports and seeing photos of their catch and rigging.

As for going out alone, that will depend on how comfortable you feel. I have no problem going out alone, but I always let someone know where I will be and usually never venture very far from my launch site without someone else.

If you can find an area that is public and you have the ability to park there, throw your yak in and get in it, there is no reason to use a launch. I normally fish in the Slidell / Lake St. Catherine area and I pay 5$ to launch because I want to feel confident that my truck wont get towed and no one will mess with it. I know Psycho Joe knows a few places in that area where you can park and slide your yak in.

I really haven't had much trouble with powerboats. When I am in a bayou or canal, I always stick to the side. Unless the guy is aiming for you, the most you should have to worry about is his wake. I believe you are also require by law to carry some type of sounding device - I use a plastic emergency whistle attached to my PFD; that thing is loud. If going out at night, bring a light. I am still pretty new to kayaking, but I have been boating all of my life. Most boaters are going to be responsible and slow down for smaller vessels - just watch out for the idiots out there!

I just started kayaking in March so I am not very experienced compared to most of these guys. They are a great source of information and always anxious to help. You should have a ton of responses from them soon.

[fishtaco]

I'm new to paddling and to the Northshore (Covington), have a kayak and a canoe, and have a few questions that I hope helpful folks will answer...

Where can I go for some leisurely paddling/fishing?
With all the private property around it seems like I can't get in/out of the water without trespassing.

Is there a place that i can get info. on exactly where to launch with instructions/maps of where to paddle/fish?

What should I know about the security of leaving my vehicle parked in remote spots?

How do ya'll feel about going out alone? Any advice on going solo?

Where can a newbie get more info?
I found a kayaking site that has some info. on events where members get together for trips but, like most info., it seems to be written for people who already have some knowledge of the area and kayaking in general.

Am I limited to having to pay to launch at marinas or boat launches or parks?
Being a newbie, it seems somewhat risky to be around powerboats and I don't really want to pay to launch a kayak.

How do ya'll deal with powerboats?
It seems that kayaks on the water are like motorcycles on the road. Prior to my first kayak ride a week ago, I never realized how hard kayaks are to see when powerboating. My kayak is green and I'm very low in the water so I can see where someone wouldn't see me until the last second.

Is there any advice that you'd give a newbie so that I don't get myself into trouble or have to reinvent the paddle?

How do you guys do it?

I started a thread in another section of this forum and am planning to "hook up" with some of you. I'm sure to learn a lot from my first couple of trips but would appreciate getting a few questions answered before I hit the water.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

First and foremost, and I'm not trying to sound like an a$$, use this forum's search feature. Look through old threads on the old board as well, we haven't been on the new forum very long so most of the good stuff is on the old forum. Old threads are a tremendous resource.

There are a number of places near and far (from the Northshore) to go paddling. Some nearby locations are Lacombe, Cane River, Big Branch, Madisonville, Fountainbleau, Bayou Liberty, Manchac, Hog Track Hole, do a search to learn more.

If you become a BCKFC member, there are several maps that show specifics on launches, they are found inside the member's area. Membership has it's perks.

Vehicle security will always be an issue, anywhere you go, not just when kayaking. If it's a big deal for you then try to launch at marinas or boat launches with established parking areas.

I go alone a lot, it's no big deal. Just be safe, be smart, tell someone your float plan, it will be fine.

More info can be found in the member's area, but there are several other websites out there dedicated to kayak fishing with plenty of good info. Just Google it.

The beauty of the kayak is it's relatively easy to launch. There are unlimited places to launch. If you think you can launch somewhere you probably can, not saying you always should however. Don't break the law and you should be alright.

Powerboats have never been an issue for me because I don't fish areas with high concentrations of them. I rarely see them in the marsh or on the rivers I fish - that's why I'm there. You have the power to decide whether you want to deal with them or not when going fishing.

My advice would be to go with somebody who's done it before the first time to get a feel for the little things. Or attend one of the club events, our members are a wealth of knowledge.

Boat control is probably the most important thing about kayak fishing. Learn that and soon things will become second nature. Also, there is no substitute for time on the water. Learning from experience may be humbling to some, but it has really made me a better kayak fisherman.

[derrelt]

We are having a semi tournament Sat at Magnolia. $10 entry, almost any thing goes. Launch is at 6 AM, I think. Come out and have some fun. Think there is going to be 30+ yaks there. Mag is at the 36 mile marker on Hwy 23. ( free launch). Has some great red fishing the area there.

[papawd]

wear a safety floatation device of some kind ----I wear a inflatable belt very comfy, does not interfere in any movement and provides a piece of mind ---thankfully I have not had to inflate it yet.... as said by Fish Taco leave a float plan before Ya go just in case Your stranded in some way .....I never have had a problem with stinkpots yet (lucky ) other than just a wake, but do enjoy fishing alone alot for the peace of it ....even when I go with others we usually always split up anyway....

[Glwlsu]

Best advive is head to Magnol;ia Sat AM and follow anyone around. Should find some fish.

[jonalford]

I live in covington and there are unlimited places to launch into the river like old landing, the park, and the end of Florida street. These are all easy places to paddle with little or no boat traffic. Just go left at old landing. If you go right you will end up in the big river where there is alot of boat traffic. They are fun places to fish until you go on a good saltwater trip then you rarely want to go back to freshwater.

[yak-aholic]

I'm with the rest of the guys who say come join us on Saturday. Plenty of guys there and I'm sure many are willing to show a newbie around. While I haven't had the luck others have had at Magnolia, it's a great place to wear out some redfish and get your first sleigh ride. Get you some 1/4 oz jigheads, some kind of paddletail swimbaits. Marshworks, Bayou Chubs, etc... Some gold spoons like Neimire Red Ripper and you should be well prepared for Magnolia.

[onestory]

I wish I could go this Sat. but I'll be at the hunting lease.

[onestory]

One more newbie question...how do you attach wheels to a kayak?

I have a compact set of wheels that have two foam covered tubes parallel to the wheels and a strap. I can't figure out how they attach properly and I can't find any photos of them in action.

Can you help me?

[onestory]

I live in covington and there are unlimited places to launch into the river like old landing, the park, and the end of Florida street. These are all easy places to paddle with little or no boat traffic. Just go left at old landing. If you go right you will end up in the big river where there is alot of boat traffic. They are fun places to fish until you go on a good saltwater trip then you rarely want to go back to freshwater.

Old Landing is the launch at the end of East 3rd & East 4th street?

The parks have signs that say "no swimming" so I assumed that they didn't want to see me launch a boat there. They really don't mind at the parks?

[Tailchaser]

Sounds like that cart with the foam tubes is for a kayak with scupper holes (for self bailing) in the bottom of the hull. If your yak doesn't have those then the cart won't work. If it does, the tubes go in the scupper holes and then strap over the top to secure.

[yak-aholic]

This may not be the exact cart you have, but sounds similar. Set the cart under the kayak near the rear. Run a cam-buckle or ratchet strap over the kayak. lift up on the front and go.