Kayaking trip help

[Shameless14]

My dad and I want to do some river kayak fishing this weekend, but we have never done that in NJ. I've been hearing about all the smallmouth and pike caught on the Passaic, but with the rain lately, would it be safe to go this weekend? If someone give us a few pointers about where to launch, that would be great. Or would it be better to fish the Raritan on the kayak? What would be the intended species, Smallmouth? Thanks for all the info.

[Skunk City]

I haven't been on the Passaic this week due to doing a Delaware River trip, but from the USGS charts, it looks like it is up a bit from the rain. Definetly fishable, though not "typical" levels for August fishing.

Follow the gauge height for the next few days, it should drop. Here's the link: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?01389005

[kcritch]

If you end up on the North Branch of the Raritan then Smallies would definitley be a good primary target...and by this weekend with no rain forcast between now and then it will be fine.

If you hit the Raritan itself then the world is your oyster...just check out the posts on the site using the search feature and you'll see what I mean.

[ScowardNJ]

The Passaic should be good to go by this weekend also. Looks like we got a pretty nice weather window ahead of us. Just pick any of the public launches and start exploring. Here's a few links to get you on the water.

http://www.jsska.org/launch-directory

http://www.passaicriverbasin.com/prb...tion_boat.html

[Shameless14]

Thanks a lot for the links! I think we will hit the Passaic in the stretch from Eagle Rock Ave to Bloomfield Ave, but do a lot of anchoring and turn it into a longer trip than the 2/3 hours it says on the website. What are some good lures for pike? Would large spinners, spinnerbaits, large crankbaits work? Sorry for all the beginner questions, I have never fished for pike, or that section of river before. Thanks a ton.

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by Shameless14

Thanks a lot for the links! I think we will hit the Passaic in the stretch from Eagle Rock Ave to Bloomfield Ave, but do a lot of anchoring and turn it into a longer trip than the 2/3 hours it says on the website. What are some good lures for pike? Would large spinners, spinnerbaits, large crankbaits work? Sorry for all the beginner questions, I have never fished for pike, or that section of river before. Thanks a ton.

Lots of laydowns in that stretch. We did it in my friends 14' boat. Very nice and secluded. Bring an ax and/or saw or else you may not reach your destination. Spend some time where the Rockaway dumps in...

All your lures sound good. Cast into structure or slack pools and you should pick a few up.