Yaking @ Liberty

[smithmal]

Liberty Reservoir is 10 miles from my house. I realize that are huge restrictions on yaking there (basically you can't use you yak anywhere else except for Lock Raven and Prettyboy if you want to continue fishing there), so with that in mind, is it worth it to get a launch permit and use my yak exclusively there? My other local option is Piney Run.

Thanks,

smithmal

[Mark]

I would not want to lock myself into one body of water, especially with so many tidal options relatively close by.

I'd go for Piney and an occasional road trip to other waters.

[bunnielab]

If I were only 10 miles from LR I would really start saving for a barebones yak just for the Baltimore reservoir system. Combined they are a crazy amount of water with I assume not a lot of pressure other than bank fishing.

[smithmal]

That's what I was thinking. If LR is decent for fishing, I'd have a yak just for that. Is the action good AT LR? In other words, good enough to sacrifice a yak for the privilege of fishing there?

smithmal

[DanMarino]

Isn't the state record smallmouth bass from Liberty?

[Mark]

That's what I was thinking. If LR is decent for fishing, I'd have a yak just for that. Is the action good AT LR? In other words, good enough to sacrifice a yak for the privilege of fishing there?

smithmal

I still wouldn't do it. Plenty of other places to fish. But then again, I've been married to the same woman for 38 years.

[smithmal]

Interestingly enough, kayaks with electric motors are not allowed on Liberty and Prettyboy. I guess if you were "made of money" maybe you'd dedicate a yak with a motor to these reservoirs....

Application and FAQs can be found here.

smithmal

[smithmal]

After thinking about it for several days, I think I'm going to permit my yak so it can be used at Liberty.

The reasons for this are:
1. Very close by
2. Large body of water so lots of exploring to do
3. Easy yak environment for newb
4. Very little time in my life ATM for extended yak trips

My first yak is going to be a cheapo anyway. I'm not willing to go all in until I really think the hobby/sport is for me so yaking at Liberty/Prettyboy seems a good call for me.

Thanks for everyone's feedback, it was most appreciated.

smithmal

[Memory Maker]

There are a lot of people that use them other places. This is a Baltimore City regs and not a Md State reg. Someone would have to produce proof that you used it elsewhere to the city authorities. In other words it is almost Un enforceable but you wouldn't be honest

[whenican]

There's def plenty of room to explore & learn the reservoir. I've explored from shore & have always wanted to fish from my kayak here, 'cept for the stupid restrictions 'the city' puts on us kayakers. Therefore, I boycott everything inside the city borders & I am happily not missing anything.....& I use to be a city resident.

[yakscientist]

I live close to Prettyboy, and I used to have Piney Run literally in my backyard when I lived with my parents in Sykesville, and I often fished at Liberty as well. Liberty is certainly my favorite of those 3 places, but I only had my kayak out on Piney Run, I would fish from shore at the other places. If you're going to fish liberty, make sure to always have a rod out with a tiny hook (like something you'd use for stocker trout) baited with corn kernels (you can get a can for like $1 or less). I set that out there with just a split shot to weigh it down, and usually I will get 1 carp every hour or so, if I'm fishing close to shore (look for coves). They fight super hard, so keep your drag set relatively light waiting for the strike, or they will pull your rod into the lake, happened to a friend of mine. I've also caught big catfish (26") off that same corn setup, and usually I will catch some small yellow perch, and small bass as well. There are also a ton of super hungry bluegill that will bite bare hooks, so they're a go-to if you want to avoid a skunk for the day. But take that advice with a grain of salt, I typically don't fish freshwater.

[AintMisBehavin]

I still wouldn't do it. Plenty of other places to fish. But then again, I've been married to the same woman for 38 years.

That's a good thing Mark! My dad always said find someone you can do business with and do business with them. Brand Loyalty is my motto!

[smithmal]

yakscientist,

Thanks for the advice. That's very helpful. How is/was the action at Prettyboy?

smithmal

[Mark]

That's a good thing Mark! My dad always said find someone you can do business with and do business with them. Brand Loyalty is my motto!

Gregory,

Your dad is a wise man and he raised a smart son.

[yakscientist]

yakscientist,

Thanks for the advice. That's very helpful. How is/was the action at Prettyboy?

smithmal

The action was nonexistent, but I wouldn't really take that to heart. I fished there on a randomly warm day in the middle of winter, so I wasn't expecting any fish anyway, I really just wanted to get outside. I think I just tried some bobber/worm rigs without any success, I bet it was all due to just the cold water/season though.