the fall run of migratory rock in ocean

[Southerly]

the idea - launch kayak into ocean at assateaque, OC, or lewes to target the migratory rock heading this way.

i have some experience launching windsurf gear into ocean conditions early spring and late fall, and understand the power of breaking surf (ie, i would want to avoid it in a kayak!).

but does anyone know anything about prospects for doing this type of fishing by kayak or have general info, experience, or opinions? how probable is locating breakers rock, etc?

[DOGFISH]

I think there are videos on YouTube about surf launching. I know there is one by Jim Sammon, on the do's and don'ts.

[Redfish12]

I think it depends on the winds and the bait for how close they come to the beach. Unfortunately when the bait gets pushed closer to the beach it is usually due to a strong wind that would make surf launching almost impossible. There are other options, like launching from an inlet and paddling out, but that brings a new host of issues.

I think if you had a few days and you could drive the beach you'd be able to see a blitz at some point and maybe be able to launch into it. That is if you can time it when the fish are going through. Otherwise, it'd probably be a lot of trolling. What kind of kayak do you have? Have you tried stowing rods below?

[Southerly]

i think my hobie outback kayak is poorly suited to anything other than near dead calm surf. the ocean can be anything. windsurfing experience was always winds over 20. nothing like the feeling of victory at sea, but i also had equipment ripped away from me and trashed on other days.

i think i could judge reasonable ocean conditions for me but don't have surf fishing experience. never tried for the rock from the beach. i guess one plan would be to research, then go surf-fishing, but have a kayak handy in case conditions allow.

[surfdog]

practice, before taking a loaded yak into the surf, bad things happen fast