What do kayak anglers need?

[Lisa]

Hi all,

I'm fine-tuning a formal proposal for the Anne Arundel County Water Trail. The proposal will include all the open water sports: sea kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and kayak fishing. We all want water access, an open access entrance, ample parking, a portapotty and a short carry to the water.

Beyond those basics, sea kayakers need a destination, windsurfers and kiteboarders need wind, kiteboarders need space to rig their sails and stand-up paddleboarders need calmer water.

What do kayak anglers need, besides fish?

If I could conjure fish I would have my own ESPN channel.

Thanks

Lisa

[HJS]

I'm closing in on 70. So the shorter and easier the carry the better. If possible, even short-term 10-15 minute temporary parking near the waters edge would be all I need. As I see it, kayak/canoe anglers have the most weight and "stuff" to carry to the waters edge.

[Memory Maker]

Water ........ Yakers need water

You ou have the basics down ...... These are the wants for a Gucci launch

A hard surface across sand would be nice .............

a staging area area near to the launch in addition to the parking

[dtandrade]

This is more of a convenience then a necessity I guess, but a cleaning station would be awesome for the days when we return with some nice keepers. I know personally my girl is not to happy when i am gutting one in the sink or bathtub, making the whole place smell heavenly.

[Sun]

you mentioned a short carry - if one must take a trail to get to the water's edge, it would be nice for the trail to be wide enough to roll the kayak to the water. Doesn't have to be nice and paved. it would just need to be mostly flat and at least oh...3 feet wide.

[zimm]

Lisa, the following request is both a WANT and a NEED.
no requirement for permits nor any fees associated with such permitting processes.

We pay dearly to live in this state- they don't need to suck us dry

[sparky1423]

I would quickly be divorced if I cleaned my fish in the bathtub!

This is more of a convenience then a necessity I guess, but a cleaning station would be awesome for the days when we return with some nice keepers. I know personally my girl is not to happy when i am gutting one in the sink or bathtub, making the whole place smell heavenly.

[kevinfry]

easy access to DEEP water is what is missing on west side of the bay

[Mark]

Lisa,

Direct and easily negotiable access to the Magothy River from Pasadena.

[Lisa]

Lisa, the following request is both a WANT and a NEED.
no requirement for permits nor any fees associated with such permitting processes.

We pay dearly to live in this state- they don't need to suck us dry

When I first met Laura Neuman, the new County Executive, back in June she told me that she had asked for a report about county park fees because she didn't believe that people should have to pay to go into a public park. Since then, the county eliminated the $75/calendar year permit required to drive into Beverly-Triton Beach Park. At the October Water Access Committee the Rec&Parks staff said the other park permits were under review and may also be eliminated. I haven't heard anything about new county permits and fees and I'm hopeful that the county will end all or most of the remaining permits next year.

Whatever happens at the new Franklin Point State Park is up to Maryland DNR.

Lisa

[jffoley]

I would like an ability to launch before dawn, after sunset and at night. I would pay a reasonable annual "fishing only" permit, weekend pass or 24 hour single use fee to do so.

[echo5oscar]

I agree with John. A lot of places are from sun up to sun down kinda rules. The ability to launch anytime would be fantastic.

[jhoss]

Thanks for your efforts to include our voices in the discussion. I think parking and close access to water are key, the only other concern I have is many launch sites close at dark/dusk. For us fishing folks we are often coming in after dark so some lenience on hours/closing would be helpful. Thanks for your advocacy on our behalf!

[Pinch]

Can there be at least 3 trash cans and a trash bag dispenser? I know on a lot of launches that are littered with fishing packages and line and all kinds of trash. Having the ability to conveniently dispose of trash would be amazing. I know several kayakers that proactively will pickup trash if they find it floating while fishing and having a place to put it would be nice. I know there is also a Mono-filament line recycling program that puts small collection boxes at most public launches this would also be convenient.