Piney Point Lighthouse Launch

[KeithMcD]

Does anyone have the combo for the gate in case I get back late and it's locked? New to that area for launching.

Keith

[ski357]

If that's the case, just use the beach or launch from the St. George bridge launch

[Big Mike]

The official launch at the lighthouse is actually into the creek the surrounds the gas storage tanks and not the Potomac. If you launch there you'll need to get out at some point and drag your kayak across a short stretch of land/beach to get to the Potomac. You can park on the street near the turnaround at the lighthouse proper and drag your kayak down to the beach from there, but technically it's trespassing if you are there during closed hours. You're far better off launching at the Piney Point launch at the bridge. There is also a small kayak launch towards the end of St George's Island that has a small pier but no ramp and limited parking. That launch puts you close to the large rip rap wall guarding the "harbor" area.

[Big Mike]

Also, the best winds to fish at Piney Point are out of the north or west to fish on the Potomac side. Anything above 10 mph out of the southwest or south makes the Potomac side very difficult to fish. There is a mini wind pattern there that seems to blow 5-10 above forecast for surrounding areas, Yak67 and I have had to change plans many times when we've shown up and found whitecaps breaking from supposedly light winds. You can get into the creek side in most winds but not out of the east.

[obxmaui]

Just so I'm straight... is it OK to park in the lot by the museum and carry your yak on the walk path past the bell and the lighthouse, and over to the big pier on the Potomac side and launch?

Thanks

[Big Mike]

There is a no trespassing during non museum hours sign on the gate they close leading to the lighthouse, so technically you shouldn't be on the grounds. I have no idea how strictly that is enforced. It's perhaps a mile and a half from the bridge launch out to the gas docks. Following the curve of the shore between the bridge and gas docks usually produces fish for me so I've never launched at the lighthouse - no need to find out when there is a perfectly good legal launch near by and I can catch fish on the way.

[KeithMcD]

Thanks for the info everyone.

[ronaultmtd]

Also, the best winds to fish at Piney Point are out of the north or west to fish on the Potomac side. Anything above 10 mph out of the southwest or south makes the Potomac side very difficult to fish. There is a mini wind pattern there that seems to blow 5-10 above forecast for surrounding areas, Yak67 and I have had to change plans many times when we've shown up and found whitecaps breaking from supposedly light winds. You can get into the creek side in most winds but not out of the east.

Yeah, you're right Mike- especially when the tides are going out with a south wind- it can be a real washing machine ride inside the creek and outside the bridge- it chops up faster than I could believe- goes from flat calm to 3 foot chop on top of white caps in just a few minutes...and an incoming with north winds produce the exact same conditions...east winds, west winds...you can manage- light to moderate 5-10 mph north and south winds are mostly OK until the peak tide flows...

[kevinfry]

they'll give you the combo at tge museum. Just ask.

[KeithMcD]

thanks