Patapsco Columbus Day

[new2yaks11]

Launched at Ft. Armistead this morning at about 8am. I wanted to launch at daybreak, but having the day off, I slept in a bit. It was slow going for about 1 1/2 hrs. I was working south from launch towards power plant. I then got into some really nice 10-11" perch. I had about 10 on my stringer and I reached to put another one on and my stringer had come off. I apparently didn't loop it tight enough around my handle. That's probably what I get for being unprepared. Anyway, I continued fishing and caught about a dozen more really fat perch. I had a lunch bag with my frozen waters and a sandwich that had to double as my "cooler". I also caught one striper that I'm confident was over 20" long but since I left my tape in the truck, couldn't know for sure so I let it go. It was an absolutely gorgeous day out there. Calm as a lake. Not used to those water conditions in that area. Usually between the wind and the boat traffic, can get quite rough. I was like a mirror when I launched and the same way when I came back in. Saw some single breaking fish that were absolutely busting bait on top but they were so scattered, when I'd paddle towards the splashing, nothing came of it. Looks like the weather is going to turn south on us really quick. Hope if anyone wants to catch some nice perch and perhaps a keeper striper, head out there today.

Good Luck.

[Shady]

Glad you were able to catch more nice Perch after losing your Stringer. I guess that's more food for the crabs. Until the temperature drops a little more, I think you are probably better off keeping your catch in a cooler. One day in the spring this year, I had a good stringer of Perch at Jonas Green and at one point, I pulled up my stringer and realized that a couple of fish were chewed up by crabs. I have not used a stringer on the kayak since... I got a yak catch bag from Hook 1 and it works good to keep your fish and drinks for the trip.

[new2yaks11]

I was so angry at myself after having not tied the stringer to the side well enough that I almost packed it in for the day. It was such a beautiful day I couldn't let that spoil my day. Even if I didn't have the frozen bottles of water to keep fish cold, I would've have just caught and released for the fun. Those were some very nice perch. The kind I think all perch fishermen hope they catch during the spring runs. Hopefully it doesn't rain too much next couple of days. Hope to be able to get out again shortly and try again. I doubt I'll see another day like today. It was absolutely beautiful. Couldn't believe how smooth it was out there. With the exception of a few swells from the bigger boats, it was incredible. Since I don't have much "big" water experience, that was an added bonus.

[DanMarino]

Up River

I hit the Patapsco up river near the Daniels Dam. Paddled a bunch. Water clarity was excellent. Caught one smallie, saw some others, and also caught two rockbass as big as my hand. The river is small up there and my fishing was interrupted a bunch by other paddlers going past.

13

[Grilled]

that sucks about the stringer. at least you were able to catch more perch. im not a fan of stringers also. 2 weeks ago, down at rudee inlet, i had a 23inch striper on a stringer from bp, damn striper ended up breaking the stringer. i usually keep my catch in soft cooler bag inside my kayak but that night i didnt have any ice.

[new2yaks11]

I will have to look into something other than a cooler for sure. I was bummed about losing the stringer of fish, but kept on and was able to bring home enough nice perch for a good dinner.