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There's too many launches near me!
my choices for the day- Jonas Green, Fort Armistead or Southwest Park any one of half dozen ponds in Patapsco valley, Rocky Gorge, Susquehanna, Patuxent water trail to list a few
. Since I've never launched at Southwest Park I decided to give it a go . Dual surfaced concrete ramps w piers A good sized parking area, Minimal facilities. (port a pot and a trash can or 2) limited Hours - best be out by posted Time or you will be locked in so I've heard and best of all it's Free.
Given all that , next time I'll cart it to the water at Bell Grove near the VFW from her on since it's a mile closer to home and many paddle strokes closer to where I intended to fish. The launch may be a little more strenuous but for me it's all therapy
The river was a bit stained from the downpour we got last night but the ponds at Belle Grove were fairly clear surprisingly.
Winds and tides dictated a paddle upriver to take advantage of them on the way back. I paddled up to the B& A Rd Bridge before I made my 10th cast. in the feeder creek there I found white perch, yellow perch, bluegill and crappie all small and occupying a space no wider or longer than my 12' kayak. they kept me entertained for a good hour and a half. my last trip here on the 4th of July yeilded a couple of 14"bass off thee bridge pilings. They moved on 'cause the weren't home today or they recognized the Rapala I was tossing.
I drifted most of the way back fumbling with errant casts up on shore, into reeds and trees ( Fish sticks for dinner, dear?)
One frustrating tangle cost me the handle off my Phleuger spinning reel- favorite rod (st croix ) went into the holder for the balance of the trip. Line twist on my back-up rod caused me to strip a few yards and drag line for a few hundred yards to settle things down a bitmy nerves included. Fortunately my baitcater performed like a champ. I'd love to see what I missed on three of the strikes I had. one was a thunk with a good sizes boil with a spinnerbait. A crankbait got a hit and a quick headshake to set it free. The third a a clean bite off just below the ponds. in an area where I've had some savage strikes in the past. Someday I'll get a hook-up there.
No fish pictures. Today I kept tackle and accessories to a minimum. 3 rods,, the depthfinder, a dozen lures and a cooler w/3 bottles of water was all I felt like dealing with.
BTW - the ergonomic paddle I a pleasure to pull worth the extra expense. the extra bend in the shaft feels like it gives a bit more reach, the blade recovery at the end of the stroke is noticeably different from a standard paddle.
All in all, A relaxing workout on a gorgeous day
my choices for the day- Jonas Green, Fort Armistead or Southwest Park any one of half dozen ponds in Patapsco valley, Rocky Gorge, Susquehanna, Patuxent water trail to list a few
. Since I've never launched at Southwest Park I decided to give it a go . Dual surfaced concrete ramps w piers A good sized parking area, Minimal facilities. (port a pot and a trash can or 2) limited Hours - best be out by posted Time or you will be locked in so I've heard and best of all it's Free.
Given all that , next time I'll cart it to the water at Bell Grove near the VFW from her on since it's a mile closer to home and many paddle strokes closer to where I intended to fish. The launch may be a little more strenuous but for me it's all therapy
The river was a bit stained from the downpour we got last night but the ponds at Belle Grove were fairly clear surprisingly.
Winds and tides dictated a paddle upriver to take advantage of them on the way back. I paddled up to the B& A Rd Bridge before I made my 10th cast. in the feeder creek there I found white perch, yellow perch, bluegill and crappie all small and occupying a space no wider or longer than my 12' kayak. they kept me entertained for a good hour and a half. my last trip here on the 4th of July yeilded a couple of 14"bass off thee bridge pilings. They moved on 'cause the weren't home today or they recognized the Rapala I was tossing.
I drifted most of the way back fumbling with errant casts up on shore, into reeds and trees ( Fish sticks for dinner, dear?)
One frustrating tangle cost me the handle off my Phleuger spinning reel- favorite rod (st croix ) went into the holder for the balance of the trip. Line twist on my back-up rod caused me to strip a few yards and drag line for a few hundred yards to settle things down a bitmy nerves included. Fortunately my baitcater performed like a champ. I'd love to see what I missed on three of the strikes I had. one was a thunk with a good sizes boil with a spinnerbait. A crankbait got a hit and a quick headshake to set it free. The third a a clean bite off just below the ponds. in an area where I've had some savage strikes in the past. Someday I'll get a hook-up there.
No fish pictures. Today I kept tackle and accessories to a minimum. 3 rods,, the depthfinder, a dozen lures and a cooler w/3 bottles of water was all I felt like dealing with.
BTW - the ergonomic paddle I a pleasure to pull worth the extra expense. the extra bend in the shaft feels like it gives a bit more reach, the blade recovery at the end of the stroke is noticeably different from a standard paddle.
All in all, A relaxing workout on a gorgeous day
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