Best Kayak Fishing Destinations - Mid Atlantic

Potomac River tributary | credit: USGS

The Mid Atlantic region is home to some of the best kayak fishing destinations in the USA. This post includes a state-by-state sampling of kayak fishing destinations in the region.

New York

The upper sections of the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers offer some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the East Coast.

New Jersey

The Raritan River Watershed is one of New Jersey’s most popular areas for kayak fishing. The Upper Raritan Watershed includes the South Branch Raritan, North Branch Raritan, and numerous smaller tributaries.

New Jersey also provides access to the Delaware River. Coastal areas contain launching areas near some of the best known fishing spots on the East Coast.  

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has hundreds of miles of small streams and creeks that are suitable for kayak fishing. The Susquehanna River is known for its smallmouth bass fishery and other opportunities.

Raystown Lake is one of the best impoundments in the Mid Atlantic region for landlocked striped bass fishing. Near Reading, Blue Marsh Lake noted for its black bass, musky, walleye, panfish, and others. 

Below the Blue Marsh Lake stilling basin, the Tulpehocken Creek tailwater is said to contain one of the best trout fisheries in the area.

Maryland

In Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, three rivers are known for their outstanding northern snakehead fisheries.

The Blackwater, Transquaking, and Chicamacomico rivers all produce trophy-class snakeheads. Unusually large snakeheads are known locally as "Godzilla," "dragon," or other nicknames.

In the Chesapeake Bay, kayak anglers fish for striped bass, speckled trout, red fish, and other sport fish.

At Ocean City, kayak anglers fish the inlet, bridges, and coastal bays for flounder, striped bass, bluefsh, and other species.

Delaware

One of the smallest states, Delaware is known for its millpond fishing. From Wilmington to the Maryland line are hundreds of small to medium sized manmade lakes, ponds, and other waterways. Catches include largemouth bass, crappie, pickerel, northern snakeheads, and others.

Virginia

Virginia has a wide range of kayak fishing opportunities. The state has a number of lakes and other impoundments suitable for kayaking. Virginia rivers range from mountain streams to large brackish environments.  

Washington DC

Near the capital is the Potomac River, known as the nation's river. Potomac anglers catch bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, carp, northern snakeheads, and other species. 

North Carolina

The Albemarle - Pamlico Sound complex contains thousands of miles of swamps, creeks, rivers, and bays where kayak anglers fish for freshwater and saltwater species.

Popular impoundments include Lake Gaston, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Norman, and Roanoke Rapids Lake.

Best Shoes For Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Watersports

Several types of shoes, sneakers, boots, sandals, and slippers are popular for kayaking.

When choosing shoes for kayaking, it's important to consider what types of launching areas and terrain will be encountered. In some cases, more than one type of footwear may be needed during the course of the day.

Conventional sneakers are often worn by kayakers. These work well in dry environments but have drawbacks in situations where kayakers must get their feet in the water.

Other shoes are made specifically for kayaking and other watersports. Most offer an aggressive grip and either waterproofing or an open design that allows water to quickly drain from inside.

For many paddlers, water shoes are a popular choice. Water shoes are designed to be worn in or out of the water in areas where support, traction, and protection are not essential.

Five finger shoes are a popular choice of kayakers, canoeists, and fishermen because of this product's grip, performance and control.

Croc shoes offer a variety of inexpensive models that work well for kayaking. Most crocs have an open design and holes for drainage.

Sandals are another option for kayakers. Sandals are totally open and may offer traction on slippery surfaces. They tend to be comfortable to wear, even when wet.

In some areas, lightweight rubber boots are suitable. Boots are especially useful when launching in muddy environments and in cold weather. 

Footwear choices can also be dictated by the type of kayak being used. For example, owners of pedal drive kayaks sometimes choose footwear that is comfortable while pedaling. Some kayakers wear one type of shoe or boot for unloading and launching, then switch footwear for pedaling.

Camden Water Trail Phase II

In Camden New Jersey, the 13-mile Camden Water Trail is connecting current and future park lands and water access points around the Back Channel and Cooper River.

The trail aims to encourage recreation on and around the rivers. Work is underway to provide public access sites, interpretive opportunities, habitat restoration, and other improvements.

This project is in Phase II with additional parks lands, access points and interpretive signs to be installed by 2023. 

Planning for the upgrades is being undertaken by Camden County Parks Department, Discover the Delaware partners, and local officials.

Efforts are underway to add several stops to the Camden Water Trail, including:

• Cramer Hill Nature Preserve

• Petty’s Island Preserve

• Sadler’s Poynt Waterfront Park: Install floating dock

• Pyne Poynt Park Beach: Redesigned

• Sadler’s Marine Services: Potential park/boat house

• Cramer Hill Waterfront Park

• New Camden Park

• Farnham Park

• Gateway Park: Install dock

• Kaighn Avenue Dam: Install fish and boat passageway

• Cooper River Boathouse

• Cooper River Boat Ramp

• Cooper River Yacht Club

• Cooper River Park

• Camden County Parks Department: Install access point

For more information, visit: www.camdencounty.com and www.upstreamalliance.org.

Discover the Delaware’s partner organizations include: County of Camden, UrbanPromise, Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Independence Seaport Museum, Camden Community Partnership, NJ Natural Lands Trust, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority and Upstream Alliance.

Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam Kayak -SOK Fishing Tournament

Summer Flounder

The Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam Kayak Fishing Tournament and Stand Up Paddleboard Fishing Tournament will be held June 25-26, 2022 in Ocean City, Maryland.

This tournament format includes no minimum number of anglers and over $7,000 cash purse to be distributed to the top three anglers.

During the tournament, kayak anglers can experience why Ocean City, Maryland, is known as "The Fishing Tournament Capital of the World."

Tournament anglers can fish the back bays and inshore ocean for the following qualified species:

Flounder

Striped Bass (aka, Rockfish or Stripers)

Bluefish

Sea Trout (Grey Trout, Speckled Trout)

Bottom Fish (Sheepshead, Triggerfish, Spadefish, Black Sea Bass, Spot, Croaker)

Cobia

Red and Black Drum

Spanish and King Mackerel    

Winnings will be based upon combined weighed in points of each angler's top three fish of any qualifying species over 2 days.  Anglers can even have 3 of the same qualifying species to win.

$7000 Guaranteed Payout with No Minimum Number of Anglers:

1st   Place- $4000

2nd Place- $2000

3rd  Place- $1000

4th Place- (New For 2022) Lightning Strike Pedal Drive Kayak

Anglers can also participate in optional entry levels to win awards, money, and prizes. Prizes include a $3000 Los Buzos Panama Stay and Hosted Fishing Trip with Robert Field, a fishing stand up paddleboard from NRS, custom fishing rods and reels, depth finder, sunglasses, coolers, and other prizes.

Daily winners will be chosen for each qualifying species and the tournament features a new Junior Angler Division. The tournament will also include a kickoff party and weigh in festivities for anglers and spectators.

Ocean City Maryland is known for its inshore fishing areas. Popular fishing locations include the route 50 bridge, route 90 bridge, inlet jetties, Thorofare, Sinepuxent Bay, Verrazano Bridge, and others.

For more information, visit fishnpaddle.com.

Related Information

Ocean City Saltwater Fishing

Things To Do In Ocean City

2022 Paddle for the Border - Dismal Swamp Canal

17th Annual Paddle for the Border
Saturday May 7th, 2022
Dismal Swamp State Park - South Mills, North Carolina (launch)
Great Dismal Swamp Boat Ramp - Ballahack Rd., Chesapeake, VA (finish)
* Registration Closed *

Dismal Swamp Canal

The 2022 Dismal Swamp Canal Paddle for the Border is expected to attract paddlers from all over Virginia. In February, due to popularity, registration closed for the annual 7.5-mile paddling excursion to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The event is sponsored by the City of Chesapeake Parks and Recreation.

After enjoying a traditional pre-launch breakfast at the Dismal Swamp State Park, in South Mills, North Carolina, paddlers will embark on the leisurely three-hour journey to cross the state line.

Paddlers finish the day out with a picnic lunch on grounds of the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail at the Great Dismal Swamp Boat Ramp at Ballahack Rd. in Chesapeake, VA.

The 2022 Paddle for the Border in Dismal Swamp Canal will begin on May 7, 2022 at 7:30 a.m. and end around 2:30 p.m. Mariners are requested to use caution when transiting the area.

More information about the event can be found at www.dismalswampwelcomecenter.com or www.cityofchesapeake.net.

Related Information

Best Areas for Kayaking in Hampton Roads Virginia

Pre-Season Kayaking Things To Do

Recreational Sit In Kayak

This article includes ideas for creating a pre-season to do list and other tasks that need to be done before the next kayaking season gets underway.

One of the first tasks is to begin a thorough inspection of kayaks, safety equipment, and other gear.

Prior to the start of the season, kayaks and other paddlecraft usually need to be inspected for any damage or other problems.

It may be a good idea to check for any deformation of the hull that may have occurred during the previous season or during winter storage.

Simple kayaks may require little pre-season work other than inspection, cleaning, and a fresh coating of UV protectant.

Other models may need additional work. Items such as cordage, hatches, attachment systems, rudders, and anchor trollies will need a complete inspection, cleaning, and functional check.

Kayak accessories should also receive a close inspection, and if needed, service or replacement.

Paddles should be checked for cracks, excessive wear, or other structural problems. Two-piece paddles usually need to have the connection points cleaned and lubricated.

Electronic devices may need service including charging or replacing batteries, inspection, cleaning, and performance testing.

It is also important to check gear related to kayak transportation, loading, and unloading. Trailers, carts, rooftop systems, and other equipment should be inspected and maintained if necessary.

Before beginning the season, it may be necessary to review launch permits, licenses, and other regulatory documents. 

Most kayakers choose to display some form of vessel identification sticker which may need servicing or replacement.

After a complete inspection, service, and cleaning, most kayaks will be ready to launch.

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Essential Kayaking Gear

Essential Kayaking Gear

This article provides information about gear that can be useful on the water.

Kayakers face an array of challenges on the water. Although gear is available to solve a number of problems, paddlers have limitations on space, weight, and other considerations

Clothing

Depending on conditions, clothing may need to provide protection from a number of threats. Breathable, water resistant clothing is required in most situations.

One of the most popular practices for kayakers is to dress in layers. As conditions change, paddlers may add or remove layers of clothing.

In warm weather, light pants and shirt might suffice. Cooler conditions may warrant the use of coveralls, lightweight waders, or other specialty clothing.

Also important are items such as hats, gloves, and eye wear. Combined with proper clothing, these items can provide protection from the elements, insects, and other hazards.

Safety

When choosing kayaking gear, safety should always take priority. Essential safety gear usually includes PFD(s), sound emitting device, light, compass, spare paddle, etc.

Electronics

Due to a variety of factors, electronics are often considered non-essential equipment. Despite their cost, weight, and susceptibility to water damage, some paddlers rely on electronics on the water. Cell phones are the most common electronic device used by kayakers. Smartphones and other devices offer a stunning array of apps and other tools that can be helpful. Other electronics include hand-held VHF radios, walkie talkies, GPS units, fish finders, and similar equipment.

Useful Accessories

Most kayakers have a list of essential gear that is carried on every trip. In addition, paddlers may consider a few extra items to carry.

When choosing additional gear, multi-use items have priority. For example, items such as bungee cords, carabiners, multi-tools, duffle bags, plastic zipper bags, and other products have dozens of uses.

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Kayak Fishing Checklist