Shelter Island Paddler Club

Fishing on the East End is unique in that you can catch fish by surfcasting,
personal boat, charter boat and, yes, even by kayak.

Kayak fishing is, by far, the most rewarding and thrilling experience you can bargain
for. If you can find the rare freshwater fishing spot and capitalize on it with an even
rarer sizable bass, then you've had yourself a special day.

FRESHWATER: Largemouth bass are more pronounced in East End freshwater
areas than smallmouths. Shelter Island features three fish-able pieces of water -
Dickerson Pond, Fresh Pond, Deer Park pond and Lily Pond, the latter of which is
rarely fished due to lack of access.

If you find anything other than bluegills or bass in Shelter Island's freshwater spots
then you are in the extreme minority. Most people don't realize that freshwater
fishing can be a fun experience on the Island and most choose to go out on the
saltwater to get the bigger fish. Freshwater fishing also requires more patience and
lighter tackle.

SALTWATER: For the more adventurous type, saltwater fishing is where it's at. Hop
in the kayak and prepare for the experience of a lifetime, especially if you catch a
bluefish or striped bass.

Once you cast your popper, bucktail, kastmaster or hopkins lure, get ready to reel.

Menhaden Lane is the most popular spot for bluefish around mid-to-late May and
early June. It's not uncommon to see fishermen lining the beach 20 feet apart on
any given night. Take the kayak out far enough past the casting distance of the
surfcasters and you will be successful.

Paddle around Wade's Beach in the early morning and go by the point off the old
Garr Estate for good action.

Reel Point is a great spot for fishing, but you need to walk out there or paddle from
another put-in spot in order to get there. Bluefish and stripers come through on a
regular basis, but you need to have some skill to drift with the current and stay away
from boat traffic.

GETTING IN AND OUT: It's important to practice getting in and out of the kayak with
your fishing rod. Nobody wants to be embarrassed in front of their friends...or get
wet even before you've started. Save the getting wet part for when you pull that fish
over the side of the kayak for the first time.

The best thing to do is to mount a rod holder to the side of your kayak so it's already
in place when you get in.

If you don't have a rod holder, you can get in two ways. Place the fishing rod in the
middle of the kayak cockpit and get in one leg at a time, around the rod. Or, try
holding on to the fishing rod in one hand as you get in, but you'll be more unstable.

When you're ready to unload your catch and get out, try not to put the fishing rod in
the sand. Push yourself up and get out first, then take out your tackle.