| Western Raritan Bay has lots of places
to launch a kayak. We've marked a few of the better locations
but there are many more. These will get you into the water
and onto fish. In the Spring this part ofthe Bay sees the
most fish. The shallow waters warm quickly and bass can be
caught consistently starting in April. To get to the general
area you'll be using the Garden State Parkway (GSP) and exits
123 through 117. Spots are marked west to east.
Cheesequake Creek: It's a bit tricky getting to the water.
You need to go over the bridge on Rt. 36 and turn around at
the next available jug handle. Then heading east on Rt. 35
you need to take the exit just before the bridge. You'll end
up taking a road under the highway and into an old Wide View
parking lot. You'll be launching on the west side ofthe inlet
jetty. There's lots of old pilings and the jetty rocks to
fish. Also the creek with its inlet and its tributaries to
explore and fish.
Lawrence Harbor: Just park at the lot right at the beach
which is at the end of Lawrence Parkway. Its very easy.
Cliffwood Beach: Take Cliffwood Ave. off of Rt. 35 and head
towards the bay. Park in the lot across from the Athletic
Field. Its just over the bridge and next to a small creek.
There is a cove where the creek empties into the bay and very
shallow water. This is a great area in the Spring. Bass in
April and the first large blues later in the month and into
May. Tiderunner Weaks from late April through May.
UniodPebble Beach: Keep going past the East Creek launch
and at the end of the road it makes a sharp turn. Right in
front of you is a dirt lot. Park and unload here. Wheels are
nice here as the water is about 75 yards. Head west from the
launch and you'll encounter sod banks and a creek. From here
west is excellent fishing. The big 3 are your quarry. This
area often gets to thick with blues in May and June that you'll
have difficulty getting to the weaks and bass. As you head
west you turn the corner and this is the beginning of Pebble
Beach. There's 2 more inlets down the shoreline. This now
puts you in the bay by Keyport and on the other side is Cliffwood
Beach.
Union Beach - East Creek: Take Union Blvd. Off of Rt. 36.
You'll pass over a small creek where you get your first view
of the bay. There's a dirt road and parking lot right at the
creek. This is the easiest access on the entire bay as you
can literally drive right to the water. You will be launching
in the creek. Its best to park on the high ground as a large
tide will flood the lower lot. Don't time your launch or return
at low tide as there won't be enough water to paddle your
kayak. Also make sure that you have a bow rope to tow just
in case you time it wrong. From this spot I like to head east.
There's a point protecting a bay which has an inlet with good
flow. The point area is good and a 100 yards off it are a
bunch of pilings which Eastern Union Beach hold bass. Bass,
weaks and blues are your quarries here. |
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