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JBAY UNLOCKED!!!!!! - East Coast Kayak Fishing Team JAMAICA BAY & ROCKAWAY INLET REFERENCE MAP # 12350 JANUARY 10, 2009   1.                  BIG FISHKILL CHANNEL             Locals refer to this channel as the “OLD CHANNEL”. The Channel is located directly EAST of the Seaplane Ramp, which has been the traditional starting point of the Jamaica Bay tournament. A visual reference for the Old Channel is an island located East of the Seaplane Ramp, known as RUFFLE BAR. Ruffle Bar is a large island containing numerous trees, some sandy shore areas, grass hassocks, and numerous birds. The OLD CHANNEL runs in a North/South direction. The channel is 15 to 20 feet deep in some areas. The drop off into the channel from the adjacent flats is quite dramatic for the Bay, and is easily identifiable with the use of a depth finder. The channel is bordered by low water and grass hassocks on both sides. Many of the hassocks remain submerged even during low tide.             Fisherman should consider trolling a Tube/Worm  through the length of the channel. Other rigs for this area include the Gulp Shrimp and small poppers. During April and May, the  “shrimp bloom” occurs in the grass hassocks and sand bars surrounding Ruffle Bar. Striped Bass and Weakfish take full advantage of this bloom and feed on clouds of emerging shrimp.   2.                  RUNWAY CHANNEL                   Runway Channel crosses the Old Channel at the “RC”Bouy which is located SOUTH of the Seaplane Ramp. The Runway Channel tides run considerably faster than the calmer flats area, due  to the close proximity to the main Rockaway Beach Channel.. The wind is also a factor when fishing this area.                   The channel, especially where it crosses the Old Channel , creates a funnel effect, where Bluefish and Fluke congregate. Trolling Kastmasters, Storm Wildeyes, or Hopkins in the area will produce a fish. Consider replacing the treble hook on your lure with a single hook. Extracting a treble hook form the mouth of a Bluefish while sitting in a kayak is no fun.                   Fisherman should note that although the Map indicates  that the Nova Scotia Bar is located  just Southwest of the Runway Channel, the Bar is always submerged and therefore it cannot be used as a visual reference point in locating the Runway Channel.   3.                  RAUNT CHANNEL                   The Raunt Channel  is located Southeast of Ruffle Bar. It can be reached by following the Runway Channel in a Southeast direction to Bouy “3R”. The channel is located between Ruffle Bar to the Southeast and The Raunt, an island containing some trees and a sandy shore. The Raunt Channel is 25 feet deep and holds fish that wait for bait to drain from the surrounding marshes. The North section of the island is frequently used as a place to stop , rest and re-group.       4.                  BARRED ISLAND AREA.                   Barren Island includes the general area where the tournament is staged. The channel running North/South adjacent to the Seaplane Ramp is a both a commercial and recreational boating channel. The Channel is clearly marked with Bouys and is 45 feet deep. The best fishing occurs during a High Tide- Outgoing. The tide will run in a Southerly direction towards the Rockaway Beach Channel. The Channel is well known for trophy Weakfish, some over 15 pounds. The entire length of the Channel is the best bet for Bass, Weaks and Bluefish. Anchoring in the area is not suggested due to a strong current, tidal flow and Commercial vessels .       An alternative is the area to the North, centering around Bouy G-9.  The Barren Island Channel intersects with the Mill Basin Channel at this area.  The Mill Basin Channel flows in from the WEST. The area is a favorite for local fishermen who are targeting Weakfish. Drifting in the area using a high/low rig, (worm on the low hook and squid strip or Gulp on the high hook) is a productive method. While in the general area, consider venturing into the Mill Basin Channel. The area is noted for schools of Bunker. Use a large weighted treble hook to snag a bunker and drift the bait in the channel. Weakfish are eager to take a live bunker. The Mill Basin area is also a good place to get away from a strong wind and offers some calm water.   CAUTIONS FOR THE NOVICE OR FIRST TIME JAMAICA BAY FISHERMAN   WIND       Jamaica Bay is a Kayak Fisherman’s Dream location. The fishing from April through November is consistent and can some time be incredible! However, strong winds, foul weather and or fog can sometimes cause conditions that are dangerous, especially for the kayaker. Please use discretion.   BOAT TRAFFIC       The area is used by Commercial vessels, as well as recreational boaters and the dreaded personal watercraft crazies. Commercial Vessels service JFK Airport, various concrete batching plants and two sewer plants on the Bay. Tugs, Barges and other large vessels sometimes need over ¼ mile to STOP. The vessels wake cause large rollers that break along the shallow marsh area long after the vessel passes you.   SIZE/AREA       Kayakers frequently under estimate the actual size of JAMAICA BAY. When reviewing a Nautical Map of the Bay for the Tournament or your next adventure, consider using the nautical mile chart information to determine the distance you plan to travel. Keep in mind the temperature, wind velocity and tidal current for the return trip. .   Copyright © 2010 Kayak Fishing. All Rights Reserved. Joomla! is Free Software released under the GNU/GPL License.