LIFR 2009 Peconic River Canoe/Kayak Trip

The 8th Annual Peconic River Bass Trip and Picnic will be held on Monday, June 29. 

This year we’re going to open up your options by including Forge Pond in our agenda. Forge Pond is located above the section we have always fished in the past, and is accessible by canoe and kayak. However you must have your own vessel to launch in Forge, as it is not possible to paddle there from the Fisherman’s Deli. If you would like to rent a boat from the deli you may do so and fish the lower section of the river. Both sections hold bass, pickerel, crappie and bluegills galore. 

You can fish anywhere from a 5 to 8 weight outfit, depending on what flies you intend to use. I use an 8 weight because I prefer to cast big deer hair bass bugs, but you will be able to handle streamers and smaller poppers with the 5 weight. Sinking lines are not necessary since most of the river is quite shallow, and weeds will make for difficult retrieves with a sinking line. 

I recommend using a 1X or 0X bass leader, with 10 lb. test tippet. While this sounds like over-kill, you will need it when fishing the lily pad beds so abundant in this river. The heavier tippet will also save your flies from being bitten off by voracious pickerel, I have landed some from this river over 21”. 
My favorite flies (besides bass bugs, of course) are white, chartreuse and yellow streamers. Gurglers tied in # 6 and # 4 are very productive, along with foam beetles and hopper patterns. Rabbit strip flies and Kiwi muddlers have taken some very good bass here as well. 

We start early and I advise members to be on the water by 6:00 to have the best fishing. The Fisherman’s Deli opens at 6:00 for those who need to rent. Don’t forget to bring sunblock and drinking water; it can get very warm as the morning goes on. 

Our picnic will take place at 12:30 in the parking lot at the access area across from the Snowflake Ice Cream stand. Cost of the picnic is $7.00 per person, including beverages (but bring your own beer, if desired.) You must sign up and pay in advance to attend the picnic. 

All participants on this trip must be paid up members of the LIFR. 

For sign up and further information call Lee Weil at 516-997-6743.

--Lee Weil--