Delaware River currents

mikepet · February 17, 2022, 10:49:45 AM

Hey all, question on the Delaware River currents:

If I'm reading the charts correctly, it shows the river current at -2 knots during the high tide, and over 2 knots at times during the outgoing. Does the DE river current slow or even reverse on the incoming tide? I only ask because I'll be in the yak, and don't want to get caught trying to paddle against the current to reach my launch. I'm looking at Augustine Beach Ramp area.

Can anyone give me a hint of what I'm generally likely to see on the incoming and outgoing tides?

Mr. Ray III · February 17, 2022, 02:41:43 PM

St Augustine Beach inside the break wall shouldn't be that bad. The closer you get to the wall the harder it will push and outside it absolutely rips. Its not uncommon to get a 3 knot even a 3.5 knot current.

shedhunta · February 17, 2022, 08:25:47 PM

As an avid kayaker and crabber ai would not think about augustine in a kayak.

mikepet · February 21, 2022, 11:03:39 AM

Thank you both for your input!! I was looking at Augustine, but I'm travelling from PA and don't want to waste a trip. I do have a trolling motor on the yak, but I expect to only get about 3kn out of it honestly.

So that begs the question: is there any area of the northern Del River that is a decent place to kayak crab? If so, where would I launch from? What about the Canal?

Sorry for all the questions, not looking for exact coordinates, just trying to learn as much as I can so I don't waste my time.

Mr. Ray III · February 21, 2022, 05:25:05 PM

Quote from: mikepet on February 21, 2022, 11:03:39 AM
Thank you both for your input!! I was looking at Augustine, but I'm travelling from PA and don't want to waste a trip. I do have a trolling motor on the yak, but I expect to only get about 3kn out of it honestly.

So that begs the question: is there any area of the northern Del River that is a decent place to kayak crab? If so, where would I launch from? What about the Canal?

Sorry for all the questions, not looking for exact coordinates, just trying to learn as much as I can so I don't waste my time.

You can't take a kayak in the canal, plus the current isn't much better and its 50' deep.

I've been into Collin's Landing once or twice....I think you'd be better off there. Is about 30 minutes away from St. Augustine

mikepet · February 22, 2022, 10:21:24 AM

Thanks for info on the canal, I thought it was a bit tight, but didn't realize it was so deep, but that makes sense. I'll look at Collins Landing, thanks!

Skalizar · February 25, 2022, 02:28:09 PM

I've launched from Delaware City, Woodland Beach and all between and never had an issue. I do have a Hobie PA (17T), so it's a lot easier to fight current and winds, but I don't recall ever coming to a standstill.

mikepet · February 25, 2022, 02:50:59 PM

I have a FeelFree Lure 13.5, with a 40# Minkota (installing this spring), I dont have any worries on stability, but ability to get back upstream to the launch is suspect. THanks!

charlietuna · March 03, 2022, 04:02:29 PM

The DE River can be brutal at times, to the point where a single reed hanging on a trap line will pull the float under water. You're OK inside the Augustine wall if you pick days when weather and current isn't a factor. Full and new moon events mean lots of current...days between those events tend to be tamer. If you go out of the Augustine boat ramp and turn N, you're somewhat shielded from the normal down river current by the point that sticks way out to the E. Down river current, plus outgoing tide = ripping water. Down river current plus incoming tide = quiet times generally.

As another yaker mentioned, absolutely highly recommend the Woodland Beach boat ramp. The back water at Woodland offers some really good crabbing. Sometimes at low tide, getting out to the crabbing spots is tough in a small boat. I draw 18" and bottom out on the way out to the 5 - 8' spots I crab. There is some skinny water along some channels that hold lots of crabs along the edges. I see folks with ring traps load up there, but I only do OK with open tops. Trot lining is good in the skinny water too. Send me a note with your e-mail address and I'll return a satellite pic with hot spots identified.