New water

Hmm, I’ve probably tried at least a dozen new spots this year. Some are new launches at places I’ve fished, and some are brand new to me. Both fresh and saltwater. I like the adventure of finding and fishing new spots and have made some pretty far drives to fish new spots in California.

I like exploring new ocean spots. Always understand local tides, drift, customs, etc.

Navionics is ok and I use it, but I go here first:

https://maps.ngdc.noaa.gov/viewers/bathymetry/

MSW is good too.

Always inquire locally. If it’s remote and there’s no one else around, study the water at your launch and your alternates since you’ll be on your own. Mark them on GPS Incase you have W0X0F in return.

Hmm, I’ve probably tried at least a dozen new spots this year. Some are new launches at places I’ve fished, and some are brand new to me. Both fresh and saltwater. I like the adventure of finding and fishing new spots and have made some pretty far drives to fish new spots in California.

I try to make a point of fishing at least 1 new spot a month, ideally it would be more, but adulting gets in the way of fishing, lol.

Research.

How much time do you spend researching an area before you go?

Good question - it's been a while!  Anywhere that I guide I'm very familiar with, and I don't make it out of Humboldt County too much by choice.

If we're talking about a new place to launch on the ocean, the ability to definitely come and go from one spot is vital, and if you don't have that then you must have knowledge of alternative landings.  The main focus for me would be about safety for sure - not necessarily fishing info.

I agree, safety is an absolute. I spend a lot of time researching launch points on my Navionics app before hand and then put eyes on them to see how rough the terrain is. I also look where the closest alternate take out is from my launch, is there somewhere I can shelter, and even if I have a decent cell signal incase I need to check the weather, call for a shuttle back to my vehicle, or need medical help.


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Seems like you are thorough in your decision making.  Listen for "Amazing Grace."  Get in that water and shove off mate.  You are bound to discover so many observations once in the water that will answer many wonders of what the area has to offer, with primo safety as a standard and knowing your limits.

“How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me”
I’ve had a lot of days of taking pictures of my surroundings more than I catch fish. I got a really fuzzy picture of a bald eagle last week while I was fishing a new area, lol.

Research.

How much time do you spend researching an area before you go?

Good question - it's been a while!  Anywhere that I guide I'm very familiar with, and I don't make it out of Humboldt County too much by choice.

If we're talking about a new place to launch on the ocean, the ability to definitely come and go from one spot is vital, and if you don't have that then you must have knowledge of alternative landings.  The main focus for me would be about safety for sure - not necessarily fishing info.

I agree, safety is an absolute. I spend a lot of time researching launch points on my Navionics app before hand and then put eyes on them to see how rough the terrain is. I also look where the closest alternate take out is from my launch, is there somewhere I can shelter, and even if I have a decent cell signal incase I need to check the weather, call for a shuttle back to my vehicle, or need medical help.


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Seems like you are thorough in your decision making.  Listen for "Amazing Grace."  Get in that water and shove off mate.  You are bound to discover so many observations once in the water that will answer many wonders of what the area has to offer, with primo safety as a standard and knowing your limits.

“How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me”
I’ve had a lot of days of taking pictures of my surroundings more than I catch fish. I got a really fuzzy picture of a bald eagle last week while I was fishing a new area, lol.

Boom!  That's what I'm talkin' bout'.  Catching fish is the frosting of this cake that we build.  Where are you fishing tomorrow?

@Eddie I’m working until Tuesday then I’ll be off four days. I work for a steel manufacturer and work a 4 on/4 off schedule, 12 hour days rotating days and nights, , which is great for fishing, but not so much on my advanced aged body, lol.

Navionics is ok and I use it, but I go here first:

https://maps.ngdc.noaa.gov/viewers/bathymetry/

Thanks, Crash. What layers do you use on that bathymetry site? Are you viewing the bathymetry there, or downloading the files and importing them into something like Google Earth?

Navionics is ok and I use it, but I go here first:

https://maps.ngdc.noaa.gov/viewers/bathymetry/

Thanks, Crash. What layers do you use on that bathymetry site? Are you viewing the bathymetry there, or downloading the files and importing them into something like Google Earth?

I’m not tech savvy enough to do that. I just follow the advice posted on NWKA here:

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=19539.msg208300#msg208300

Thanks. It looks like "BAG Color Shaded Relief" plus "DEM Color Shaded Relief" give the best picture. Good coverage from Pacifica all the way into Oregon, though not in shallow water.

Thanks. It looks like "BAG Color Shaded Relief" plus "DEM Color Shaded Relief" give the best picture. Good coverage from Pacifica all the way into Oregon, though not in shallow water.

Something to look at as well, Navionics+ Platinum offers 3D viewing with depth finders that are compatible for California and Oregon.