I got my “Rescue Step” in the mail. It’s a good safety device that serves multiple purposes (using it as a tow rope and for portaging too). I’ll carry it every time I’m in a sit on top incase I come across someone that can’t flip their boat over or are too weak or hypothermic to get back in their boat. I’ll also carry a paddle float.

This product looks like it could do the trick. It can be used to flip your boat as well:

Didn't see this post until the day after you went fishing, but for next time, consult the BASK "trip planner". BASK=Bay Area Sea Kayakers (kayak touring club I'm a member of) This very powerful tool was recently updated. You don't have to be a member to use it. It's a great dashboard type tool, everything you need on one page. The details tab shows pictures of the launch ramp after you click on the yellow put-in marker. 

https://www.bask.org/trip_planner/2.17/

I had a run in with what must have been the same swan if you were just North of the RR trestle at Cuttings.  That stupid thing was honking for the longest time, then my buddy noticed that it was coming straight for us.  It took it's time, but was obviously determined to get a hit in once it got to me.  I have heard that they hit hard, and the forearm was within easy striking range. I got my paddle ready and brushed him off the first time.  The swan played like it wasn't going to do anything-preening, sticking his head under water, I really think he was waiting for me to look away.  I figured I can play that game too, so I stuck my paddle blade in the water.  As soon as I did that he came in for the hit, but I nailed him hard in the chest with a jab from the end of the paddle.  I knew it was the only way to get the message across.  He swam back to the dock where his mate was, honking the whole time.  My 2 buddies thought it was hilarious!

I think that the both of us need to take a picture of the giant swan paddle boat that sits on a dock at Black Point.  I remember that it's just North of the RR trestle. 

Lots of topwater action at Mendo Saturday under cloudy skies, and limits for Andrew and I in 2 hours and by 12:30pm. Calm water, and QUIET! Fished North of the point again, and the boils were directly across on the West shore, or near the point. 2 smaller fish on a popper in the boil, 4 larger ones on the extreme slow troll.  The kept fish ranged from 24-30 inches, 5-8 lbs.  The bite slowed  as the afternoon progressed. Only 3 other kayakers, one of which was Jonesz.  Nice to meet you Glen.

Thanks for the update Terry.  I was just thinking about how you were doing up there.  I've been fishing Spring Lake a lot, but it's been slow but good practice for me.  I've also been building up a small fleet of kayaks to store up there in Nice, and have upgraded my bass fishing gear that is nearly 20 years old!  I'm ready for Tule Island and Rodman Slough.  Do you think I should stick to the South for the Fall? I checked out Anderson Marsh area a few weeks ago, but the water is really low back there right now. 

The Cuttings Wharf exit is off of Highway 121 going East, just before where 121 goes into Highway 29.  Go down river after the launch, about 1/2 mile to the RR trestle.  I was fishing about 150-200 yds up river from the RR trestle, fish in the channel, but closer to the Eastern shore.  You should be able to mark a hole there.



I haven't tried the Steamboat Slough area for stripers, but Pondsurf is the expert on this area.  I'll forward him your request.  He grew up fishing this area and speaks Striper. 

Eric, you're right.  I remembered the 100 lb mark being a maximum fish, but that was under the old law of 72".   The head, fins, guts weighed 30 lbs.  I've yielded 30% of filleted fish vs overall weight, but there's more waste that way.  I skinned this one and steaked it out.