More details: Me and my buddy headed out from modesto about 4:30am stopped at a bait shop on the way and picked up both frozen mud shrimp and live ghost shrimp.  We arrived at China camp village and realized they don't open the gates until 8. We launched around 8:20 and the goal was to make it to the pump house. We were clueless being our first time on SPB and first time sturgeon fishing plus it was foggy. Lets just say after almost 2 hours of paddling against the current we ended up about a quarter mile away. But since I marked fish on the finder and some seemed huge! we decided to anchor and start fishing.  The first fish was landed about 10:45, a 24 inch striper on a mud shrimp. The second fish was a 38 inch sturgeon my buddy hooked around 11:30(picture attached). I decided to roam and mark some more fish. at about 12:30 my pole showed a soft hit and then the line started running. Im guessing over 100 feet was taken. I pulled anchor and started the battle, after probably another 100 feet of line it decided to come back to the yak. Thank god for an avet reel which I was able to keep the line tight. It passed by me and i was almost dumped (turned me in almost a complete 180). The battle seemed to go by very fast but my buddy believes it was over 30 minutes. The hardest part was trying to pull it on to the yak(my guess would be it weighed 70-80lbs) Took pictures and a video then sent it free. Figured i would give my first sturgeon back to the fish gods, plus we didn't want to head in quite yet......I caught a 20 inch sturgeon after that and then the trek home was on.

What a Ride!

Hey all, we have only been on the salt twice and both in Santa Cruz because we are somewhat familiar with that area. Willing to travel from Modesto, thinking Carmel or Sonoma area. Looking for all suggestions please let me know.

Thanks,
Blake

Second time on the salt, landed a great ling. Just over 29 inches weighing in at 9.5 lbs. Met a fellow NCKA member Fishjogger whom was very informative. Thanks Dan at headwaters in lodi for setting us up for the salt! This picture is per your request.


Blake

Newbie here, we launched out of capitola last week and paddled to pleasure point. We are going out tomorrow the 17th and would love some advice. Hooked up on a couple fish last trip but not very consistent. Is the Harbor a better bet?

Hello Newbie here from Modesto Ca. Looking to hit up pleasure point this weekend. If I am reading the swell report and weather right it should be a pretty nice day. Anyone interested let me know thanks!

Looking for 2 kayaks, 13 ft +. Ready to fish the more accessories the better. $800-$1400 each within 100 miles of Modesto

Thanks,
Blake