Looks like Andy found the Garden of Weeden! 

I know the guy in the Pelican is Yakattack. I didn't get the screen names of the others.

Today was a rare beautiful day in Alameda! No wind, smallish tides and temperate weather. A great day to do some learning.  As a relative "newbie", I try to learn something new everytime out. Today was no exception. The first thing I learned is that NCKA members are great folks that are really nice to fish with! Thanks for the baits and good times! The second thing I learned is that a live bait is king. After drifting with Popsicles I was lucky enough to get some live smelt to play with, (Thanks!) It wasn't five minutes after pinning one on that I learned my next lesson, always carry a gaff.(kunz here I come, just need to think of a witty slogan for my "git 'em stick") I was hooked into a great big butt that came up too easy, it wasn't tired and I was excited so I tried to pull it into my lap. The estimated 30" butt didn't like the fresh air and decided he was going back down after severing my leader with his razor teeth. Needless to say I was crushed! Seemed as though the others did great catching a couple of nice keeper butts. Yakattack got a ray that gave him a nice sleigh ride! Sharky had one come unglued too and a shaker before I left the fishing grounds. This is when my next lesson was learned, if the tide is in your face try to avoid it. After a mean paddle home on the bay side of the wall I arrived at the launch at the same time as the other guys I was fishing with, even though they left after me. How could this be? The took the inside route with no current, smart guys!!! Next time I'm going to do the same. Well, all in all, a remarkable day with lots of fish caught by us and the pb'ers around us! There here, now go get em!

An easy one to remember is the "9 to 5" . An uni to uni where you wrap the braid nine times and then the mono five times. I have never had one pull out. Another plus to this knot is that it lays flat so it passes through the guides with ease allowing for easy casting. When I fish I use a six foot leader of 25# fluorocarbon, with my lighter gear I'll downsize to 15-20# fluoro.

It's off Alcatraz. It's got a wind bouy at the east point. Go get em'.

Congrats! I just got my X-13 too. What color did you get? I went for the red. Seems like it's going to be a sweet boat on the water! Already put the 4in hatch in the tankwell, great for rear access. I'm thinking about putting another in the front livewell. I'm a little hessitant because I can envision a seal leak and a wet boat. I'd be interested in any mod's you're thinking about. I posted a wiki entry, check it out!

I have an '07 Honda Civic with Yakima rails and their Hullraiser J-racks.  The rack alone is a little noisy when driving down the freeway, not a whistle but a loud blowing sound. Loading my X-13 onto the racks is simple and the is adaquete padding for the hull and sidewalls.  When strapped down I noticed a little flex on the yak, however when I took it off after the hour ride home it was good as new. I've never had to have it up for more than an hour since I've only had it three days. So far so good. My kayak is just as long as my car and it's no worries. it doesn't even shimmy at 65mph.  My gas mileage suffered a little when it was on the racks but nothing crazy. Might mean an extra stop at the pump if I was going to San Diego.