Sounds like a cool adventure. Are you already accepted/entered?

I bet there is a forum for that race somewhere on the internet. I suggest finding that forum, and maybe engage with some other folks on similar vessels, who would be willing to travel with you. That way, you could assist each other in case of trouble.

I agree, a spare drive would be bulky and probably redundant, but would 100% bring a spare rudder, cables, and handle. Losing steering would be a real pain on that long of a journey. EPIRB is mandatory per the website.  Register your EPIRB, and include both you and a loved one's contact info in the registration. Maybe invest in a satellite device for comms - Iridium or InMarSat are what commercial ships use, but I think Spot and Garmin make some more affordable options. Just being able to send a text message would be a huge advantage in both assuring your loved ones you are safe, and in the event of catastrophe, relaying your specific situation to the rescue coordination team.

I would carry two VHF radios, and an extra PFD. Do you have a solution for charging stuff like lights and radios? Some sort of solar solution would be a good idea there. Or, get lights and radios that work on AA batteries, and carry a whole bunch of batteries.

I would also carry about double the food and water you think you need in between port visits/supply stops. Better to have more than you need, than need what you don't have.

Be safe out there - this won't be an easy voyage, but at least it seems like plenty of others will be doing it, which would definitely help me feel better if I was going.

Wish I had time to join you tomorrow.  I gotta do school drop off and pickup tomorrow, so my window is just enough to get a decent day in Alameda.  Good luck, hope you find em!

This is hilarious! I mean, they asked for it ...

Does that thing actually remove rust? That's awesome!

Nice work, thanks for the report! Crazy how strong stripers are - I think they punch above their weight class for sure.

Those Eddyline kayaks are super sleek - a C12 might be my next kayak.

For OP's question about Lifetime kayaks - I had a Lifetime tandem kayak for a couple years. It was cheap, and for it's size, wasn't too heavy. It had a little wheel in the keel which made launching at a boat ramp very easy.  But, it didn't have any attachment points for rod holders or accessory gear. The seats weren't great for longer days. Our model was super wide and stable, but also felt kinda slow for a 13' kayak. It was perfect for family outings on a lake, with the dog and the kids, which we did a few times before it sat unused for a couple years. I'm sure they make a fishing model that would probably work great for freshwater fishing, just not sure how much weight it would save vs other plastic kayaks of comparable size.

Not to change the conversation too much, but have you considered a small pickup for kayak transport? I carry my kayak in my F150 bed, and even though it is 4x4, my tailgate is a lot lower than most roof lines. I just slide it right in, no need to lift anything over my head. Maybe a Ranger or Tacoma might fit your need, and make carrying the kayak easier.  Older Rangers can be had for pretty cheap, and some had longer beds.

Following….i like how you can troll 2 rods in Benicia.

Same, I usually start with a rattle trap and an A-rig, and if one gets hit more than the other, will switch both to match.  Have a few new things to try also, should get bit.  If very steady action, will go down to one rod, or just drift and cast. 

I tried a month or so back. Facebook had been lit up with people catching in the delta and the bay. So I figured the same, try in between. And it is an easy drive for me.

At least back then, I was the only one at the launch (so not a good sign). And the water was extra extra dirty. Couple of inches visibility. I was surprised, it hadn't rained that much immediately prior to when I went. Not sure what it will be like now with less recent rain (except for yesterday of course).

If I was to go again, I would check the water with perhaps a plan to drive a bit further if it didn't look good. But also I'm not super familiar with striper fishing. So my read might not be the best.

Thanks for your report here.  Were you looking deep or shallow?  I wonder if on the way back into the salt if the stripers just cruise through?  Seems like on their way up river they hang out for a while on the way through Benicia.

I'm wondering too...  I live here and honestly should just be out there trying more but I've gotten addicted to trying for halibut or jonesing for rockfish, and am probably neglecting striper possibilities lol

I hear ya - I've been pining to get out on the coast, but my schedule and the weather can't seem to align.  I've been doing a lot of freshwater to fill the gaps, but I'm definitely ready for a lingcod.

Anyone fish for stripers in Benicia in the spring?  Like, now through the end of the month?  I know people are catching in both the Bay and in the Delta, so I figure why not try to catch them in between?