So for us nearshore no joy....So May1 all of California season is open its not all broken up in different counties ?

In general, yes, on May 1, all of California is open to 20 fathom or less to rockfishing. But areas south of Point Lopez are already open since April 1st. Please check the regulations here:

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary

Lol! I guess I'm in the minority. When I'm out fishing, it's for the peace and quiet. Someone once called it water therapy or fishing Zen. Having two fish on just makes me too anxious and impatient. Catching for me is secondary. At least this is what I have been telling myself (skunked 3 out of 4 last trips).

I would check out Bill Kiene's forum....

https://www.billkiene.com/forums/

You can also try calling his fly shop in Sacramento or The Fly Shop in Redding.

Thanks for the response AlsHobieOutback! Much appreciated. My main goal is to get the wife into some beautiful almond blossoms, the kayak fishing is a just side bonus. Happy wife, happy life.

Happy Valentine's day everyone!

Thanks albiec! I haven't tried the Norma yet, just the CCI and you're right I think I just need to adjust my expectations. It groups tight enough at those 30yd ranges. Do you have any preference between the CCI and the Norma?

I don't have any preference between the two, just use whatever is available on the shelf and sight in your rifle.

Lately, I've been experimenting with handloaded 38spl cartridges with Barnes or Cutting Edge 140grain bullets in a 357mag 18" barrel singleshot rifle on varmints (ground squirrels) to see what works and what doesn't. I've been practicing to get 1" groups at 40 yards, but I also don't want to depend on headshots. If I'm off and it ends up a body shot, I would still like to keep some meat. It's not quite there yet, and it might never, but it's fun to experiment during the winter.

I may end up going down .22 Hornet, but I really like the simplicity of straight-wall cartridges. The next step would be 327, but then I'd have to order a custom barrel.

Hi canadianjerkey,

Not sure what you mean by reliable, but I have used Norma Eco-speed and CCI Copper-22. You do have to keep the shots closer, as they don't group well at 100yards. Most of my shots are 30yards or less anyway. I only use lead-free 22lr with a singleshot rifle, it forces me to conserve and really focus on one-shot, one-kill.

Actually, almost all of my hunting is with single-shots....

Did someone say they need my secret carp fishing spots?

Black Butte Reservoir. Launch out of Buckhorn and head west to the North Fork Stony Creek arm. The inlet to the lake feeds into a large mud flat that is 2-3 feet deep. You will find carp cruising that area in the early mornings and afternoons. Sight fish using black wooly buggers or mohair leeches using a 5 weight floating line and make sure you drop the fly 2 feet ahead of the carp. If there is a pod of carp, you want to target the stragglers or tailers towards the end of the pod. That way you have a better chance of multiple hook-ups from the same pod if you are fishing with someone else. This is great practice if you are planning on going bonefishing or snook fishing. Make sure your fly reel has backing, because you will see it. And don't bother hand stripping unless you like line burns! Average carp is 5lbs, biggest I've caught was close to 18lbs. There are 20+lbs in there as well.

There are other places that have mud flats as well, but none are as productive as Black Butte or replicate bonefishing on the flats as well, IMO. Closer to home, Frank's tract is great, but you can't really wade, and the window for sightfishing is small (late fall game when water is clearer).

Say hi if you see me. Almost no one does....

Man !

We need to get you on a Hali, Albi.

If nothing else. I would be more than happy to gift you some Hali fillets.

Last year i ran into a herd of mackerel. Included in the hall were also spanish macks. The spanish macks meat was white and they didnt take as much care as the green backs that require constant icing..

LOL! I have caught Halibut before. Just not impressive enough to show people. 32" is my PB Hali. And I've only caught 4 total in more trips than I care to admit. My excuse to the wife is that I'm just going to get fresh air and exercise.  TBH, I'd rather flyfish for carp in the shallows of Black Butte or the Delta. Plenty of 10lbers, awesome fight, and everyone is willing to share their secret spots!

The Tug is the Drug!