Intro/N00b

Hi all,

I don't have a kayak but just got an inflatable kaboat copy Unfortunately, running into some issues with AAA messing up the registration process so I won't be able to get on it for a while. I will be heading up to Monterey next week and plan to do a guided tour/kayak rental there next week. My hope is to be able to get on some rockfish/lingcod if weather permits. Never fished those waters before but it sounds like it's going to be mostly shallow water rockfishing? So would a 4000 sized spinning reel and 300 sized baitcaster reel loaded with 30lb braid and 20-30lb topshot of either mono or flouro and on 7' rods be recommended here? And either fish irons/diamond bars, shrimp flies, or double-dropper loops?

Any other suggestions on gear, tackle, bait, setups, rigs, techniques etc for this? My biggest concern is how the swells will be since the tour starts at 11am and gets back at 12:30ish. We have the rest of the day to use the kayaks but I feel like we will be limited in terms of where we can go especially if the winds pick-up.

Welcome jplee3 

4000 and 300 sounds right.  Don’t know the area.  Read some charts.  Mess around.  Get used to the ergonomics of yak fishin’.  Above all, dress like a pro.  Radio whistle pfd drysuit or wetsuit.  It seems like a good opportunity to “dress” for success.  Do you think they’ll be teaching “re-entry” after one falls in?  If not, grab a buddy and say hey, can you stick around for a sec while I practice something?  Not sure if this is sound advice.  Others can chime in.  Geet dem fishees and welcome!

4000 and 300 sounds right.  Don’t know the area.  Read some charts.  Mess around.  Get used to the ergonomics of yak fishin’.  Above all, dress like a pro.  Radio whistle pfd drysuit or wetsuit.  It seems like a good opportunity to “dress” for success.  Do you think they’ll be teaching “re-entry” after one falls in?  If not, grab a buddy and say hey, can you stick around for a sec while I practice something?  Not sure if this is sound advice.  Others can chime in.  Geet dem fishees and welcome!

Thanks. Seems there are quite a few "shallow rockfishing" types of spots and as you get further out the drop-off is drastic beyond 200-300' of water. We will only be renting yaks so not sure what else I need to bring with. I don't envision venturing into deep water either - if anything, I will be on a tandem fishing kayak with my 7yr old son. I do have a whistle and also just got an HX890 radio (but trying to figure out the MMSI registration for it etc)

I don't know if they'll teach re-entry. Maybe they'll briefly go over what to do? But I doubt we'd be practicing it in the water.

Always dress as if you will fall into the water! Water temp is usally well below 60. I always wear a full wet suit. Never wear waders as those are a death sentence if you submerge!

Welcome to NCKA JP 

Always dress as if you will fall into the water! Water temp is usally well below 60. I always wear a full wet suit. Never wear waders as those are a death sentence if you submerge!

Thanks! It sounds like the place we are renting from (Monterey Bay Kayaks) provides wetsuits along with the rental as-needed.

Good place.  They are good friends with NCKA, and it's a place I frequent many times a year.  They are also one of the only shops that carry's kayak fishing gear in house.  Welcome to the maddness!  You are likely to run into another kayaker or two while out there, say hi 

Good place.  They are good friends with NCKA, and it's a place I frequent many times a year.  They are also one of the only shops that carry's kayak fishing gear in house.  Welcome to the maddness!  You are likely to run into another kayaker or two while out there, say hi 

I've been thinking about a kayak for a while now but ended up with the kaboat. Still, it may be something in my future... just depends on if I can clean out our garage LOL.

As far as kayaking up there, this will be a first. I don't envision us having the opportunity to do it much so I want to make the most of the time. I would love to get into some rockfish and lings and bring some back to my parents while we're visiting (this is a short side-trip from the Bay Area while we're there visiting).

Welcome to NCKA JPL.   

Good place.  They are good friends with NCKA, and it's a place I frequent many times a year.  They are also one of the only shops that carry's kayak fishing gear in house.  Welcome to the maddness!  You are likely to run into another kayaker or two while out there, say hi 

I've been thinking about a kayak for a while now but ended up with the kaboat. Still, it may be something in my future... just depends on if I can clean out our garage LOL.

As far as kayaking up there, this will be a first. I don't envision us having the opportunity to do it much so I want to make the most of the time. I would love to get into some rockfish and lings and bring some back to my parents while we're visiting (this is a short side-trip from the Bay Area while we're there visiting).

I believe MBK offers a kayak fishing guided service, maybe you should check that out.

Yea, I was on their site and checked the schedule but it looks like they are only doing those on the weekends - we'll be there midweek.

I'd give them a call and ask anyway, they are very helpful and possibly able to work something out.