I love this stuff

I have been gathering good info from this site for the past year.  I signed up, but never posted, so my account was closed and I had to create a new one. 

So here is my introduction. 

My name is Duane and I love most things outdoor.  Back in 1989 I joined the Marines, but when I left I jumped into a career that took up most of my time.  I failed to enjoy the outdoor activities like I should have.  I was able to hunt and kill a bear once along with small game and birds, but never killed a pig or deer.  I would occasionally go fishing and loved every minute of it. 

My wife got a job on the Mendocino coast and I have been driving back and forth from the central valley for the last year.  I have come to love having access to so many rivers and the ocean any time I want. 

I borrowed a 13' Ocean Kayak from a friend and have been taking it out on the rivers for the past few months.  Not sure it is the best kayak for the river, but did not want to invest in a new one until I could be sure I would use it and make sure I bought one for the right water condition.  I have not taken it out on the ocean yet, mostly because I wanted to be prepared before I do it.  I watched those videos that were posted on cold water training and it really open  my eyes to the dangers out there. I recently had shoulder surgery and I still have a lot of pain and limited movement so I will stick to the rivers for a little longer.  I also want to be able to get back in the kayak if I fall out and I am not there yet. 

I did go out of Big River yesterday and dropped a crab pot.  I have to say the flow was extremely strong and the pot kept flipping over even though it was a heavier one.  I had to take a non-folding one and put it in the front of my kayak because it is still to hard to reach behind me while on the water.  This is the first time I took the river towards the ocean and did not go inland.  I am not sure if the current is usually this strong or maybe its because there has been a lot of rain recently.  How hard will it be entering the surf from the river?

I was also able to get a few abalone this past year and fell in love with diving.  I am now going to get my scuba cert and try spearfishing.  I have my pig tag, but haven't ventured out yet to get one.  I like the fact that this site is not just about kayaking, and has information on numerous activities. 

Keep posting and hope to see you guys around.  I easily could have been one of those new kayakers that die in the ocean if I did not actually try to learn about the sport before jumping in.

Welcome!

 

Welcome aboard.  Way to focus on safety before getting in too deep.   

How hard will it be entering the surf from the river?

Entering the ocean from a river can be extremely dangerous due to opposing currents, debris, water visibility and other issues.  I'd avoid it unless you're ready to surf and self rescue.

Welcome to NCKA Duane 

Welcome Duane!

Definitely think safety first either out on the rivers or the big blue. Just something to keep in mind is that rivers can be just as dangerous if not more dangerous at certain times for example winter, heavy flows, in back eddy currents, anchoring, ETC... 

Test paddle several boats to make sure your getting everything that fits your needs.

A great boat you may want to add to that test paddle list is Ocean Kayak Trident 13. It’s a great all round boat for both the river and ocean conditions. The T-13 is small enough for a quick turnaround in the river currents while large enough for handling the ocean either diving or fishing.

I am going to buy a couple kayaks before summer for different water types.  So any advice is appreciated.   I am also a big guy at 6'3 250 so I will have to look at what other big guys ended up buying.   I don't want to be top heavy or have one that fills up with water because of the extra weight. 

Welcome to the neighborhood. With your shoulder and size I'd recommend you give my hobie outback a test drive. I'd also recommend against Big River as a launch unless that surf is rly small, especially with so many easy places to access the water nearby. I've seen quite a few yard sales in that surf and taken some big spills myself just toying around there. Caspar Bay is usually a good nearby alternative to set a crab trap with relative ease.

Hurah !! Semper Fi. Looking forward to your posts in that neck of the woods. Don't forget a good cam/vid. 

Welcome to the neighborhood. With your shoulder and size I'd recommend you give my hobie outback a test drive. I'd also recommend against Big River as a launch unless that surf is rly small, especially with so many easy places to access the water nearby. I've seen quite a few yard sales in that surf and taken some big spills myself just toying around there. Caspar Bay is usually a good nearby alternative to set a crab trap with relative ease.

I am used to the shoulder pain, but still want to stay out of ocean for a little longer until I can safely get back in if it tips over.  I will stick with Big River for inland trips, but will look elsewhere when going into ocean.  Thanks for recommendations.  Are the Hobies the ones with foot peddles? 

If u got shoulder pain and are a bigger guy buy a used Hobie pro angler and be done... One kayak for everything youll thank me later

Caspar Bay is usually a good nearby alternative to set a crab trap with relative ease.

And a great place to fish, too! 

Same day...

Little River has been my go to spot but Caspar has been pretty kind to me bottom fishing as well. This coming season I'm shooting for the mud humps several miles off Caspar's south point in hopes of pacific halibut.  As for salmon in the area, Fort Bragg and Albion both pop off pretty well.

I have been out a few times last year in a boat for crab, salmon, rock fish etc.  Even caught a small halibut.  But taking a kayak is new to me. Thanks for all the tips.  I know van damme is near little river but not sure if that is considered little river or not. 

Yeah, Van Damme is Little River. Tried and true, its a great zone that got a lot of local guys into kayak angling, including myself. It is really accessible and consistently produces nice fish even though all the tourists and weekend warriors do their best to hammer it.