Ocean fishing around Russian river

Hey again,

thanks again for great help here: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=65689.0 - after going back and forth we rented riverfront on a Russian river (swimming in both river and Bodega was deciding factor). So now the questions are:

- is there a fish in Russian river? I saw a thread that there is no much (?), but if you happened to be there (in kayak or fishing from the bank) - how would you do it?

- what's the most promising place(s) around for ocean fishing? I know about Timber Cove (RF and lings, right? where exactly do I go there?) and thought about trying got halibut @ Bodega (or  is it a waste of time?) Anything else not much further?

Thanks!

Sounds like fun. A friends family has a vacation house just up from the Jenner Bridge and it's always a good time.

Summer on the Russian River is smallmouth time. The usual culprits are best: crankbaits, rapalas, jigs, swimbaits, or spinners(may tempt a trout/steelhead as well). Anything that mimics a crawdad or baitfish tends to work. Depending on when you are going, there still may be some shad running through too. Check out King's Sporting Goods in Guerneville for what's hitting and what to use - their usually really on top of things.

As for the ocean, Fort Ross is right up the road with some rockfish reef within a short paddle. As you mentioned, Timber Cove is just a little ways up beyond that. Don't waste your time on halibut at Bodega - lots of time on the water for few fish.

Whatever you decide on, have a great time !

Thanks!

At Fort Ross - I know where to launch, where do I go next? And, more important - where I don't go to?

Map shows "Fort Ross reef" 3/4 miles south from the beach, and then some reef formation another mile+ to the south?

Keep in mind the RR has some tricky regulations. I believe it's artificial lures with barbless hooks only right now, but you'll have to check.

I've had fun catching smallmouth bass out there using small tubes and curly tail grubs. I never caught any big ones, but it was fun with light tackle.

thanks!

This might steer you in the right direction ... http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=193.msg1426#msg1426

Beautiful, thanks a lot! !