Bolinas Beach Crabbing

Have been using Advance Elements kayak for years, I finally picked up a 2016 Hobie Outback a couple days ago. I think it's time to venture out to the big pond. Although I've fished out of a small boat many times, kayaking is a different story. I am thinking of a good place to get some practice and get used to the new yak.

I was told that Bolinas beach is on fire for crabbing. Anyone has any general idea of the area? I looked on Google maps and saw a lagoon that look like a good place to put in my yak. Is setting crab traps allowed inside the lagoon?

I just shark fished the lagoon Saturday. Usually the crab pick your bait clean in there. Four hours, I only rebated one rod, once. I do not think that there are many crab in the lagoon right now. The beach launch into big blue at Bolinas is gnarly, don't do it until you get some practice.
Go to Bodega Bay or Halfmoon Bay until you get some time in the seat. Practice getting back into your kayak out in the water. There are some good videos available and discussions on here, use the search feature.

I wouldn't recommend Bolinas for a first time. If you don't time the set correctly or if its high tide, it can be very dangerous! Coming back in is tricky as well. Rogue waves come out of no where lol Wasn't fun the last time I went lol

Yeah, I would got to agree with crazyfisher here. Bolinas is a more advance kayak fishing spot. It is not for first timers.
I would recommend easier spots like HMB, as the other guys have said.

Thanks for all the advises. I will definitely get practice until I fill safe before venturing out to the big pond.

For Bolinas beach, I plan to stay inside the lagoon, so I am wondering if kayaking is allowed inside the lagoon?   

It is VERY shallow in the middle, and at low tide, it is a sand bar/mud flat. There is a trench around the edge that they dredge and maintain a channel. Because it fluctuates so much I do not think many people do it. I have never seen a sign saying not to...

Thanks for the info guys. I will probably put in some time on a local lake first before going to the big pond.

There is no way I would launch at Bolinas with crab gear. Not worth it to me. Drive a bit further north and do Tomales bay or bodega bay.

As Rich said, inside the lagoon is dead right now. Talked to a crabber at the spit yesterday and he said thay a friend had picked up two crabs in seven hours with multiple snares out on Monday. The six snares out yesterday had zero crabs. The kayaker and commercial guys out in the ocean though came home with lots of big crab though.

I'd agree with crabbing Tomales Bay. Only issue would be wind in the afternoon. I'm going out Sat. Was out two weeks ago and had a blast. It got windy, but I have a Tandem Island, so wind is my friend. The trampolines are great platforms to crab from. Good Luck!!!