Santa Cruz Area

I am new on this site and bought a Kayak a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I don't live near the ocean so the only time I have done an ocean trip was up in Oregon and was somewhat of a disaster. I didn't have to be rescued by the coast guard or anything but thinking back on it very comical, I got swept down the coast for a couple of miles up in Port Orford. It was really kind of stupid because all of my experience has been on the Colorado river and on lakes, but I was anxious to try this stuff out and couldn't be pursueded otherwise. I have since come to my senses at least a little. I had to abandon my kayak on the beach while I walked several miles back to my vehicle and when I returned for my kayak I found someone trying to steal it. I have not taken my kayak to the ocean since although I still have this urge. I don't have a marine radio or a gps, I do have rod holders as well as a small bait keeper(battery operated), I realize this is probably not sufficient for tackling the ocean but I live pretty far away and don't get to the coast as often as I'd like. I am headed up to the Santa Cruz area next weekend, can anyone give me any tips, or am I crazy for even contemplating this.

Umm, given your past first experience, I'd suggest you retain a guide.  SCAllen is a go to guy for santa cruz.  give him a holler, and good luck.  hope to hear a good report from ya

Umm, given your past first experience, I'd suggest you retain a guide.  SCAllen is a go to guy for santa cruz.  give him a holler, and good luck.  hope to hear a good report from ya

I second that...Allen took me out on my first ocean trip and it was nothing but a great experience.  Plus you'll be better off with a guide this time of year...it's not like you can find a kelp bed and just drop for rockies, after all.  Not until the season opens at least. <checks the opening day countdown clock and whines> 

You'll find plenty of folks to fish with in the Santa Cruz area, but not till later on in the year...some species can be taken now, but rockfish and lings are out. A day with allen will help with orientation and safety concerns. It's a pretty safe sport for those who are prepared.

Now THAT is an introduction LOL!
Getting humbled by the ocean might work in your favor (in the long run). Because now you have a healthy appreciation for its power.
You should definitely consider going out with a buddy or a group until you get a good 'feeling' for the ocean. Or, at least, a good idea of what to expect in SC. It is certainly a good starting point because its usually mellow (and somewhat protected).
Good luck Karl,
PK

I second the recommendation for SCAllen as a guide. My first experience in the salt was with him and I had a great time. Feel free to hit me up next time you make it down to SC and the rockfishing season is open.

-FF

Hi Yaker:

  I launch form the West harbor in S.C. .It costed 5$ to park all day.
You may park on Alantic  for free after you drop off your gear.
 The public Dock across from the Coast Guard is fun and, they have
fresh water  plus  a John.
                                                           Good Luck
                                                           Ernie
http://www.santacruzharbor.org/vt/viewarea.html

give me a a call at 831-251-9732, and I will help you all I can.  if not a trip then at least tips.

As mentioned above, it is "off season" here in snata cruz, but there are some nice days to get out and paddle, drop a line for ?

Remote chance of a hlibut (very remote) and maybe mackerel or sand dabs, or even king fish just to catch something.

any rockies or lkings have to be released till the season opens, but sometimes you can have a lot of action on those fish while going for other species specifically.

Allen