Newbie headed for Monterey Bay

Hi all. I was referred to this forum by one of your members and have been browsing around. What a lot of great info, I should have been here sooner.

My wife and I just started paddling this summer, and after 30+ years, I decided to begin fishing again. So most of my experience is limited to pretty easy paddling on the Stanislaus, and some miscellaneous. Have had some fun with Black Bass and a 15# salmon (a shame I couldn't keep it). It's been fun, but definitely amateur hour.

We will be camping at Brighton Beach next weekend for a few days. And what started out as "maybe I'll try for some crab" has turned into all sorts of gear and reading and thoughts of deep fried ling cod.

I've read the "sticky" for newbies and ocean kayaking, many thanks. I'm left with visions from movies of old time prospectors with huge packs and pots and pans banging against each other as they make their way <g>.

I have a 12.5ft Perception Castor with a rudder and a FF/GPS will be in it before we leave

Wet suit and PDF
I hope the VHF radio will be here this week
Thought I'd bring 3 poles ranging from fairly light to fairly heavy (1-6 oz lure)
net and lip gripper

I have a paddle leash and extra paddle, but how do you guys go about leashing your poles?

I don't have anything that makes noise, a decent compass or a pump.

I'm wide open to suggestions and have a couple questions.

What do you use for foot gear?

Where do you mount the fishfinder? My first thought was to put it on the 6" hatch cover right in front of me. But it is *right in front of me*, like 8-10 inches in front of my crotch. I could mount it below my pole holder, but that is far enough away that I don't know it would be easy to see or work the controls.

Does anyone know if I can launch from Brighton Beach? And if I it's practical, how would my fishing prospects be?

Of course, knowing near nothing, there are too many questions to post. I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks

Ben

Welcome Ben, I have been fishing New Brighton quite a bit this year. Mostly catching Brown RF and a few Cabezon and a Halibut. Your best bet is straight out off the kelp beds in 30-35ft of water. With a FF you will find some rocky ledges. good luck , kimo

Thanks Kimo,

It sounds like a good way to get started. With as much as there is to learn simple sounds good.

Ben

Sounds like your ready to fish...Good luck, From what I rember the launch and landing could be A little tricky.

Don't mount the FF too close to your seat, Like your thought I had mine pretty close and it made reentry (after ab diving) a real pain, get it out there 18-24" in front of you. get a whistle, and even a cheap plastic compass, (I have one attached to the inside of my hatch cover, never had to use it but I have been in the fog where direction was darn near impossible to tell.

Simple is good, right on there! especially in the beginning, you can (and probably will) add more crap later.

Have fun and be safe

I have been fishing New Brighton quite a bit this year. Mostly catching Brown RF and a few Cabezon and a Halibut Your best bet is straight out off the kelp beds in 30-35ft of water.

What is the best way to rig/bait for this?

Thanks

Ben

Ben,

Welcome to the board and to the madness!!!

The FF will mount nicely back about 10" from the front hatch. You will have to lean forward a bit to reach it but it will be out of the way.

Your Castor's rear cargo area will fit a std. milk crate nicely, and many of us zip tie pvc tubes inside for rod holders. Then you can tie down the crate and tether your gear to the crate!!

Good luck at NB!!!

Rich

I have been fishing New Brighton quite a bit this year. Mostly catching Brown RF and a few Cabezon and a Halibut Your best bet is straight out off the kelp beds in 30-35ft of water.

What is the best way to rig/bait for this?

Thanks

Ben

I havent fished that area much this year, but in general the simplest method is a two hook shrimpfly tipped with squid.  You could also use a swim bait on the bottom and one teaser shrimpfly above. 

the area was loaded with sardines a few days ago, so if you sabiki up some, you could live bait drift.  Ideal for that are 'halibut rigs' that you can buy anywhere.

I have been fishing New Brighton quite a bit this year. Mostly catching Brown RF and a few Cabezon and a Halibut Your best bet is straight out off the kelp beds in 30-35ft of water.

What is the best way to rig/bait for this?

Thanks

Ben   Hey Ben, I found that a small metal hex bar tipped with squid works the best out there. Just bounce it on the bottom, you cant go wrong. You could add a shrimp fly above that for an added teaser. Kimo

The FF will mount nicely back about 10" from the front hatch.

There's a Scotty rod holder in the way. I ended up sacrificing the the drink holder. Puts it within easy reach and viewing. What a pita though, working through the support foam.

Tried it out in our largest pond this AM. What a kick, though I can see there's more to learn in terms of interpreting what you see.

Thanks

Ben