Saturday on the sonoma coast

I often work my way towards the reef, but I've never made it all the way there.  Usually I work the outside edges of the kelp beds, because there's structure and it's shallow enough that canaries are rare and can be released.   By the time I've hit all the paddies on the way to pedotti, it's time to start making my way back again.

The kelp beds around the north point are much larger than to the south, probably offering great diving in the areas nearest the shore because the bottom seems to drop off more gradually.  I saw guys were climbing down the cliff to dive there, must have been something motivating them to do that.  Wouldn't want to paddle that far with a wetsuit jacket on, but it's pretty easy to land there - big boulders break up the surf.  So one could paddle their gear to that area, land and suit up, then head out only a little ways to dive, or just dive from the shore without rapelling involved.

Hi!!  Been cruising this site for months now and this is my first post.  Just to let you guys know, there was a shark attack off of salmon creek on 10/19.  A surfer was bit by a 14' great white and was air evacuated to a Santa Rosa Hospt.  She is doing fine and recovering well.  The beaches are currently closed in that area which may make access difficult if your plans change and you do decide to try that area.

Hi!!  Been cruising this site for months now and this is my first post.  Just to let you guys know, there was a shark attack off of salmon creek on 10/19.  A surfer was bit by a 14' great white and was air evacuated to a Santa Rosa Hospt.  She is doing fine and recovering well.  The beaches are currently closed in that area which may make access difficult if your plans change and you do decide to try that area.

     Welcome to the board!

What Josh said is my normal route... if you have a fishfinder, you'll find lots of humps and dips just outside of the kelp on the way to Pidotti's reef.  I've never been disappointed with taking that route.

Working around the point to the north there is a big reef extending out from the north cape... kind of snaggy but it drops off at the edge to 80 or more feet.  Then there are some holes around the front that get over 100 feet... up to 40ish feet near the edges of the kelp.  That is the area I've fished least and plan to continue exploring that direction more.

Lots of guys dive out front, but I've never dove it personally.  What I will say is that almost everywhere I've dove off the kayak at Fort Ross has been good, save those spots that are hit hard by shore-based divers.  Best bet is to find where water is cleanest and appropriate depth and go diving... there will be abs.  Even spots that appear to have a relatively flat bottom will usually have somewhat isolated boulders that abalone will stack up on.  Sometimes those areas can be best because nobody thinks to dive on them.

It's looking like I'm going to have to work tomorrow.  

Cant make it after all......Dads birthday party this weekend....

Hey guys,
 Where exactly is this launch spot? It's been a few years since I've been to the Salt Point area. I am really eager to get up there...Thanks.

There's a big sign that says 'fort ross historic park' or somesuch.  It's hard to miss.  You can also see the fort as you're going north if it's light out.  

http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=38.51639&lon=-123.24&scale=25000&type=1&zoom=100&bpid=MAP0060030900%2C1%2C1%2C0&latlontype=DMS&searchscope=dom&CFID=976399&CFTOKEN=74661759

Well looks like UPS couldn't get my VHF to me in time for this weekend.
I will be the big yellow kayak with the back end sitting LOW in the water from all the fish and abs.
Good luck and be safe everyone

Oops ... I just entered the ling and rockfish tournaments.  I hope someone is bringing a scale!!!  

-Allen

I've got a 100lb scale that was certified for the mud marlin derby a couple years back.  I'll need it for my 40lb ling.  

Oh, who's interested in spearfishing too?  I've got my spare gun along.  I think I'll also take some Uni and give it a try.  Not sure if I'll like it, but while I'm down there...

Promethe, you better bring 2 boats to carry your catch! Good Luck!