first time launching my kayak in the ocean.

im planning on launching my kayak in half moon bay this comming monday 9/13, im going to be launching it in the secret launching spot near the harbor. just going to hunt for butts and what not, practicing my self rescue on my kayak basically just chilling, i just want to know if there's any advice you guys have for me or tips, such as where to park, what bait to use or anything you guys can think off. and if your new to kayak fishing and your around  the area your welcome to join me or teach me. thankz guys

keith

just going to hunt for butts and what not, practicing my self rescue on my kayak basically just chilling

Good plan, Keith.  I'd keep the fishing mission simple by just drifting and trolling some frozen chovie or herring on a three way rig or a spreader.  Doing the self rescue practice and getting familiar and comfortable with your boat will allow better fishing down the road.  Have fun, good luck and welcome.   

Self rescue in the surf near the jetty. The surf there is fairly mild and don't forget to unleash your paddle before landing.

Careful in the surf close to the jetty.There are a lot of submerged rocks there.I saw them this morning at low tide.Stay a bit south of jetty rock wall.Try to see that beach at low tide if you can.I've practiced self rescue in the harbor.In front of HMB kayak many times.

thanks guys i really appreciate all the tips and advices. do you guys know where i can buy a kayak dolly? beside online, somewhere where i can just buy it right away.



keith

....do you guys know where i can buy a kayak dolly? beside online, somewhere where i can just buy it right away.
keith

Try these nice folks. Tell them you heard of them from NCKA
   
Aquan Sports
840 Brittan Avenue
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 593-6060

Open Weekdays 10:30am-6pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm

....do you guys know where i can buy a kayak dolly? beside online, somewhere where i can just buy it right away.
keith

Try these nice folks. Tell them you heard of them from NCKA
   
Aquan Sports
840 Brittan Avenue
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 593-6060

Open Weekdays 10:30am-6am; Sat 10am-6am; Sun 11am-5am

Yeah, and buy this one!

Also, by mentioning NCKA, you should get 10% off.  If Aquan doesn't carry it, try Outdoor Adventures.  They, too, will give you 10% if you mention NCKA.

I've launched right at HMB Kayaks.  The people there are very friendly.  I unload in the no parking area near them and have used their dolly.  They told me to use it anytime.  Then I parked in the parking lot across the street.  I never had any problems parking there

thanks guys! so i stopped by aquan sport today and the cheapest one they have cost $80 a little to expensive for me atm, for monday ill probably go with newfish's idea of launching it near HMB kayaks and probably use their dolly for now, but i know i will have to buy my own dolly eventually. thanks guys


keith

thanks guys! so i stopped by aquan sport today and the cheapest one they have cost $80 a little to expensive for me atm, for monday ill probably go with newfish's idea of launching it near HMB kayaks and probably use their dolly for now, but i know i will have to buy my own dolly eventually. thanks guys

keith

Good plan for the time being. I would not recommend the itty-bitty tired $80 one unless you are only going to launch off paved, concrete or hard dirt surfaces only (sheeyaah, as if!) you will need the one that dilbeck specified: http://kayakfishinggear.com/wheeleez-kayaktote.aspx there are loooooong threads about this, do a search if you need convincing.

keith
I usually drive down to the launch ramp  and unload right their at the fish cleaning stations.  carry the boat to the beach just south towards the jetty. Or use the boat launch and tie up on the far left side towards the beach. Then drive back to the free parking about 100 yards. don't park in the tandem spots. It's about a 15 minute paddle to the outside.

Rob.

jhfish it might be awhile before i can actually afford that kind of wheels for my kayak, but ill save up for it.

thanks rob i think that's what im going to do and work my way up to the old pier and fish for some butts there.


keith

How was your fishing?  I was going to try to meet you there, but wasn't able to.

drive down prinston road or whatever and launch on the north side of the harbor