Fitzgerald MPA at Moss Beach

Had brunch for Granma's b'day this afternoon at Moss Beach Distillery.  $32/per and the chow wasn't that great.  But the view is spectacular and there was a good low tide today. 

There's a couple of incredibly interesting features to Fitzgerald, that I think would make it a viable launch.  The reef appears to make a lagoon, which probably does't make a lot of shore dump even on a flood tide.



In fact, it looked very inviting, like some place to go snorkeling in HI.






Lotta people out.



Didn't see any MFE, but did see saw this lil octopus.





I'm def headed back here sometime to either snorkel or yak.  Montara is nearby so it saves at least 30 mins of paddle than having to launch from Pillar Point harbor.  Saw quite a few blubbery mammals sunning themselves, so Whitey is probably in the area also.

I don't know exactly where these coordinates shake out as to when no take gives way to "take".  So do your homework before trying to fish the area.  The following from San Mateo County Parks WEbsite:

~~~

Fishing Regulations

New fishing regulations went into effect at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve on May 1, 2010.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve falls within the Montara State Marine Reserve:

North boundary: 37° 32.7'N (Montara State Beach)
South boundary: 37° 30'N
West boundary: state waters line
East boundary: mean high tide line.

The take of all living marine resources is prohibited. No fishing is allowed within the Reserve. The take of shells, rocks, and drift wood is also prohibited. The new Marine Protected Areas have been designed to protect and sustain marine life, habitats, and ecosystems. Reserves provide an opportunity to learn from and enjoy intact ecosystems. New protection for ecological hot spots like Fitzgerald Marine Reserve will be a boon for the marine food web, foraging seabirds, and marine mammals.

Taking grandma out- that makes u a good grandson. Doing some recon on launch sites while you're at it- smart! Wtg on a beautiful day with family.

Peace, y'all

There's a few posts on coastside I've seen about the fitz reserve.  Sounds like there may be a citizens watchgroup....or a couple real nosey residents, who like to call F & G on those who look like they may be even thinking about using the area for legal activities or traversing the area to legal fishing grounds.  I'd avoid the hassle, or at least expect it when you get back onshore.

Narcs 

I'm all for obeying the regs, but dislike selective enforcement/prosecution which unfairly targets law abiding, cheeto finger lickin' citizenry

Mooch took me there once & expressed interest in snorkeling around that lagoon.

Sounds fun, if anyone's up for it.   

Mooch took me there once & expressed interest in snorkeling around that lagoon.

Sounds fun, if anyone's up for it.   

When I used to work for Aquan Sports, I had a customer who told me that he would take his kids out there to snorkel. They see lot's of small leopard sharks in that little Bay. Perhaps a spawning ground? Might also be a nice place to take some underwater photos.

I would love to check it out!

Mooch took me there once & expressed interest in snorkeling around that lagoon.

Sounds fun, if anyone's up for it.   

When I used to work for Aquan Sports, I had a customer who told me that he would take his kids out there to snorkel. They see lot's of small leopard sharks in that little Bay. Perhaps a spawning ground? Might also be a nice place to take some underwater photos.

I would love to check it out!

Sounds like fun.  When you're ready, I'll bring the cameras. 

Narcs 

I'm all for obeying the regs, but dislike selective enforcement/prosecution which unfairly targets law abiding, cheeto finger lickin' citizenry

Yeah, I was victim of that many times in the past. I used to poke pole just North of that area in the early days (before my kayak fishing days) and always get checked by the warden/dfg/ranger. Back then, it was legal to take fin fish but not any type of shell fish.

Narcs 

I'm all for obeying the regs, but dislike selective enforcement/prosecution which unfairly targets law abiding, cheeto finger lickin' citizenry

Yeah, I was victim of that many times in the past. I used to poke pole just North of that area in the early days (before my kayak fishing days) and always get checked by the warden/dfg/ranger. Back then, it was legal to take fin fish but not any type of shell fish.

The Man....always tryna keep a bro down 

There's a few posts on coastside I've seen about the fitz reserve.  Sounds like there may be a citizens watchgroup....or a couple real nosey residents, who like to call F & G on those who look like they may be even thinking about using the area for legal activities or traversing the area to legal fishing grounds.  I'd avoid the hassle, or at least expect it when you get back onshore.

There ARE people watching the area. Hunters and fishermen are considered scum to these folks, even though WE pay for most all state and federal refuges, preserves, ect.