6/9 Norcal newbie - Can meet anywhere striking distance from SF or Walnut Creek

Hey Guys,

This is an awesome forum you guys got. Sorry for the long background info, but I figured the more you know the better you could help.

Basically, my brother and I are used to fishing for bass in the midwest (shore and boat) and fished a lot in the Socal ocean. We have two kayaks and some gear ready to go for freshwater fishing minus a fish finder and net. Catching some salmon or halibut in the ocean would be great, but we don't have GPS or radio either... Not sure if these are absolutely necessary.

If anyone wants to meet up Sunday and show us the ropes we'd be stoked. Anywhere you think we'll have the most fun sounds good to us. Or if you guys have any pointers (lures, free launch access, etc..) that'd be cool too.

Thanks,
Reece

There is a tourney at new melones this weekend, a good way to meet some of the locals.
Welcome to NCKA.

look under hookups for people getting together to fish.

What city are you guys at?

scubaluis- Thanks for the heads up. That sounds interesting, but also seems hard to meet people while they're trying to win a fishing tournament. Would we be able to fish there that day?

ohhhgee-  We live in SF, but hold the kayaks in Walnut Creek. Can be in either place Saturday night/Sunday morning

scubaluis- Thanks for the heads up. That sounds interesting, but also seems hard to meet people while they're trying to win a fishing tournament. Would we be able to fish there that day?

ohhhgee-  We live in SF, but hold the kayaks in Walnut Creek. Can be in either place Saturday night/Sunday morning

That is a better reason why you should show up the day before and prefish the tournament then bring some food and hang out after fishing, a lot of us do it that way.

Welcome!! Fish finder/GPS aren't necessary, but I would HIGHLY advise a Waterproof VHF radio - wind and waves can get hairy quickly here on the Pacific. Of all the gear to have and NOT need to use - PFD & VHF are at the top of my list. They're not cheap, but an investment that will save your life. Hope to see you out on the water!!

Welcome!! Fish finder/GPS aren't necessary, but I would HIGHLY advise a Waterproof VHF radio - wind and waves can get hairy quickly here on the Pacific. Of all the gear to have and NOT need to use - PFD & VHF are at the top of my list. They're not cheap, but an investment that will save your life. Hope to see you out on the water!!

..and a wetsuit and surf booties as well as wickable under clothing.  Also you would be wise to take a self-rescue and and surf launch and re-entry class ...big blue is no joke, she giveth and she taketh away...(leash EVERYTHING)

be safe

Thanks rroland, I didn't take the time to go down my own list of 'must have's' on the ocean. VHF & PDF are a must. I learned about leashes the hard way - thankfully on freshwater - had a boat wake dump me on Berryessa and lost $400 worth of gear in 80ft deep in seconds, even some of the stuff that was leashed came undone. The leashes that I did have were long, too thick, etc. and ended up being a mess when flipping the yak back over. Since then, I've made my own (carabiners, small/narrow 2ft bungee cord, w/ velcro computer cable ties) and they're a lot safer than the ones you buy online. I fully agree with wickable non-cotton base layers, a light-weight waterproof/windproof jacket (most fold up and store easily), wet suit (sleeve-less optional) w/ dive boots (thick - 6mm?) and my feet STILL get cold. It can get pretty foggy, and it's easy to lose sight of the shore if you go out deep - a GPS unit has been really helpful, and if trouble does occur, you can give your coordinates to the rescue you call on the VHF. I go so far as to have an extra paddle and hand-held water pump for only on the ocean. But there's a fine line between having TOO much gear on-board, which can make things just as unsafe. I've learned to travel lighter... but never go out without life-savers!

Welcome to NCKA Reece