fishing the Channel Islands?

Folks...

Just got back from a week in Ventura (visiting the GF's family), took a wetsuit/boots to the beach & jetty(s), and also fished a day on the Ventura Pier... good weather, but the water is so shallow (even at high tide) with a slow drop off, that all I caught were bait fish no bigger than my hand. Rigged a few up and threw them out hoping for a sting ray or shark, or something exciting to catch & release - and nothing. My first time fishing So. Cal from the shore.

We took a day trip and guided hike out to Santa Cruz island, the big island of the channel islands... being the 1st of the year and most species of boat fishing had closed, and uncertain about the legality of fishing from the two big piers on the island (Scorpion and Prisoner's), I left the poles on the mainland. Once out there - it was incredible to see the amount of sea life around the piers - in 20 ft of water - all crystal clear and thriving. Pretty incredible... saw dolphins, whales, and orcha on the ride out and back.

Was wondering if anyone had some insight on fishing regs for the island, some info I could gather was shady - boats have to stay 800 yards off shore, but folks mentioned seeing kayak anglers out there during the season, etc. Wind was blocked by the island, swells were non-existent, beautiful conditions even for the new year. The ferry only charged $20 to haul your kayak out, and camping on the island was just as cheap. Has anyone been out there & fished - better yet, brought a kayak out there? I'd love to go back and give it a shot! Thanks...

Aaron

8/6-8/10
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=51289.0