A lot of introductions, is there a newbie info post?

Hi guys, I'm moving to the San Mateo area in a few weeks from Southern California. I recently bought a used Malibu Xfactor with fish finder and the optional factory drop-in bait tank. I just got a Thule saddle rack from eBay, and I still haven't even taken it out on the water yet.

I'm curious if there's info on the general saltwater fishing around the bay area? While I've previously lived in the North and East bay, most of my fishing experience has been freshwater bass or sierra trout fishing with little saltwater besides the occasional surf perch. I'd like to get a better idea of the saltwater possibilities in the northern part of the state. From what I can tell there aren't any yellow tail, not sure about calico bass, and a lot of focus on rockfish/lingcods. What about the salmon or striped bass? Are these seasonal, or close enough to get from a kayak year round?

Hopefully once I've moved and gotten settled in, I can meet up with some local members and plan some fishing trips.

Welcome to Nor Cal.  Maybe I'll see you up in Humboldt at some point.  Ocean salmon season runs from April through early November up here.

Enjoy your time discovering the better end of the state.   

Welcome and you will have lots of opportunity for exploring many ocean spots, bay fishing and freshwater spots if you still have an interest. 

Striped bass, salmon, halibut, Sharks, Rays and sturgeon can all be found in the Bay Area waters.  Lingcod, Cabazon and an assortment of Rock fish can be found easily in the ocean waters. 

Certain time of the year and when water temps rise some tuna will come close to shore but rarely in kayak range.  Not impossible just not likely. 

Welcome!

Welcome to NCKA guestwho 

Welcome guestwho!

I'm in San Mateo as well. Let me know if you want to meet up for an ocean trip at some point.

One difference from SoCal is that the colder and rougher seas in this area mean safety gear and skills are a bigger deal. This post is a great start: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=27534.0

 

Welcome to ncka! I'm a noob in Burlingame, would look forward to going out of HMB sometime with you!
Jim