SF guy looking to learn

Hey everyone! I'm a 31 yo guy based in SF. I've done a ton of shore-based SW fishing over the past few years, but now have a lot of time on my hands and really want to get into the kayak fishing game.

Right now I don't yet have a kayak and still need to figure out how I'd store one, but was hoping this board could provide some guidance. Also ideally would love to find a group / mentor who I could fish with and learn from.

Look forward to getting to know you!

- Joe

Welcome to NCKA Joe 

Welcome Joe to NCKA 

Welcome Joe! I'm also in SF and know all too well the challenges of storing kayak in this city.

Good luck on your search for a kayak. If you're going to do a lot of SW fishing...i'd recommend that you get a pedal kayak so you have free hands to work with. Tight lines and hope to see you OTW!

Hi Joe, welcome to NCKA. If you haven’t been in a kayak yet a good place to start is to take a class. There are several places around the Bay Area that offer them. You can learn the basics, and see if it something you still want to continue with.

Hi Joe, welcome to NCKA. If you haven’t been in a kayak yet a good place to start is to take a class. There are several places around the Bay Area that offer them. You can learn the basics, and see if it something you still want to continue with.

Thanks! Any specific class recommendation?

Welcome!  You might consider hooking up with one of our NCKA guides (when SIP allows).  You'll get a crash course in safety, appropriate gear, techniques, and local knowledge.  It'll definitely give you a jump start on the sport.  You're sure to meet a bunch of folks locally too. 

Hi Joe, welcome to NCKA. If you haven’t been in a kayak yet a good place to start is to take a class. There are several places around the Bay Area that offer them. You can learn the basics, and see if it something you still want to continue with.

Thanks! Any specific class recommendation?

I would recommend Sea Kayaking 1 & 2, and a surf zone class if you want to launch in the surf. There are plenty of protected ocean launch points so a surf zone class isn’t a must. The sea kayaking 1 class teaches the basics on how to use the paddle plus assisted rescue. The sea kayaking 2 class teaches more advanced techniques plus self rescue. The classes are taught in sit inside sea kayaks. If you learn to self rescue in a sea kayak, self rescuing with a sit on top will be easy.

I took my classes at California Canoe & Kayak and highly recommend them.