Santa Cruz Newbee

I am new to this sport and have been out with Allen only once out of the Santa Cruz Harbor.  We got fish so the sport is somewhat understandable.  I am a very experienced Fly Fisherman but the Conventional Side is brand new to me.  I am looking for someone to go out of Santa Cruz or Capitola who can put up with someone just learning what to do.  I have a Hobie Outback (fully loaded with what is needed) so I won't be an equipment bother to whoever responds.  I just don't want to go out on the water by myself until I have the developed confidence to do it myself.  Last Tuesday, I was watching the fishermen in Capitola and thought, well I can do this and just go for it.  Something tells me this is wrong and you should be with someone else as a newbee.  If anyone would like to join me (especially during the week, I am very recently retired) I would love the company and expertise.

I live in Live Oak and go out a lot during the week, and was thinking of going out tomorrow(Monday) in this area, but it could be another day.   I was hoping to drift/troll for halibut, trying to work on my patience. But the areas I would go to would be real near rockfish structure.
  I only have a couple of  years experience ocean fishing, but decades of boating experience (maybe another way of saying I've survived (and hopefully, learned from) some dumb moves!).  You're right to start from the standpoint of caution, but this usually a pretty safe place to learn.  We've just had a long period of almost no swell and light winds (nearshore here), and it's going up a little for Mon and Tues, but nothing even approaching serious.  Mostly, you just have to see what you get so far as conditions are concerned and adjust.
   Let me know when you want to go.   

tom, get yourself a radio/mp3 player.  seems to help with my patience issue....

If you guys go out tommorrow post and I'll give it my best to show. For the next few weeks I am availuable Mon,Fri and Weekends with forewarning. Frankfishng

I'm going out of the SC harbor about 7 on Monday 7/23 (earlier if someone insists) headed a little east of the mile buoy.   I'll launch from the new hand launch place about 100 ft from Aldo's on the west side of the harbor off Atlantic Ave.

Fuzzy Tom / glad to meet you.  Tomorrow (Monday) would be great, Tuesday would be even better.  I am taking my daughter to the Airport right now and probably won't get back until maybe 9:00 P.M.  If you want to go Monday, I will just have to stay up later in the night making final  preparations.  If we go Tuesday, I will have tomorrow to finalize my Boat.

I just saw the launch right below Aldo's today.  If this is available for the public, it will be incredibly convenient. 

I will check in after I get back from the Airport to see what you want to do.  If we do go on Monday, just let me know the time and place to meet.  We will also have to make arrangements to get bait.  Having not done this before, I will be glad to do it I just need some help as to where.  The only thing I know of is to go to Bayside Marine and get frozen bait.  If you want me to do this, let me know and also what kind of bait. 

kh: check your private messages

Hey,
This is bloodbath (Joe), If you did not go out today Tuesday morning works for me, been doing this for about 6 months now and definitely into trolling for some hally. Post if you are going. I'm definitely going.

OK guys,

 Never launch from there.  There is a Kayak/ sailboat launch near "F" dock.   Same place you guys are trying to launch from.  Maybe. 500 yrds up the lower harbor.  Usually, we set up and have someone watch or gear and park in the the street with the homes outside of the lauching area.  The ramp is nice and there is no fee.

I don't know maybe things have change since I been there.

Ken kickfish

Hi Yaker:

         I found a nice map F.Y.I. Try to bring a casting net for the anchovies close to the dock or, you may buysome live bait at BBoys dock "S" where all the Monterey Clippers are. Worst case Ranch 99 mkt. has some food quality frozen bait.
         Make sure to visit the cleaning Station next to Bayside Marine for some good fish stories from the Locals.

see the West Harbor viewing area. The ramp is across from the Coast Guard.
                                                                                                             Ernie
http://www.santacruzharbor.org/vt/

     

There are in fact two hand launch ramps at the harbor, both on the west side, and south of the bridge. One, new, is close to Aldo's and the other near the bridge.  Both are open to the public and free. Parking is 75 cents an hour in the lots.  You can park on the street near Aldo's for free (curb your wheels!)There is a nearby toilet at the ramp near the bridge.