Bodega Bay Launch Points & Leopards

My wife and I are headed down from the Evergreen state for what looks to be a rather chilly week long California camping and kayak fishing trip.

We are hoping to camp and fish Tomales Bay for Leopards but if the wind ends up being too strong we may opt for Bodega Bay as a backup. We also like birdwatching so I'm sure Bodega won't disappoint on that front.

Does anyone have recommendations on best kayak launches and spots for Leopards in the bay? Do they feed shallow or in the deeper parts?

We will have our full body dry suits and will be practicing C&R with barbless circle hooks. Thanks in advance.

Hearts Desire would be a easy launch for you guys. You can access Marshall and Inverness. Some really nice beaches to stop and picnic on heading north from there too. If you are into birding I would highly recommend going to Bolinas. The Audubon preserve there is incredible

This is where I used to do best on sharks and rays, the blue pin is on a really big turn out with an easy launch off the bank, no facilities tho. Truth be told off Hearts Desire is probably just as good.


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If you make it down to Stinson Beach for any reason, I'd recommend hitting up Bolinas Lagoon for both rays and sharks. You can kayak there but you're better off going from shore as its pretty shallow. There are some massive sharks in the 5'-5.5' range that I've caught there which is almost max size for leopards as far as I know. It's not really the area you're looking for but thought I'd share anyway. Have fun and tight lines!

I like Heart's desire, as well.

I've caught monster sharks from the shore at Indian Beach, which is the next cove over from Heart's Desire.
You can also drift for early season halibut.

Also, if the wind is howling in Tomales it won't be much better in Bodega.

I like Heart's desire, as well.

I've caught monster sharks from the shore at Indian Beach, which is the next cove over from Heart's Desire.
You can also drift for early season halibut.

Also, if the wind is howling in Tomales it won't be much better in Bodega.

They just closed camping and most access points in Tomales Bay due to a shipwreck and fuel leak. I guess its going to be Bodega Bay or bust. We may drive down and do some birding/shore fishing in Bolinas too.

They just closed camping and most access points in Tomales Bay due to a shipwreck and fuel leak. I guess its going to be Bodega Bay or bust. We may drive down and do some birding/shore fishing in Bolinas too.

Im not 100% sure but I believe all beaches are still open and only Miller Park is closed. When are you guys visiting?

Yes other access points remain open according to NPS but we had booked camping in Tomales Bay and they are no longer allowing that. We are going to camp at Dorian beach instead at Bodega on the 17th. Hopefully we can find some sharks there if not we may try Tomales on the 18th. 

Have you checked Lawson landing? As the crow flies it's only a couple miles from Doran Beach and it's at the mouth of Tomales Bay. The drive from Doran to Marshall isn't bad about 30 minutes and has an easy launch... I've caught leopards launching for Lawsons landing but the current can get really strong and make for a rough paddle back