Pacifica Salmon Hookup

Hi forum,

Been trying to catch my first salmon from Pillar Point with no success.
Its convenient place for me since I can just walk from home, but have a feeling it is not a very convenient for salmon fishing from kayak, so wanted to try launching from Pacifica.
Would be happy to hookup and tag along with someone who can show me "how its done"
I'm free on most weekends.

To my eyes conditions look better at your local spot this weekend. Pacifica can light up at times, but it sounds like the hot bite that was there has passed. Bite sounds like it is tough everywhere right now with the king tides and the rapid cooling of the water with the recent winds (bouys dropped 7 degrees in 3 days from 58 to 51 - yikes).

Keep posting and once you hit 10 posts you get the secret decoder ring that unlocks the members-only posts. Keep an eye out for hook ups and you'll get out there. In the mean time keep at it. HMB was mostly a bust last year but it is usually one of the more productive spots thanks to Coastside and the net pen project. I highly encourage everyone to pony up the $25 for a Coastside membership just to help support that net pen project - I've gotten way more back in terms of pink meat than I've spent on memberships over the years. Just my $0.02. https://coastsidefishingclub.com/

Cheers,
Brad

Thanks for info Brad! Yeah, this weekend def seems way too windy to my liking.
Is Coastside the same org that releases young salmon at the HMB harbor (seen this happening in June)?

As for HMB. Been a bit salty seeing boaters returning with limits. People say they go 20mi out, obviously too far for yak.
I went out a couple of time 1-2 miles out trolling at ~40-60ft with bottom at 100-130ft. Almost didn't see any bait balls there (though a lot of anchovies shallower). Never had a bite. Am I doing it wrong or just unlucky? Should I go farther/stay closer?

Fish the bait balls when you find them - - the fish follow the bait. Sometimes their deep, sometimes by the cans, sometimes hugging the edge of the reefs. Adjust the depth your fishing as well. Finding them and then getting them to bite is the fun part. Good luck!

Cheers,
Brad

Thanks for info Brad! Yeah, this weekend def seems way too windy to my liking.
Is Coastside the same org that releases young salmon at the HMB harbor (seen this happening in June)?

As for HMB. Been a bit salty seeing boaters returning with limits. People say they go 20mi out, obviously too far for yak.
I went out a couple of time 1-2 miles out trolling at ~40-60ft with bottom at 100-130ft. Almost didn't see any bait balls there (though a lot of anchovies shallower). Never had a bite. Am I doing it wrong or just unlucky? Should I go farther/stay closer?

Troll the green and red can area by Pillar Pt. Very close to the harbor. It's very productive and the fish that funnel back into the harbor due to the net project will end up cruising right through that area.  Matts with the YouTube channel Fisherman's Life just posted a video bagging some nice ones out there.  I caught my first few kayak salmon right at that green buoy

Yeah I think I watched 5 videos of people slaying at HMB.  The FML video was great

Just watched the FML vid and my faith in HMB is recovered!
Will try to stay closer to harbor next time (for some reason I thought salmon hunting grounds were in deeper waters).
Thanks everyone for responses and see you on the water some time!

Regards,
Eugene

I have been looking to try salmon from my kayak too, but alas I have no downrigger. I assume you can use the 2 1/2 pound sinkers as well?

I also currently have no fish finder, so I'd probably want to get out with someone who does .

I have been looking to try salmon from my kayak too, but alas I have no downrigger. I assume you can use the 2 1/2 pound sinkers as well?

I also currently have no fish finder, so I'd probably want to get out with someone who does .

balls or better yet a Deep 6 (or double deep 6) diver can work as well. having a GPS fishfinder is a pretty important safety item, compass as backup of course. fog can be blinding out there

FWIW, I was at Pacifica Wednesday from about 7am-1pm and didn't see any signs of salmon coming through, lots of croakers/king fish around, followed a few bait balls of anchovies here and there, but not much came up on finder in terms of anything chasing them that day. Did see some dolphins and a shark cruising around on my way in but don't know enough about dorsal fins to ID. Ill be trying HMB cans again next time!

Did see ... a shark cruising around on my way in but don't know enough about dorsal fins to ID.

Just keep repeating to yourself, "it's only a mola"...

Did see ... a shark cruising around on my way in but don't know enough about dorsal fins to ID.

Just keep repeating to yourself, "it's only a mola"...

Forget the it's, try saying "only a mola" 3 times fast...I double dog dare ya'

Those salmon that they release in June typically start to return in September. I know guys that have caught them inside the harbor, and from the beach and jetties! As soon as you hear about people seeing them, just go.

Those salmon that they release in June typically start to return in September. I know guys that have caught them inside the harbor, and from the beach and jetties! As soon as you hear about people seeing them, just go.

I've seen guys fishing at the harbor just standing there staring at their bobbers. I was confused for a bit until I realized they were snagging/flossing.