Can I launch a runabout boat to fish inside Pillar Point Harbor?

EBP cost too much for a joy ride.  There are some free spots around the bay you can launch too like Alviso.

Yeah you are correct. I did not want to complain too much, but EBP really have a lot of fees --

-Parking Fee (Daily/Year Round): $5/vehicle
-Bus Load Entry/Parking Fee: $25/per bus
-Boat Inspection: $4/cartop
-Boat Launch (Canoe/Kayak): $3
-Dog Fee: $2/each (guide dog/service animal enter FREE)
-Daily Fishing Access Permit (REQUIRED): $5/day

Small amounts but can add up.  My biggest fear is their website warns that if outboard is not dry, the boat will be turned away.  I don't know how diligent that process is...

We should maybe compile a list of free or low-cost and low-hassle boating options around the area for members...  HMB looks like a good candidate.

Totally agree, the fees are pretty ridiculous at EBRPD lakes.  The inspection can either be quick and easy or extreme, depends on who you get.  I've had one person just look at my kayak, and wave me through, and another person opened all the hatches, ran their hand along the top and bottom of the hull, looked at my drive unit, and scrutinized sand left behind from a beach launch several weeks prior.  I haven't failed an inspection yet, but I've always parked the kayak in the garage with everything open to dry out for a few days before each trip to an EBRPD lake.

The harbor is great, but don't forget to stay out of the "jaws"; bigger boats come in HOT. It usually blows towards the ramp, but if it gets windy the 2.5 HP might struggle to get you back/forth to drift.

Those fees are peanuts. Try Camanche. I spent 60 on two night extra car and fish pass and waiving an inspection fee for two kayaks. Would have been over a hundred bucks. Word of advise from the young lady who hooked us up. " Your kayak has been in storage. Wink wink.

Yeah fees for everything, even Bacon! 

Yeah fees for everything, even Bacon! 

Definitely a nice lake that seems to be stocked regularly . Definitely not a place to hold an A-Hulls fish and chill though. 

There is even a Sheriffs station on-site and a sign at the gate, " No Marijuana"

Yeah fees for everything, even Bacon! 

When you find a place with free bacon, let me know…

I went to HMB yesterday to scout out the place.  Last time I was there it was many years ago so I wanted to refamiliarize myself with the place.  Launch beach by the HMB Kayak Company looks easy enough, and the parking is just 200' away -- if we can park there.

That section has a sign that says "Boat Launch Parking" and it asks for permit to be displayed on the dash.  Can kayakers park there?  And if so, do kayakers still need to get the boat launch permit to display on dashboard?

Only if you have a trailer do you need to pay, otherwise it's free.  Unload at the front of HMBKC wheel down their path to the water and re-park up in the free lot.  When you come back, they have a wash station they are cool with people using to hose down their gear.

Only if you have a trailer do you need to pay, otherwise it's free.  Unload at the front of HMBKC wheel down their path to the water and re-park up in the free lot.  When you come back, they have a wash station they are cool with people using to hose down their gear.

Good to know.  I think I am all ready for my maiden voyage!

I think the PP harbor is way more hassle free than EBMUD lakes. You can try bouncing for halibut in there. But more likely to get croaker and smelt.
You might also Sabiki up some anchovies.
There are some RF along the West Jetty but the current starts to be more of a factor there and getting swept out of the jaws might be a bad thing.

Might be a dumb question -- what shoes do you guys wear when going kayak fishing?  I see to float the kayak it needs to be in at least 6-9" of water, which means I need to wade into the water.  Initially I thought I'd wear my diving boots, but now crocs seem a better idea...

Waterproof knee socks and Crocs.

Might be a dumb question -- what shoes do you guys wear when going kayak fishing?  I see to float the kayak it needs to be in at least 6-9" of water, which means I need to wade into the water.  Initially I thought I'd wear my diving boots, but now crocs seem a better idea...

I used to do dive boots as well but I've transitioned to a pair of Croc-style Merrill water shoes that I really like.

Did anyone ever launch kayaks at the boat ramp?  is that permitted?  Seems to me that's a much easier launch for me since I can back the truck to water's edge and just slide it into the water.  It's also much easier to get in and out from the dock.

I talked to harbor master, but he does not seem to know much about the boat launch operation..... did not give any firm answer.

you can but then you will need to pay the ramp use fee. if you have a cart for your boat the kayak launch is much easier