Tips about kayak fishing in Monterey area

I'm getting ready for Monterey.  Will be picking up two 12' kayaks today right in that town (will post pics to my other kayak-length thread as a wrap up for that topic).  A few questions about kayak fishing in Monterey; hope those in the know can share some tips.

1. Can I confirm again that kayak launch at San Carlos beach ("breakwater") is permitted?  I know many say they have launched there, but I also see NOAA launch site page (https://montereybay.noaa.gov/visitor/kayakaccesspts.html) does NOT list that beach as a kayak launch spot so I am a bit weary.  Anyone can confirm this?  This is the beach we always enter water when going for a little dip in Monterey, we know our way around and distance to water is short plus parking is cheap so ideally we want to launch here if permitted.

2. If officially we can launch from San Carlos beach, given the many beach-goers there, is there any restriction or concern on carrying a speargun?  Since I will go farther out from shore with kayak I like to have my gun with me.

3. NOAA list does include Del Monte as a kayak launch spot. I checked the entire stretch of this long beach; it seems the only place with parking is the spot nearest to the harbor, where Monterey Bay Kayaks is located.  Is this the spot to launch if using Del Monte beach?

4. Are these two beaches the most convenient spots to launch to Monterey bay?  Supposedly McCabee and Lovers Point can also launch kayaks; but I can see there could be less parking and more crowd there.

How far do I have to paddle out, or in how deep water, can I start to get some fishing opportunity?  Any particular reefy sections in the bay?  I attached a map with grid if that'll help communicate.

That looks like you did some homework and are getting a good idea of where you can launch in Monterey!  Couple things I think you should think a bit about.  Do you know what the Blue and Red zones are on your map?  They are restriction areas called MPA's.  This is one of the more confusing parts of the sport, but you should read up on them here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/FAQs#27530610-what-are-marine-protected-areas-mpas- https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs

Also, what are you planning on targeting?  Because you may also not be aware of the new season and depth limits for rock fishing, the regulations are here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary

An easy way to see what is currently open for fishing is to use this site, where I already clicked on the Central Mangement Area: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Fishing-Map/Central

The fish most people would be hunting this time of year, regarding the new regulations, are Halibut, Sand Dabs, Perch. 

Also you can launch at San Carlos beach, if that is where you want to be.  Parking is right next to it at the wharf or the parking lot of the beach.  I'm not sure if you can carry a spear gun through the blue zone, think there is some technicality there.

If you want my opinion, get your kayaks, drive over to MBK, go out and have fun without any fishing gear your first time out.

Break water beach is very popular for beach goers and scuba divers. I would recommended to launch at the coast guard ramp right next to the beach.  MBK launch is also good and you can park along the street for free if you got there early, otherwise pRking fee is $1.5/hour or &10 for all day.

That looks like you did some homework and are getting a good idea of where you can launch in Monterey!  Couple things I think you should think a bit about.  Do you know what the Blue and Red zones are on your map?  They are restriction areas called MPA's.  This is one of the more confusing parts of the sport, but you should read up on them here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/FAQs#27530610-what-are-marine-protected-areas-mpas- https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs

Also, what are you planning on targeting?  Because you may also not be aware of the new season and depth limits for rock fishing, the regulations are here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary

An easy way to see what is currently open for fishing is to use this site, where I already clicked on the Central Mangement Area: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Fishing-Map/Central

The fish most people would be hunting this time of year, regarding the new regulations, are Halibut, Sand Dabs, Perch.

Gearing up for May 1 rockfish opening.  Still need time to get a bunch of things ready.  But I am casual about what kind of fish to catch; often just catching jacksmelt is a blast for my kids.

In the ocean I typically stay way out of those blue and red zones.  I know rules can be complicated and I'm not 100% updated on those, so my shortcut is to just stay in the "clear" areas (and even here there are lots of rules).  I will have my laminated fish chart with me.

Excellent!  You are sounding like your getting well prepared then!  I still would take the yaks out for a try without gear at least once before venturing out kayak fishing.  You might have ideas on what or how to rig something that might change your mind once you hit the water.  Catching bait is a heck of a lot of fun and especially good for targeting the bigger fish like lingcod and halibut.