Bodega, Fort Bragg and Westport

I’m taking a 2 week trip from Bodega to Fort Bragg and then Westport. I've been going to Bodega my whole life, however, Fort Bragg and Westport is all new to me. I’ll be taking my Radar 135. I’m looking for any advice on launching, fishing and crabbing the area from my Kayak. Let me know!

Ocean Cove Campground
The launch separates the men from the meek...
Can't get a link to work...brb

http://www.oceancove.org/

Ocean Cove Campground
The launch separates the men from the meek...
Can't get a link to work...brb

http://www.oceancove.org/

I’ll check it out, however, I am pretty new to kayaking and will be going at this alone, unless I meet someone at the launch.

Still water Cove (just south of Ocean Cove) seems to be an "easier" launch to me. But I would put myself in the "meek" category.

While we are at Bodega/Doran camping, I will crab and fish bodega and try out at least one trip to Tomales Bay Miller Park. Hopefully I can get some advice on the Fort Bragg area. We will be staying at Pomo RV park and then going a north to Westport RV. I believe at Westport RV I can beach launch from the campground and hopefully get some fish and crab.

If you're new to kayaking and solo I wouldn't plan on a beach launch/landing at Westport except on the calmest of days. You should be able to get out safely at Noyo in Fort Bragg and Russian Gulch just south of there but even those are condition dependent - especially for a new kayaker. The cove at Russion Gulch gives some decent protection from the NW winds and swell - the same for the northern side of the cove at Noyo.

Cheers,
Brad

Plus one what chopper said

If you're new to kayaking and solo I wouldn't plan on a beach launch/landing at Westport except on the calmest of days. You should be able to get out safely at Noyo in Fort Bragg and Russian Gulch just south of there but even those are condition dependent - especially for a new kayaker. The cove at Russion Gulch gives some decent protection from the NW winds and swell - the same for the northern side of the cove at Noyo.

Cheers,
Brad

Thank you

As Chopper stated, my wife and I always enjoy camping and fishing at Russian Gulch.  It is a very protected cove, and if the ocean is too rough, you can just stay in the cove.  However, fishing is very slow in the cove.  We try to visit every two weeks during the summer.

Paul

As Chopper stated, my wife and I always enjoy camping and fishing at Russian Gulch.  It is a very protected cove, and if the ocean is too rough, you can just stay in the cove.  However, fishing is very slow in the cove.  We try to visit every two weeks during the summer.

Paul

I’ll be in the area the 16-22 this month if your up that way.

As Chopper stated, my wife and I always enjoy camping and fishing at Russian Gulch.  It is a very protected cove, and if the ocean is too rough, you can just stay in the cove.  However, fishing is very slow in the cove.  We try to visit every two weeks during the summer.

Paul

I’ll be in the area the 16-22 this month if your up that way.

I might be fishing from RG June 21 & 22, weather permitting.
We can discuss more details as we get closer.

Paul

Thanks Paul, I’ll send you my number just in case.


How’s the crabbing in this area? <70’ of water hopefully 

There are stairs to the beach at the north end of Westport.  There are multiple breakers to navigate if you launch there.

The state built a "diver centric" Campground north of wright beach, on the wwst side of 1.
I've not been there yet, but it's said to have access to water..
+1 on being careful solo.

Not sure why no one has suggested, Albion?

You can day use and launch your kayak with ease there or camp.

When ocean conditions are a little bumpy you can usually stay within the cove and have some fun with the chance of pulling some nice fish.

Al