Lost Coast - 7/24/25

I put out a call to my "Cape List" last week, when I saw that my multiple forecast sources were indicating the possibility of a window for fishing where the wind is almost always blowing and the launch and landing scenarios entail way more challenge than is seen at any boat ramp or dock.  While a couple of my long-time faithful clients couldn't attend, Tom was "rarin' to go" - his own words!

The forecast - always a part of the story, as you probably know - had some interesting facets that threatened to have me pulling the plug on the day if things changed as we got closer to go-time.  First, the wind looked good, but it wasn't solid like "variable to 5 knots", which is the lowest that is typically called for along our coastline.  The second big factor that I was tracking was the south swell - it's been showing up lately in the forecast, but whether it materializes along the nearshore reef is always somewhat of a mystery.  Recently at Shelter Cove that south swell influence did show itself, but the risks were mitigated with patience and good judgement, along with good fortune and timing! 

The night before Tom and I were to meet for our outing, I saw that the Cape Mendocino buoy had 3.9 feet at a 17 second period.  "Oh, shit" is typically what goes through my mind when I see those numbers and I'm planning a surf launch and landing along the southwest-facing shoreline south of the Cape.  I warned Tom that this potential trip killer was lurking, but he was all in.  "We'll hope for the best then!" was his reply, and I was thankful for not just his overall faith in my analysis of the situation but also his willingness to take a chance in hopes for converting the trip.

We met up early at my place in Loleta, and the drive over the Wildcat was the usual pot-holey trudge.  With light traffic and beautiful scenery though, and being one of the closest remote fishing locations to my home base, as well as the place where, decades ago now, I refined my abalone hunting obsessions as well as my early kayak fishing endeavors, rolling over the flanks of Bunker Hill and up and down through Bear River felt like a proper homecoming.  Easing the truck down that final gravel stretch, "the Wall" right above the Cape itself, I am thrust into nostalgia mode, reminiscing on so many past adventures shared with friends.

Once we were at sea level we got down the road a ways, and my full focus was on evaluating how the launches looked.  There was no wind, as was forecasted for the early morning, and the swell was very light - nothing showing, in terms of that long period south influence.  Once I'd decided where we'd launch we set about preparing our gear, and I told Tom that we'd watch for a set that could show maybe only every 10 to 15 minutes and that might make our launch zone look suddenly inhospitable. 
The south swell can do that, and any good waterman, from surfers to boaters to divers as well, will know about it based on experience and subsequent dedication to reading forecasts and comparing that information to what is seen on the ground and on the water.

The south never showed, and that was a great gift.  Thick fog that was right on the deck to start the day also lifted and never returned - another gift.  Tom and I checked out some new spots once we got offshore, and the fish were good to us.  The wind ended up coming up pretty strong in the early afternoon - basically defying all the forecasts for what was 'supposed' to happen.  You've got to expect that though - not just at the Cape, but anytime you interface with the ocean.

In the end, Tom and I caught and released some nice fish - always handling them with conscientious intention, and our stringers only held a selective and modest harvest at the end of the day.  In kayak fishing, the overall experience is always a higher priority than the level of harvest. 
Being in the wild, interacting with and observing the animals, challenging yourself regarding fitness, ability and tooling, and discovering places as well as new aspects of your own journey and growth - these qualities of the trips are what kayak fishing is about, for many of us.

At the end of the day, with only two lingcod and two black rockfish to process through my Tailgate Fillet Station, my appreciation for a good friend who engages my business and enjoys the more intangible aspects of the adventures like I do is so very highly valued.

Thank you, Tom, for another great day on the water.

Thank you, NCKA, for being at the heart of my history as a guide and a fellow practitioner of this wonderful sport.   

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Go to FB if you want to see the photos that won't load here...

Thanks for the fishing trip report and pictures Eric.

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Right on Eric and Tom. Love that place!

Would love to fish this spot. Wish it was closer to me.

Nice! And many great pictures.

Looks like it worked out well for you guys!
Nice job!!

Scotty

That's a beast of a Cab!  Nice work, looks like a great day!

Aye Cabezon! Looks like a great trip. I’ve ridden Mattole Rd on motorcycle and it’s pretty amazing.”