not looking to hook up but looking for advice.

Hello all.  I am new to Kayak fishing.  I want to take my wife and children fishing off kayaks but am not sure where to fish.  The only ocean fishing I have done is down in Mexico for tuna.  I want to be able to take the family out where we might have luck getting some fish.  We like to launch at the harbor in Santa Cruz but don't really know where to head for fishing.  I think but am not sure that rock cod fishing opens may 1st.  I have a gps and know how to use it but don't have a fish finder yet.  If someone could lead me to a good fishing spot via gps I would appreciate it.  Thanks for any help.

KC

Welcome to the Madness   WttM..

 Not sure of your experience or knowledge of the area in NorCal, but it can be very dangerous and good
to get Your Chops down before taking on the Big Blue especially with the Fam. I'm sure you know this but just want to put up a advisory anyway.

 I would start with lakes or calm Harbors/Elk slough...careful of Seals!!!!!

 Best to hook up with people going out. I don't think Santa Cruz opens till June1st.

 and talk to "Mooch" about Santa Cruz Hot Spots..

  Welcome Aboard ....... Danglin

Thanks Danglin,
I guess I should have told everyone a little more about the experience we have.  We have been kayaking for about 3 years now in the ocean.  We usually launch at the harbor and then paddle to the wharf and back.  We stay some what close to the shore but some times will go out farther.  My wife likes to take the kids out and surf the waves to the shore with the kids.  But for some reason my yak does not like to surf.  My son also thinks it is fun to try to stand on the yak and surf in but he is not so great at that.  We can all self rescue and are good at it.  We allways have at least one radio with us on C69.  But have never used it except to listen to other people talk every once in a while.  I grew up in felton and still live in felton and try to spend as much time on in or near the water.  For some reason we just never fish. I was talking to my wife about fishing and she said she would love to try it out.  I just want to make sure we hook one or two fish.  I am sure I will not be able to fish since I will be taking care of all the tackle.  I just went out and got fishing licences for us so we are all legal.  I'm bummed to hear that rock cod does not open until June.  I really wanted to go out this weekend and fish.  What is in season in Santa Cruz this time of year?  Thanks for getting back so fast.

and talk to "Mooch" about Santa Cruz Hot Spots..

...yup, I know where to catch millions of king fish


Good Luck Kct.....fish around the kelp and you MIGHT catch something.

Thanks Mooch,  I sort of thought that fishing near the kelp would be the place to go.  I am looking forward to fishing in the ocean again.  Last time I went to Mexico the only thing I caught was a 6 foot hammer.  I dont like shark but the Pongaro wanted it so he kept it.  The tuna in mexico has been bad for the last 2 years for me. 

Kct,

IMO, Santa Cruz is heavily fished.....if I were you, I'd head over to Davenport - about a 20 minute drive North on Hwy 1 (make a left on Davenport Landing - just past the Cement plant that you'll see on the right side).

Via con diyos amigo

Mooch,
Its funny I have never thought about going to DL to fish.  It makes perfect since.  I guess that is where we are off too. Thanks for the suggestion.  Stupid me I should have thought of that.  I love the beach there and have never launched there before. Gives me a chance to go somewhere new to yak too.  My son will love it.

daneport is someimes slow in the spring. 

for more of a sure thing, I'd recc the kelp beds off Steamer Lane/Indicators area.  work the outside edges of the kelp and the "hole" in the kelpbed.

Use shrimp fly jigs with squid strips and/or a 4" swimbait, again baited with squid.

You should be able to catc dinner, and it wil be familir terrutory for you and te family,

Good Luck.  Have safe and be fun!

and welcome to the M


Allen

I though the regulation said that the 2008 rockcod season started May 1

2008 ROCKFISHING SEASON OPENS MAY 1 BELOW PIGEON POINT. I read the DFG 2008 regulation and it said the same thing? June 1 is for fishing north of pigeon point.
May 1 for south of PP. Maybe I'm missing something?

I though the regulation said that the 2008 rockcod season started May 1

2008 ROCKFISHING SEASON OPENS MAY 1 BELOW PIGEON POINT. I read the DFG 2008 regulation and it said the same thing? June 1 is for fishing north of pigeon point.
May 1 for south of PP. Maybe I'm missing something?

You are correct. Rockfishing does open May 1st TOMORROW south of Pigeon Point. Pigeon Point is located on California Highway 1, 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 27 miles north of Santa Cruz. That means Santa Cruz is on the opener for tomorrow.

Ben

Whats your method of madness?  (Kayak?)

I am sure I will not be able to fish since I will be taking care of all the tackle.

Welcome, kct.   

This quote from you is an excellent reason to consider hiring someone like Allen.

That's totally cool that you get the wife and kids out there with you.  Have fun and be safe.   

davenport is an excellent place to get hit by a great white shark.

a windsurfer got hit there while doing 6 knots.  surfer almost killed there.

great place to take the family fishing from kayaks. NOT.

santa cruz has very few fish.

monterey is much better.

I agree, reluctantly, that Moterey is way more of a sure thing, esp for newbies.

Sorry I wont be guiding  for the next couple months, but always always eager to share.  Feel free to give me a call when you decide where to launch...831-251-9732

Allen

Wow thanks guys.  Maybe Ill have to try the whole guide thing.  I allways get one in MX but never thought of getting one here.  Its not a bad idea.  and that way I get to fish too.