Where to fish in Northern Cal

I recently purchased a Hobie Outfitter Kayak and would like to fish rock fish off the NORCAL coast.  Is there a location that would likely have others doing the same so that I'm not fishing alone and dangerously as a rookie?  I'm interested in fishing anywhere from Monterey to the Oregon border.  Ling Cod would be great.  My kayak seats two and I plan to fish with a friend but 2 rookies still doesn't seem like a good idea to me.

Thanks,

Martin

Just watch the Hookups forum and you can see where people will be or better yet post a hookup and someone will most likely show up. Please take a paddling and safety class first. You need to be self sufficient because while we always try to fish together you will naturally get pulled apart.

Martin -

Sandman and I live in your "hood" and will be fishing rockies pretty much every weekend for the next 3 months. Like Bill said, you really need to take a paddling and surf class before you go out there. The ocean is unforgiving and you need to be prepared with regard to skills and equipment. The Half Moon Bay Derby has a protected launch and is a good way to meet other NCKA members. The date hasn't been announced, but I would guess July. I usually post in hookups so it is not difficult to figure out where I am fishing and company is always welcome  but I do some sketchy launches and landings, so if you do join me, swimming may be part of the experience. 

Scott

Martin,

Unless you have some experience in the ocean (diver, surfer, wind surfer, boater?) it would be a great idea to take the paddling and safety class if you're a rookie yakker.  I won't lie, I haven't taken any formal classes but I did learn the basics through the school of hard knocks and practicing on my own in controlled conditions.  I would hate to see anyone get hurt if they bit off more than they could chew. 

We have a section on this website dedicated to those that got eaten up by the elements and survived.  Speaking of eaten up, you might think twice about using your Hobie fins when you're hunting for lings.  You just might end up on the other end of the food chain (see the article about the shark attack). 

How about taking your yak for a ride in our backyard lakes: Del Valle, Chabot, Lafayette or San Pablo?  Then moving on to the Alameda Rock Wall, Berkeley Pier or Oyster Point?  I did take a touring yakker friend to Bean Hollow a couple of years ago and he got chewed up and spit out by the surf.  Good thing Half Moon Bay is just up the road.  Then last year I took a rookie friend to Montara one week and then Bean Hollow the next week and we did great (no waves).  So sometimes you luck out...question is, do you feel lucky?

Scott (GB2) is a great source of info and fishes just a lot.  He also wears a helmet coming in for landings so that should tell you something.  I unfortunately have a new job that will cut into my fishing time this year.  However, between the two of us and the rest of the NCKA members, we'll get you to the fishing spots. 

Welcome to the madness but let's try to make it home safe,

Gary

Unless you have some experience in the ocean (diver, surfer, wind surfer, boater?) it would be a great idea to take the paddling and safety class if you're a rookie yakker

Couldn't agree more

I prefer fishing the Monterey area because of better water vis and favorable weather (in general) but you can't beat the better scenery of what the North Coast has to offer (IMO).

It depends how far you want to drive. With the current price of fuel...I'd go to the closest safe spot. Water has been flat in Monterey bay for a week btw.