Gimme Shelter III - VIDEO DIRECTIONS added on Page 43

Anyone have a pair of Size 12 (46-48) short fins they want to loan me up at SC? All my fins are long freedive fins I will be bringing my C4, Riffe, & 20 Fathoms if anyone wants to give em a try. They may be to long for just doing ab diving.

I will be bringing an extra weight belt with about 24lbs on it. I also have some loose weights too.

Dom

Sweet...I won't bother renting one. Thanks!

Sweet I'll keep my eyes peeled for the post. With all the pretty kayak colors its gonna look like someone spilled a bag of skittles! A rainbow of fishing fun!

I am close to getting some dive gear secured. I found a few postings on Craigslist for fins and wetsuit.  I am gonna check them out this weekend. If they are not my size there is a dive shop that I can rent a suit from.  Since they don't rent fins that is really my target. Also does anyone (that is coming) have a weight belt (and weights) they can let me borrow? Or I can trade for a custom made exotic wood knocker and some home made knife jigs.

Eric I will be bringing an extra suit! You may use it only if you share half your bounty with me!! .. Just kiddin, send me A pm if you want to use. I will secure it for you....Andy

OK, I've see the amazing knockers , the plastics, and the knife jigs in different post.

 Can we start a swapmeet thread or something so I can get an idea of how much money I need to borrow from my wife? lol

You guys have skills!

OK, I've see the amazing knockers , the plastics, and the knife jigs in different post.

 Can we start a swapmeet thread or something so I can get an idea of how much money I need to borrow from my wife? lol

You guys have skills!

ehhh don't sweat the cash...we'll figure something out. Half the fun is having someone that wants your stuff!!!!

There actually is a swapmeet thread, Greg!     It's here:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,17214.0.html

I think it'll be one of the highlights of the gathering, and kind of a cultural event!  I have quite a bit of junk to bring - you know, stuff you just can't seem to make yourself throw away because it's gotta have some use left in it.     (limited to fishing/diving stuff, of course)

So, the long range forecast is showing some really nice water for the opener...  not that I want to jinx it, but I can hardly contain myself.   

...and here's a few pics I took at the Cove today.  It's been a tough week - 3 trips to Shelter Cove (3.5 hour roundtrip) and no real recreational activities!  I've been stoked though to see the conditions and just to be around town seeing some folks and getting ready for next week.   

Less than a week to go!!! 

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Do you have a checklist for all the "stuffs" to bring along on this trip?  NO???  You're not alone 

OK guys we are on the home stretch.  Some of you know that I am a safety fanatic and having the right equipment is only part of making sure you make it home alive. There will be quite a few relative saltwater newbies out there so here are a couple last things to think about...

1. Practice self-rescue with your yak fully rigged (except for reels) BEFORE you go on the ocean. A lake or protected bay are good places to practice. Make sure the lake allows swimming. Rigging can add complexity to re-entry and you don't want to do this for the first time on big blue where swells can make it even more difficult. 

2. Buddy up with an experienced ocean paddler and stay together from launch to landing. This is not a competition so the vets shouldn't mind, except for maybe a few of hard core AOTY guys.  Every group should have a VHF and GPS as a minimum. I was fishing 2 miles offshore at Big Sur several years ago and got flipped by a rogue mixed swell. I got back in my boat without problems, but it was nice to know my buddies were there just in case I had problems and to help collect my floating stuff. 

3. Don't assume power boats can see you and have a way to let them know you are there. VHF, flares, flags, paddles all can be used. I keep a flare gun on my PFD but waving your paddle can also work.

See you on the water!!!

Scott

Great Advice,  Great Bass 2.....

 Another way to flip over is when trying to free your snagged jig....  This happen to me my first time in the Big Blue off Mavericks with Mr. Magoo...

 All my concentration was on freeing my jig/pulling tension to one side, and a swell knocked me perpendicular...

 I had watched Spike's kayakfishing video and had practiced self rescue and looking at the fact I did not want my yak to flip over and dump/mix everthing on my yak, I jumped out with reel in hand....

 Kayak righted itself, my rig became unsnarled and getting back in the yak was no problem...

 except for Mr Magoo yelling " Shark Bait!!!! "....


 Another Note,  are there any good Beginner/intermediate Mountain Bike Riding out from the campground area?

 It would be really kool if there was a path that followed the coast line....

 Looking for activities for the fam while I'm dumping my Kayak........ 

Another Note,  are there any good Beginner/intermediate Mountain Bike Riding out from the campground area?

 It would be really kool if there was a path that followed the coast line....

 Looking for activities for the fam while I'm dumping my Kayak........ 

For family activities:

- Tidal pools exploring
- Taking pictures
- Hiking/walking along the beaches (biking should be OK too)
- Playing golf
- Shopping for a vacation home 

Shopping for a vacation home 

 Very Nice....

ONLY

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days to go... I'm sooooooo excited!  

So, the long range forecast is showing some really nice water for the opener...  not that I want to jinx it, but I can hardly contain myself.   

wow, that looks brilliant. Let's hope it stays that way!