Maiden voyage on bay

Launched out of Berkeley at 0630, sunrise was great.  Dropped gear outside of break wall, and hooked a shaker right away.  Got off before I could get camera out of pack.  Paddled to angel island area, water was only 8' until past the yellow bouy, then I got into 10', and closer to the island topped out at 12' of water.  Wind and tide turned bay into mud, and around 10ish I decided to start back in.  Had a stiff wind from the west, and waves from the west, so I just kicked back and kept it square and let mama nature do the work.  Coast Guard helo buzzed me twice, and shortly after, wind shifted and came from the NW.  I had 4-6' swells form the west, and the northwest.  The workout began.  The swells let up a bit as I got close to the breakwall again.  Coast guard was at the launch ready to splash to come get me.  I guess several boats radioed in that a yak was out in rough water and struggling.  I had it under control, and they pretty much agreed, they checked my gear, and suggested I get a flashlight instead of just a head lamp, and get an air horn, they said my whistle was inadequate.  No citations issued thankfully.  All in all, a successful day in my book, adrenaline like I have not felt in a long time, caught a fish, learned a lot of info from Jay with right hook, he was at the launch, and just trial and error. I cannot wait until I can go again.

Awesome Rich! Glad to see some salt on my old yak!  Hope to hook up with you soon!

Jeff

Great report.

Fantastic idea about the flashlight.  I'll get a mini mag-light and ad it to my survival dry bag.  Thanks.

Michael

Sounds like you acquired a little experience on your first trip. Be careful out there.

Thanks for sharing your maiden voyage on the bay Montana. 4-6' of swell in the
bay is really high. Good to hear you made it back safely.

Jedmo

A huge part of our sport is the beauty of being able to quickly access the water, and an equally huge part is the reality that conditions can change quickly and challenge our equipment and abilities to extremes.  It's so important, especially on the ocean (or bay), to be prepared for what you may face, especially when you're solo.  General safety and a commitment to not exceeding the abilities of your body or equipment are imperatives, and, frankly, are expected of everyone who participates here.

That was a statement of facts and not a sermon.   

I am very impressed with your attitude, considering the fact that you have relayed this unique and interesting story of having the Coasties check on you as a direct result of other boaters/citizens reporting that you were in distress.  I hear the confidence and enthusiasm in your writing, and I commend you for the fact that you were in control and that you're so stoked to get out there again and continue your indoctrination - into the Madness.   

Today, was nothing short of a learning experience.   I learned so much, out of trial and error, and from the coast guard.  I caught a fish, wich is the creme of the cake, but more importantly, I built the confidence to handle a bad situation.  Today exceeded my expectations.

WttM   MontanaNV8,

 You must have some sort of paddling experience, to take on after Angle Island on a day like today,

 Well, that's a Bit Risky in my Book. The Bay is no Joke, I think you got a First hand Look at that...

 Take Care out there and Nice Report......

I have five years of special forces training, and have rowed boats fishing all my life in montana, and canoes. I am familiar with very very rough water, but today was fun and educating.  I got swamped several times when I could not swing around fast enough, but never capsized. I have practiced re -entry several times, and am comforatble with it, but tides, and conditions are not the same all the time.  I got some great pointers from Jay at right hook for my next trip, and hopefully, my trip entails better tides!

Ya, That's sounds about right...

 It was not adding up to the typical new outing....  All That training is Fine...

 I'm Swift Water, RS1 and 2 ect... ect...  That Bay has given me a Wack to the Head More than once...

 Welcome Aboard and looking forward to some Waves and Fish with ya.... 

  Hopefully more Fish.... 

Well at least you had it to your back. The only saving grace. I have been running back to san Rafael from Alameda and coming around from the lee of the island it can get real big. I know that from what you said you are comfortable in big water but nonetheless to have a buddy with you on inclement days like that can save your life. If and its just an if, you were to be separated from your kayak it would have been a total different story. Cant wait to fish with ya'. Be safe and good luck.

I totally agree, I am going to try Tomales Bay next, Hooked Fishing Charters, Captain Kevin, is a good friend of mine, and he has been hooking some nice butts there, and some size too.  Planning on bringing a couple hoop nets for crab, set them out and troll or drift anchovies and pull nets for dungies.  Depending on my dr appointment today, I will probably go next week, anyone want to go, let me know. 

Keep me posted. I live in Petaluma adns have yet this season to go on the bay at Tomales for halis. I was going to not go this year because last year there was so much frickin grass you had to clear your lines all the time. The mention of big halibut in the bay though is too much to resist. See you soon, Craig

Montanna, Congrats on the maiden voyage!!! Glad to hear your lessons learned. I have done a few solo trips, (don't tell my wife  ) but they were planned with safety in mind. I too have had lots of training and experience as a firefighter and an engine captain. I do understand the thrill and rush of doing what you need to do. I was also a funeral director for many years when I was very young. I have seen too many cases of one little thing making things go south very fast. I too am not wanting to sound like a preacher. More like a friend offering my views for what they are worth. In my mind I think you must really have it together and know your limits. You kept yourself safe and had fun! It don't get any better than that (well maybe heavier with more fish  ) Any rescue crew will have "suggestions" for you. If all they could come up with is a flashlight, you are good to go! I bet there was a part in each of them that wanted to be able to go out and get you lol. I know I've felt like that a time or two. I'm looking forward to paddling a few waves with you in the near future.


Ebyekewabjeget

Doctors took me off work for three more months, so after this next battery of tests tomorrow, Mon and Tues, if they say take it easy and fish, I will be fishing somewhere, everyday, yak or land.  Jeff, thanks for the yak man, it has been the best stress reliever I have ever had.  I got a custom seat, and it is like a lazyboy recliner, very comfortable, and supportive on my back, so I can spend all day on the water now.  I love it!