Best place to launch to access Mothball Fleet?

Was thinking about paddling over from Martinez Marina. Don't mind the distance of the paddle from Martinez but timing the tide would play a big part of it.

If there are any other launch that is closer I'm all ears.

Long time ago, you could get down to the water under the bridge on both sides, I haven't tried that in years, like most access points it's probably a no-no now.

Ariel we used to take Marina Vista East of of 680 which turns into Waterfront Rd turn right just before the Bridge take the gravel Rd to the first split in the Channel and slide my 12' alum in there the channel empty's just across from the first row just watch out for all the Carp they pour in that Creek to spawn millions of them.

It has been ages since I used it so I can't give you exact names but ....it might be the Lake Herman Rd. exit but I am not sure.
If you take 680 across the Benicia bridge towards Fairfield, there is a small marina on the shore almost even with the mothball fleet. I used to launch my 8 ft dingy and travel the slews out to the fleet. Actually, most of the time, I never made it to the fleet because I caught my fish in the slews. Stripers galore in the small slews and where the slews meet up and the open water gets large, I used to catch my sturgeon.

I keep thinking about launching my kayak there and trying it now but just have not gotten around to it.

be careful!....the current will rip through there on ALL and EVERY tide flow. Maybe a 2ft change would be doable, but anything above that and you might not be able to beat the speed of the current.

Dale is right about the spot under the bridge.  I checked it out one time and it look very doable to launch a kayak there at least on the Benicia side.  From there it's just a short paddle to the fleet and the current probably not too bad close to the bank.

is that where the shore fishers would be?  i think there is a parking lot for shore anglers there too.....if you make a right, there is a guard station there.
Is that the spot you guys are talking about?

is that where the shore fishers would be?  i think there is a parking lot for shore anglers there too.....if you make a right, there is a guard station there.
Is that the spot you guys are talking about?

Yes, I saw shore fisherman fishing there from time to time.  You can stop and unload but can't park there. The free public parking lot is a short walking distance from the that spot.

from there would be a short distance, but what if you do catch one and need to drop anchor, you may not be able to get back to your car. Take your cell phone and some food with you, it may come in handy when you end up out in SanPabloBay with a BigSmile and a BIG FISH!!.......Lets GO!

from there would be a short distance, but what if you do catch one and need to drop anchor, you may not be able to get back to your car. Take your cell phone and some food with you, it may come in handy when you end up out in SanPabloBay with a BigSmile and a BIG FISH!!.......Lets GO!

I wouldn't fish there alone in a kayak.  It's best to beef up your tackle gears if you plan to fish for Sturgeon there so you only drop the anchor if a very BIG one spooling your reel    I live in Benicia so in case you need a ride back to the launch don't hesitate to give me a call 

 Hey guy's. I have launched from the benicia side numerous times under the bridge, at low tide you will be dragging your yak thru the mud and be sure to bring enough rope for the tidal pull(it gets pretty strong there)! Other than that it is a gravy launch and puts you at the ships in no time at all!!!!! Goodlouck to you if you go!

Hey guy's. I have launched from the benicia side numerous times under the bridge, at low tide you will be dragging your yak thru the mud and be sure to bring enough rope for the tidal pull(it gets pretty strong there)! Other than that it is a gravy launch and puts you at the ships in no time at all!!!!! Goodlouck to you if you go!

Thanks for the tips fantini4fish 

Thanks for this post, having read about the infamous mothball fleet numerous times in the fish sniffer I've always wanted to fish it. Very helpful info

I just went to Wheeleeze to pick up my new cart and stopped by the spot under the bridge (benicia), if you're willing to bend the rules you can actually drive right to the water directly under the new bridge, probably be OK for  quick drop then drive back to the parking lot.  Of course this would also require WATCHING OUT FOR TRAINS, but looks like a great launch to me AT HIGH TIDE, this spot is right at the bridge support at waters edge, may be some sand/gravel there to make a low tide in/out a little less painful but definetly a possible mudbath on low tide.

Yes tide always rips except at slack, and I go allot of places solo, but probably not to the MBF.