Where to go for the first time on the coast, Oct 8 & 9?

OK... I've got the kayaks and gear pretty much together. Now I want to rock/ling cod fish. I'll be taking my son and possibly my daughters bf.
I'm open for Monterey to Bodega. We are planning for Oct 8&9.

I have two issues:
1. Easy, safe access to the water. I would rather not do any surf rolling the first time out.

2. Taking the wife, so we can't camp. Need an area with hotel options.

Also, we would be very happy to tag along with others if you are heading out.

If it isn't too far... I'd say head to Mendocino / Fort Bragg... stay at a hotel or B&B... launch at Caspar Beach or VanDamme state park.

Otherwise, go to Fort Ross and stay at one of the B&B's at Jenner or Fort Ross.  Launching at Fort ross is a breeze most of the time as is Stillwater Cove just up the road.

Erik

I would suggest Half Moon Bay aka Pillar Point Harbor. Lots of places to stay in and around HMB , a dirt simple launch in the harbor and a fairly short paddle to the fishing grounds.

Or, B&B in Pacific Grove and a sheltered launch at Lover's point, and blue rockfish all over the place.  Wheels for the kayaks to roll them down (and up) the 10 foot wide cement walkway will be a bonus but not critical.
Pat

Thank you all for the fast replies.  Looks like we will try HMB if we can get a hotel for the 4 or 5 of us. My wife will call a few places tomorrow.

Now, where do I place my order for good weather and calm seas?

Thanks again,
Al

Alfredo, PM me. I will be headed up to the Mendocino area that weekend
( 8-10 ). If you want easy access with decent fishing, Ocean Cove is great. There are rooms available within 3 miles at Timber Cove or Fort Ross. I will probably do Elk. Not 100% sure yet tho.

Caspar is a great newbie spot and a beautiful place to bring the family.

I am thinking about going to the salt point/fort ross area that weekend.  Maybee we can hook up.  Salt point is an easy launch but there is a large drop off you have to carry your yak over near ther water(maybee 2 feet).  It isn't that bad though.

I would not feel comfortable advising a newbie to go to anywhere except Capitola, the most protected spot on the coast. And even that is open to south swells (one is forecast to hit the 5th).

October is Roctober for surfers, the start of the fall NW swells. It is not uncommon to get a 10 foot every 20 second swell in october from 290 degrees which means breaking wave faces in the 30 foot range every hour or so at a place like Ocean Beach.  Or outside the Half Moon Bay harbour! Those waves come from north pacific storms up to 3000 miles
away. It can be perfectly calm and sunny here when the waves hit.

I don't know the kayak spots north of the gate, but in general, it's about twice as big up there as it is at spots south of pigeon point. Aren't those spots north of pt reyes open to the pacific to the NW? Thinking of a newb and his kids paddling out up there gives me the heebie jeebies.

Alfredo, only go north if you are prepared to cancel due to weather. And that means waves from thousands of miles away, not just local wind.

I'm sure October can get nasty... but at the same time, I've had some of the best fishing weather I can remember on the North coast in past Octobers... It just depends on what's happening out in the Pacific.

No matter what time of year you go, you need to keep your eyes on the swell forecasts and bouy data, and wind forecasts and data to maximize your chances of your trip to the coast actually being fishable.

Caspar is a deep cove and pretty well protected.  I believe Van Damme is even more protected from the NW swell.  Fort Ross, likewise, offers good protection from the NW swell  in at least the immediate cove and usually offers a good beginners launch.

No matter where you go, if the swell is over about 7 or 8 feet, it's probably not going to be very friendly along the beach for a beginner.  

Be prepared to dump your yak on the beach, even in ankle breaker sized surf... it happens to the best of us... but is not nearly as unpleasant as getting rocked by big surf.

Erik

Just in case you don't have it, here is the Marine Forecast Map link.  Click on an area and you will get the forecast.....including the critical wind and swell.  But, it is only a forecast, some days are better, some are worse.....and worse can happen darn fast......

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/marine_map.htm

Ocean kayak fishing is super great on the right days and with the right preparation.

Pat

Thank you all for the fast replies.  Looks like we will try HMB if we can get a hotel for the 4 or 5 of us. My wife will call a few places tomorrow.

Now, where do I place my order for good weather and calm seas?

Thanks again,

Al

Alfredo, send me a PM if you intend on fishing HMB.....I'll hang with ya    (if don't mind company)

PS- if you go to HMB, you need to take the family to Ono's Hawaiian Grill for dinner.....good stuff!!

Tote and Travis,
Let's do Fort Ross or Salt Point on Saturday if the conditions permit.
What do you think?
-Stallion

sheesh- no one mentioned StillWater cove in Pebble Beach?

its like shooting fish in a barrel!  relatively easy launch- nicely protected cove, and all the rockfish you can handle..

The biggest danger for newbies in the open ocean is seasickness, you're very likely to get sick if the top number is greater than 6ft.  Hit monterey bay or the SF bay if it's larger than that.