Bean Hollow 4th July

Pray Porky, pray....

This will be my first launch at the Bean, so there will be the element of a lack of knowledge of that launch site. But I am confident in my abilities on the ocean in a kayak. I've fished, surfed, scuba dove, and power boated this area for more than 30 years. I've got hundreds of hours on the yak, and have gathered a very healthy respect for the unpredictable nature of the ocean.

As Brian said, the risk you expose yourself to is real, what you should never do is put your fishing partners at risk by creating a situation whereby they have to save your butt, thus risking themselves.

And like Jason said, I have no problem arriving at the site, know what tides we are going to experience,assessing the ocean for however many sets I need to see to make the smart decision which might very well be to call it a day before it starts.

Gear wise, even in Monterey and Capitola where the shore break is normally very manageable, before I come close to the surf line, I've stowed my electronics in a waterproof bag, everything is secured, and rods are leashed to the deck rails.

I've done self rescue practice in the ocean, I've flipped the yak over, and righted it in the ocean.

Are you in shape to be doing any or all of this?

Run what if scenarios through your head until you can't think of any more.

But, if you have  any doubts, stick to calmer waters, but always remember its about having fun...safe fun.

Rich

Just curious as to what all you experienced guys did in preparation for your first bean launch and land, or how many trips did you have under your belt.

Ive swam in the beach break there, but never yaked it. almost sounds easier to swim that baby in Id sure hate to loose my gear or break my rods....

YEah, I hear ya.. I live out here, i see alot of stuff go down all the time, spent alot of time in hawaii too, I have a GREAT respect for the water.... I got many hours on the power boat, but the yak is new, a new respect to learn, ive only got 8 yak trips as of now..

I hear ya, I always keep my stuff safely stowed away. And yes, even at cap, i drink my coffe and evaluate the water, a few weeks ago when I came in, it was decent shore breaks, about as big as i see there.. I just waited it out, for a LONG time...

I did spend a little time getting on and off the boat, but in a real situation things could be much different.

Yup, im in decent shape... pretty active.... i may not look like the govenator, but i feel great! I have no problem hauling by boat by hand if needed, i too have no wheels.

im not really that freaked, just want to be respectful.....

Theres a few more items id like to aquire too, like the bilge pump!! and a extra paddle as i learned last weekend, lucky i was close to shore.

With more and more trips, and being in different situations, i shall gain the respect of others to go out with them for my first bean launch.

So then are you gonna go Friday?

Rich

Im prolly gonna wait till i have 2 paddles and my bilge, and 4 more weeks of fishing under my belt or MORE... some time next month I will hit it with ya all!

I hope you guys do well, have a great safe time, and no visits from the landlord....

I really really want to go, but out of respect for the Bean and its waters, I am choosing to get more experience first!

Another thing to keep in mind is there is sometimes a break at the mouth of the cove.  At least one Legend has been flipped there.  And there are sneaky submerged rocks and reefs where waves may only break occasionally...  You don't want your first clue being the sound of whitewater behind you as the swell suddenly and sickeningly drops you down a few feet.

Not trying to discourage anyone, but just be aware of all this and the fact that there have been rescues and incidents at this spot in the past.  We'd hate to see the area closed, or aggressively patrolled because we become seen as a nuisance or danger.

So just make sure you're ready, and are willing to abort the mission if necessary.

On my days off, I usually sleep late into the morning, to make up for losing sleep during the week. I will try to get up earlier to show up to take pictures of the carnage (the fish haul, not the reentry disasters).    And maybe bring some munchies for all of you, depending on what time you're normally off the water.

Good info EricB...

yes, photos would be great!!!!! Hope you guys do really well! Ill hopefully land more then just one rockf fish

EricB, sorry brother I got stuck here at work, no lunch today, im free tomorrow, lets hook up then, or im off at 5 pm today?

With more and more trips, and being in different situations, i shall gain the respect of others to go out with them for my first bean launch.

Great insight. I wish more people/newbies understood this concept. Only speaking for myself, but I think this s/b standard protocol.
Good luck at DaBean this wknd guys!

For the Newby who has never traversed this shore break. Go out with someone who knows this area before tackling it alone. This converstaion happens every year about this same place and for the same reason. This is not a learning launch but N. Cal real deal. My first time out was with some notable Kayakers who I have to say approached this area with the upmost respect.
In the number of times I have been out from this location I have witnessed some very close calls. Not only due to wave and wind but the one life force that has ownage on these shores. Let common sense win out and be safe. Not a place to polish ones ego.

Frank does this mean you are going to join the crew? Not sure I will be out yet.

-Brian G

With more and more trips, and being in different situations, i shall gain the respect of others to go out with them for my first bean launch.

Great insight. I wish more people/newbies understood this concept. Only speaking for myself, but I think this s/b standard protocol.
Good luck at DaBean this wknd guys!

Thanks for the kind words Sin...

i learned that sorta respect living in Hawaii, at a beach called "Sandys", this beach has some mind blowing shore breakers, that peel to nothing but firm sand, tons of power, Im sure some of you know this beach.. I spent months playing in smaller waters, lots of swimming and putting my self in lots of different situations before i med the plunge to playing in the shore break. I had the respect of others by then, when I finally made it out there, i was so happy i took the time to get some strength and experience before entering this water..... it really paid off.... I take the same approach with our coast line and its various beaches. One day, ill be there, but it just may be a bit, no rush, i got the SC/CAP water right out my front door for now, there plenty to be learned here in my new yak! As always you guys are a great group, who think of others safety first. One day I'll be there with ya, but for now Im more than happy here at home or close by. I also like to ask a ton of questions, study maps, shorelines, and so on.... Im a freak about that stuff, but its all about respecting the waters.

 keep in mind is there is sometimes a break at the mouth of the cove.  

Yes, be prepared to paddle like muthagrabbers launching and landing.  Lots of wave deflection at the mouth of the beach so you'd better have fine boat control and fitness.

Is it worth it?  I've always had a lot of fun at bean, and I'd enjoy going with you guys if I wasn't already committed.  It seems like its always cab central there.  This is one beach where you truly do NOT have to fish deep to score big.  I landed limits of ling cod and my biggest cabbie there bouncing plastics in 45 fow.

Frank does this mean you are going to join the crew? Not sure I will be out yet.

-Brian G

I would love to be out there with you guys but, currently nursing a broken arm.

so wheres a good beach to practice surf launch? you guys are making this seem too exciting but as someone put it " dont put others at risk" ill respect your warnings and practice in the surf before i head out in those conditions , but where guys?

HMB right near the jetty

so wheres a good beach to practice surf launch? you guys are making this seem too exciting but as someone put it " dont put others at risk" ill respect your warnings and practice in the surf before i head out in those conditions , but where guys?