Kirby Cove

I know this has been discussed before, but who thinks a Kirby Cove launch could go without a current-related mishap? A friend and I were discussing the possibility of launching there as they've been catching halibut and white seabass in Bonita Cove. Is it flirting with disaster to fish out there? It's tempting, that's for sure.

Everything has some risks. Some greater than others. Be an innovator and go for it.

Launch at the ramp at the fort, just inside and N of GG Bridge, time it with the tides and watch for the almost always present wind, but it has been done by me and others, all the way to Bonita, HUGE swells past the Bridge and those container ships will run you down if you get in their way but its fun and can be fishy, its  over 300 feet deep under the n side of the bridge, good 'but grounds just inside, and big WSB have been caught just outside, and RF and lings can be anywhere. Used to be able to drift the S tower for fatty stripers in power boats, pre 9/11, probably still can in a yak. There's better structure on the n side tho, and lots of little coves. Watch your ass bro, this is no place for beginners, can get hairy quick, vhf a must, dress for immersion.
Last time I went with a group someone landed a 17 lb ling at the big rock just s of the pier, Hurricane rock. Ive had my best luck with RF just inside at about 100 fow. Good luck and I might join you!

As long as launch with ebb and come back with the flood, No problem afternoon winds should be onshore in summer months, I was just talking To (Ravensblack) about launching out of Rodeo Cove to fish reefs So. of Bird Rock. To get to Kirby cove would you launch at Horseshoe Cove under the Gate

I just read a report on coastside and some nice halibut and WSB's were caught. Ben is way right about the swells. When a  ton of boats are going out during salmon when we had one the whole area under the bridge is just a mess with swells and big chop. Steve is the park just west on the north end where the picnic tables are, is that what you are calling horseshoe?

Horseshoe Cove is on east side of no. tower. Two launch areas One in front C.G. station Or at beach in front of yacht club,  Kerby cove is first large cove west of no. tower

7/25 would be good tides for this trip low at 8:00 high at 3:00 if wind and swell are good lets do it

You guys are a brave bunch. I don't have the Kayak experience that I'm sure allot of you guys do but I've been under that bridge many many times in private boats and party boats and that place can get crazy! The worst I've seen was coming back from a tuna trip to the guide and we had 18' swells breaking across the entire bar from way out past the lighthouse! Even in a 50' Delta that was a scary trip.

Bonita cove is a cool spot and can be pretty fishy but the advantage we have with the Kayaks is being able to launch anywhere and that place gets pretty hammered by the power boaters.

It definitely can be done and worse case scenario you beach your boat in Kirby and walk out of there. Whatever you do keep a real good watch on the weather and the tides.

Let us know how you do!

-Eliot

If we can get an army together, I'll do it.

I'm down for a launch at Ft. Baker to Pt. Bonita.

Paddling under the GG, huh? Sounds dangerous and somewhat stupid, to put it bluntly. Are there any closer launches, maybe in Bonita Cove, even if it means wheeling or carry yaks a ways?

Paddling under the GG, huh? Sounds dangerous and somewhat stupid, to put it bluntly. Are there any closer launches, maybe in Bonita Cove, even if it means wheeling or carry yaks a ways?

Under the proper tidal conditions going under the golden gate is fine - slower kayaks are not good for this though.

Paddling under the GG, huh? Sounds dangerous and somewhat stupid, to put it bluntly. Are there any closer launches, maybe in Bonita Cove, even if it means wheeling or carry yaks a ways?

Your right,its no place for sissies. Ive done it many times.
Launching at Rodeo sounds good, but it aint. Major sneaker waves, ask JTF, he almost bought it there a few years ago.
Time the tides and its a piece of cake.

A friend of mine earlier this year paddled from Tennessse to Baker but it was flat ass calm. No swell and 0 wind made it doable. Plus the fact there werent a bizillion boats vying for a slot at Bonita cove. Baker to Kirby then skirt the shore to Bonita on the outgo and ride it back in later on the flood. It looked windier than shit there today.