Bodega Harbor/Doran

Hey guys! Nubbin here so remember I paddle so fast I go backwards. K that being said I was thinking about heading out from doran beach sometime soon yet...aside from trying to reach the island I saw a little ways out I have no real goal. Any fishin to do in that blue? Or would it just be a joyride to see if an out of shape hick can muscle a OK Frenzy 2 miles? oh and if you didnt get it the out of shape hick is     

John

WttM  treffryraxter...    

 Not sure of what your saying your experience is, but if new to the game,

   Don't do this...             Especially alone..

If ya been looking for a while, you've heard our rants before on this...
 
  That particular area is within a stones throw of the " Shark Pit "    

 Tomalas Head,  Greatest Number of Landlord attacks, and that Island out there is affectionately called

  " Seal Rock "   or Dinner Bell    

  Crusing along Doran for hali could be fun, but heading that far out, especially this time a year...

 I wouldn't......  

 practice self rescue, try some surf launches/ landing, get some time on that puppy before you get out there....  

 you could also jig up some smelt and fish in the Harbor, they have caught halis right behind the Tides..

 Stay Safe    

Yes Don't do it.  If you do, try to hug the shoreline instead.  Don't go to the point or the rock.  Too many sealions.  Landlord's dinner.

Well this is the kayak I grew up playing around in. Mostly 'trying' to surf it. But with how bulky the damned thing was I could never get it to not turn sideways and dump me in the waves at dillon and SC. Yes it's likely I would be alone for the first shot out of doran. The only time I have heard D mentioned on the forums was for launch and recovery and now I know why   

Holy you know what! I am a newbie and I wouldn't go out to the rock (especially alone) I was there in the bay a couple of weeks ago and even though the water was perfectly calm and very inviting I would'nt do it on the known fact that all above me mentioned. Be safe and hire a quide to show you the specific kinds of fishing you want to do if you can afford it. It's cheap insurance and fun too!

If you stay in the inner harbor (tides area) you will find surf perch[up to 3 lbs.] .  and some other fin fish.  Yes, you will find hali in the outer harbor.  but remember that bodega is the meanest harbor to open water in northern CA.  that is way the USCG has two thru wave 47' cutters there. .  I have yak ed on the inner harbor now twice.  and have seen several large fish in the channel and in the pit next to the coast guard station.

I'm thinking of heading that way for a trip in mid Oct when I have a week off form work.  May be heading there sooner.

I'm thinking of heading that way for a trip in mid Oct when I have a week off form work.  May be heading there sooner.

Totally keep my updated on that, most of my fishing time is on the weekdays so Im game most mon's-thurs even fri sometimes.
PM sent.

I have yaked there a bunch.  There are some nice perch inside the harbor like they said.  Also, behind tides, you can sit with some squid and catch leopards and bat rays all day long.  I have paddled out to the island, some rockfish around it, but not worth your time or trouble.  I have done good on the north side of the north jetty, lots of baitfish there, and fairly protected from wind and swell.  Whitey is definately around, so if you venture out, ill advised, do not make a chum line by putting your fish off the side with a game clip.  The sea lions will have a hay day with it too.  My 2 Cents.

  I did take my yak and circled the island on a calm day a few weeks ago.  It was a nice day but out around the island it gets dicey, especially on he south side (tomales side) where there is a reef and you get some very odd breakers etc.  Lot's of sea lions/seals so if you are worried about GWS this is not the place to be!  That being said back in the old days we used to hook lots or rock fish out by the point and beyond and halibut and SALMON right along Doran beach in 10-20 feet of water!  I did not hook a thing othen than a few bait fish in the harbor when I went out but it was great being back out there.  Taking other yakers with you is a very good plan!