Live in the Bay New to Kayak and Fishing

Could anyone give a complete newbie info of getting into this sport. I have read the posts, and must admit, it is totally addictive reading and experiencing kayak fishing these posts.

I have fished fresh water shore with my children many years ago. I would like to take up both fishing and possibly kayak fishing. Specifically, was wondering about what is the best way to start. Guides, Clubs, freshwater and then Salt. Just totally confused but eager to learn from others. Also, concern is the transport of a kayak. I have a 2005 Tacoma Double Cab with short bed. What is the best way to rack and transport a kayak ?

Just totally confused but eager to learn from others

Just look on the "hook-up" section and paddle along with the gang. We have a great group of kayak anglers who are always willing to help out a newbie.

Another way to go is to get hold of Allen Bushnell of Santa Cruz fishing - he's a local guide with a lot of experience.
http://www.santacruzkayakfishing.com/


for rack systems: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1674

Welcome to the madness  

An alternate guide is brendan crahan.  

http://www.centralcoastkayakfishing.com/testimonials_Paul.htm

I've used brendan twice while getting started and it really jumpstarts the fishing knowledge. he can also help you with kayak skills.

Also, it's a lot easier to learn if you already have some ocean awareness and experience. If you use the wrong lure or fish in the wrong place, all that happens is you don't land fish. If you paddle out in the wrong place at the wrong time, you can die. So keep safety priority 1, priority 2 is fishing.

good luck, stay safe.

jmairey keeps it real eh?!?!?  

What he says is true but don't let that frighten you off ocean fishing, proper safety gear goes a long way to making you very safe in the water. I practically grew up in the ocean so it is not that big of a deal to me, you learn to read her moods and nuances.

Since you already have FW experience fishing wise there are a number of great places nearby to fish. Lexington, Del Valle, and Oneil Forebay to name a few. Fishing in the bay is almost like fishing in a lake most of the time as well. You can then progress to easy ocean launches like HMB or SC harbor. Then the real fun begins with surf launches!!

Like Joel said welcome to the madness! What part of the bay area are you in?

here's some good reading....
http://www.allkayakfishing.com/articles/kftips1.html


The best advise I got when I first started kayak fishing: Your goal is to be an educated kayaker FIRST and a fisherman SECOND....

yeah, don't mean to be a wet blanket, but it's easy to take for granted the experience one might have with the ocean and assume somebody else will have it.  That experience is pretty important and it's really hard to get other than the hard way.

The best advise I got when I first started kayak fishing: Your goal is to be an educated kayaker FIRST and a fisherman SECOND....

That's true when it comes to safety.  However... you'll find that the most successful kayak fishermen are fishermen FIRST.

IMHO...you NEED to learn safe kayaking skills, but if you don't already have a passion for fishing, you won't excel at this sport.

Personally, I first turned to kayaks as a tool for catching more fish and having more exciting and healthy fun doing it!

my point is: a newbie in general should NOT paddle out with out learning basic kayaking skills first. Safety is always first when you are taking up a new sport/activity.Kayaking and fishing are two different animals. Being an educated kayaker will ensure your survival out in the open - while fishing. A skilled fisherman with no kayaking skills can be a dangerous thing. Since we at the mercy of the mother nature, I would recommend that newbie to get to know his/her fishing platform first before venturing out and fishing.

I learned this lesson from Kayak Connection when I first bought my kayak....and I'm glad I did. The fishing part becomes easy when you're comfortable knowing how to read what the ocean is telling you that day.

How newbie are you. There's how to handle the kayak, which several outings with an experienced kayaker can set you straight. Things like how to twist at the waist to make a faster turn and how to get in and out of a kayak in the water. Also, just plain paddling technique so you don't wear your arms out.

Then there is weather, you need to know about ocean weather and water so you know what's coming. Fog can sneak upon you fast on the most beautiful of days and then you are screwed. Sure, you can use a compass but that won't get you around the rocky point next to your launch  beach.

A 15 foot swell can come in suddenly from a storm that is miles away and you will never see. A tide change can make that beach you launched from an impossible beach to land on except one way, tipped over and spun through several waves.

You can start out by yourself, but stay real close to the surf. In fact, start  by playing in small waves with your kayak. This will teach you about how much water can leak into your hatches, how to handle small waves and the funny way a kayak handles surf.  There are a some things you should know before you go into the surf.

First is how to recognize a rip current, because it can carry you out a half mile from shore in some places

Second is how to get back in your kayak after a swamping. That helps when the rip carries you out after you dumped it.

Third is always avoid having the kayak between you and incoming waves at all times. The wave will slap the kayak into you so fast that you won't know exactly how it happened.

Fourth stay clear of the surfers. They don't want your kayak barreling at them when you screw up!

By small surf I mean waist high waves and no rocks around. Oh, and don't lean into your paddle too hard when turning while in a wave, you'll break it.

Sorry.. Mooch.  I knew that was the point you were trying to make.  I shouldn't have vented my pet peeve - uneducated and unprepared fishermen who never bring the right fishing hooks, don't have enough bait, always forget their nets or gaffs, or simply rely on other fishermen to supply them on the water.

We all forget things once in awhile and I honestly don't mind sharing whatever I have, but for some guys it's just a bad habit.

And although we call you "Mooch", at least you always strive to be prepared and have everything you need.... to the point you almost have too much stuff.  

Thanks for the great information. It appears that Ocean Kayak Fishing should be left to the experienced. How about fresh water, like lakes and rivers ? Any suggestions on good lake of river fishing around bay area and norcal ?

to name a few: Lexington on HWY 17 , Steven's Creek in Cupertino, Lake Del Valle in Livermore, Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, Lake Chabot in Castro Valley....

Steven's Creek, Lexington, Shadow Cliffs and Chabot don't allow motor boats = which is cool  

Shadow Cliffs has a swimming area for kids and has a water slide next to the lake that opens during the summer.

Del Valle has a swimming area as well - seasonal.

Back2Fish, All that is said is true, but if you are comfortable in the water and ocean, don't let all that was said scare you. My first experience on an kayak and fishing from one was Linda Mar beach, a surf launch. Just make sure you always fish with a partner at least, if not a group. These guys are all great and very helpful. Don't let the ocean scare you, just be aware of its power. You don't want to miss out on the fishing out there. Its to great to pass on. Just my two cents......Joe

They're just saying not to go out alone until you know what you're doing.  I bring people out on the ocean who've never been in a kayak before all the time and so far they've all survived.  

Bum a yak off someone who's got more than one (like me or mooch) when they're going on a trip.  Ask what tackle/gear to bring for that specific trip and get what you need, then go.  

You'd best hurry though, rockfishing is the easiest and most productive kayak fishing and it closes in a month.  All winter and spring we go on low yielding sturgeon, salmon and halibut trips - fun for us, but likely to dissapoint someone new.  

This weekend's pretty lumpy, but next weekend may be a good opportunity for a last ditch rockfish trip.

Here's one more-- go down to Larkspur landing in Marin, rent a kayak from outdoor adv, bring a little trout rod and catch a bunch o' stripers....

let me know if you are interested, i can probably meet you at the launch on sunday.  I'll be out early looking elswhere, but will probably make my way back to larkspur/corte madera creek around noon or so.