Big Break Launch Site

I started to go to Del Valle to try out my Navionics Hotmap chip that I received for Christmas.  Due the recent rain and mud on my yak, I wasn’t sure I could pass the inspection.  Last time I was at Big Break, a couple of East Bay Regional Park employees told about the EBRPD shoreline park on Big Break Rd in Oakley.  They said there is no formal launch ramp and a ¼ mile walk to the water, but there is an easy launch that kayakers frequently use.  I decided to give it a try.  It is only about 30 minutes farther than Del Valle, it is on the Delta, and there is no inspection required.  I had no problem finding the park.  I have driven by it every time I launched at Big Break Marina but never drove in to check it out.  It is only a couple of blocks from fast food and a shopping center.
The park includes walking/bicycle trails and a wetlands preservation area.  The parking is free, there are flush toilets with running water, and there is a gravel walking path to a covered fishing pier.  Launching is informal off of the shoreline, but safe and easy.  I didn’t even get my feet wet.   The park is dog friendly, clean, well maintained, and not crowded.   The park employees were friendly and helpful.   Like the EBRPD fishing pier at the Antioch Bridge, access and parking are free.  I have been a member of EBRPD for many years and I have read about a Big Break facility but I had no idea it was such a nice place.
The Hotmaps worked great.  No fishing today just pics.

That looks awfully fishy right there. Great shots. I have to google that right now.

It can be a great spot for stripers and black bass.  I usually fish it when the water is warmer.  Today it was 49-53.  I think the fish are a little sluggish for lures but live bait still works. 

Is this the park?

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/antioch_oakley

Thanks for the info and pictures Doug.

dbrad,

Here is the official site.  Sorry I didn't look it up and include in the first post.  The Antioch is also a nice site but no easy launching.  I talked to two park employees at the Antioch Shoreline/fishing pier and asked about launching there.  They said they were not aware of any rules against it but it was not advisable.  The bank is lined with large rocks that would be hard on kayaks and kayakers. 

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/big_break

Thanks for the report.  I always wonder about that place when I launch out of the marina.  Opie

Opie,

Have you ever found crappie in the Big Break area?  I saw your post from Whiskey and it looks like you know how to find them.  I would sure like to get into crappie fishing again. 
Doug

Grumpy,
  I haven't been to big break in 10 days or so, and I was only getting a couple largemouth bites each trip.  But you've got me thinking,  there was a lot of surface baitfish activity in the dead ends of the marina.  I never could get any bites back there, but I was throwing senko's and dropshots.  It would be interesting to see if a small crappie spinnerbait could do better.
  The crappie I found in Whiskey were all by accident, not skill.  They were in, or over, shallow grass beds where I was looking for bass.   
                 Good luck,
                      Opie