Maiden Voyage

Okay, I have this weekend off with no previous plans, a new kayak and associated gear.  The question of the day for me: Where should I take my new kayak?  The ocean is too big this weekend to even think about doing anything there.  I'm not really comfortable with fishing in the bay, at least knowing where it is safe and where it isn't.  So that leaves me with fresh water lakes.  Any suggestions as to where I might go to do some paddling and a little bit of fishing?  Anyone planning on going out this weekend?  Thanks!

Michael

It would help if we know which area you live to make a logical suggestion.  For example, you probably wouldn't want to fish in Mendocino lake if you live in South San Jose 

But if u do go to mendo lake let me know and I'll "hookup" with ya...

Like Sonny said, let us know where you are.  Welcome aboard!   

It would help if we know which area you live to make a logical suggestion.  For example, you probably wouldn't want to fish in Mendocino lake if you live in South San Jose 

Why wouldn't I want to fish Mendo since I live in SSJ???    

For your first time out, maybe just forget the fishing gear and hit up any lake you can easily access and get some time in your new boat.  Then, get out and go fishing on your second trip!

you could always try one of the local marinas (like redwood city) for some shark and ray action

From his other post, he lives in San Mateo.

I'd recommend the short trip across the bridge to quarry lakes.  its a small enough lake that if something goes wrong you can always swim to shore (although they'd probably get mad since i think its a no contact lake)

only knock is boat inspection, but considering its brand new that should be no problem, and you'd be inspected on just about any other lake in the south bay anyways.  go light on the gear, they've been catching trout trolling using rapalas and grubs.

another choice would be a paddle at lake merced, although I do not know how good the fishing is there, or foster city lagoon near where the aquan boat house is since you're familiar with it. chabot is not too far from you either and has a pretty good stocker trout population

you could also to a HMB harbor cruise...stay inside the jetties and its protected from the swell and most of the wind

Why wouldn't I want to fish Mendo since I live in SSJ???    

A couple things came to mind:  The lake is too low right now and it's a 3+ hours drive from SSJ 

If he lives in San Mateo I would suggest try the lagoon in Foster City for his maiden trip.

Hey Bink,
      I'm pretty much a newb too with a new (to me) boat.  I'm down in San Jose planning on going out somewhere on Sunday probably.  Let me know if you want to meet up,  I'm open to anywhere within an hour drive or so.  We can try and help each other not drown!   

Port of Redwood City would be another place to go. Free launch and parking. But if you decide to paddle inside the slough area, keep an eye on the tide.

Redwood shores Lagoon - park across the Library (just past oracle). Ther is free parking and there is a lauch ramp just a stones throw away.

Loch Lomand in Santa Cruz is a BEAUTIFUL place to paddle (just don't know if it's open right now). There's an Island on the lake where you can take a break and take it all in. Fishing isn't the best but scenery in top shelf.

Lexington on Hwy 17 - don't know what the conditions are like right now but I think it's worth the day trip.

Loch Lomand in Santa Cruz is a BEAUTIFUL place to paddle (just don't know if it's open right now). There's an Island on the lake where you can take a break and take it all in. Fishing isn't the best but scenery in top shelf.

Do they allow kayaks in LL again? I thought scallen said they closed it to all boats or something.  If not, that would be a great place to go.

Loch Lomand is still closed I believe... I think it opens in spring?

anyway, its wierd cause there website has been down forever...

Yup, LL is closed and they still are not letting outside boats in.     Their loss I guess.

Michael

Hi All,

Sorry about that, bassmanben is correct I live in San Mateo.  However, I have been known to drive as far as Big Sur at least once or twice a month in pursuit of rockfish.  Basically anything within a 120 mile radius is not out of the question.  However, given that I am still getting used to driving my little honda civic coupe with a big hunk of plastic on it, it would probably behoove me to keep the drive within 50 miles or so, one way.  Thanks for all the suggestions!

Michael