Where to take your non-fishing friend fishing

So I've been asked by friends many times to take them fishing. In fact, they wanted me to take their young kids fishing. I live in the East Bay. Used to know the local lakes inside out, but I don't know them anymore. I could take them to places like Chabot or Quarry Lake, but I doubt those places are productive from shore or from the kayak. I would take them rock cod fishing, but that involves taking them out on kayaks in the ocean, and my most recent RF trips didn't do so well. So, where should I take them? I don't think they care what they catch, as long as they catch something. Probably non-kayak. Heck, my son had a great time last year catching sardines at HMB. I want to leave them with a positive experience.

Thanks!
ernest

Take 'em to Monterey - right behind Monterey Bay Kayaks. Easy launch - usually calm - smallish rockfish but there's aways a chance of a halibut. If conditions are unfavorable, you can always go plan B and take the kids to the aquarium....

good luck!

Ernest,

For non-yak I would rent a skiff from Capitola..totally cool exploring the kelp beds, and despite popular belief there ARE fish there...sometimes even NICE fish!!

http://capitolaboatandbait.com/2010/06/02/capitola-cabewoah

 

Also, for $75 for the day for four people the price is pretty good!!

http://capitolaboatandbait.com/rentals/motorized-skiffs

Have fun!!!

Sincerely,

Jim

kids don't care what they catch...it's so cool watching kids fish...they are so focused on it...just blows me away...makes me feel like a kid again just watching and showing...and when they do "Get Some" their faces say it all!!!

blue gill fishing is always a great bet...my grandfather used to take me out for crappie fishing on lake mendo...and if they weren't biting we'd hit up his honey hole for blue gill......

look forward to some sushi...

Hi Ernest:

     Have them fish for Bait at the  West Harbor Small boat launch in Santa Cruz.
Biccio Boy nets the Sardines across from "S" Dock and sells them.
     Lots of fun things to do if, fishing become a drag. Purchase a all Day parking pass
from the Harbor Master of Bayside Marine.
                                                             

baby steps...

I'd take 'em panfishing somewhere.  If you want a destination for that, try Loch Lomond in Felton, Santa Cruz county (if its open).  I've yanked out bluegill exceeding one pound there on crawlers by trout island and elsewhere.  bring BBQ and have lunch on island.  even if you don't catch fish, you cannot go wrong with the scenery, its an absolutely stunning place.  Rent a boat and just paddle around, guaranteed good time.

for newbs you can't just throw em in the deep end b/c expectations will rarely match with reality.  So for non fishing friends, I've found it best to take baby steps and ease them into it during a mixed-used trip involving a backup plan with an activity (eating/bbq) that is enjoyed universally.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,12101.0.html

Yep, find some bluegill and they'll be engaged all day.  I skimped out on an all-day yak fishing pass from the wife to take my boy out Monday morning...the pic speaks for itself.
-beenfishin

ive taken people to bolinas lagoon and they will never forget the redhot leopard shark action they expeirience , bring some squid but if its low tide flip the rocks along highway 1 to find midshipmen and monkeyface eels which usually only atract the bigger sharks...#1 there is action , #2 there catching sharks and rays , how cool is that? u can even toss out rattle traps and hook into halibut if ur feelin lucky

bolinas lagoon is behind stinson beach...if sharkin is slow then drive to the inlet in the town of bolinas and theres alots of perch, rich(montana) even schooled me about limits of crabs in there too

find a day with a tide thats low @ like 1.5 feet then fish the mudflats at the north end , if its a super low tide stay to the south

Thanks for everyone's great tips. Let's see how far these guys are willing to travel. I'm still listening. Let's hear it if you have other suggestions.

Thank you,
ernest

Sometimmes when experienced anglers start trying to think of a "garanteed" fishing trip we focus on trips we have made and try to predict a fruitfal outcome for a "successful" outcome. Believing that multiple catching is the answer for a great trip. I've found when it come to taking kids, there are a few things that make it "successful" Bring fun food along. You know the kind mom doesn't want em to have. Don't go in with expectations, It's bound to be different than you expected. Be PATIENT!! Keep it light. Make sure they are comfortable. Most often it doesn't matter what or how big you catch. Hell I've heard grown men on this site admitt to having more fun catching the bait than the fish they went there for. Which brings me to what to fish for. Ever consider fishing for smelt, pier perch, bluegills, redeared sunfish? On scaled down tackle they are as fun to catch as most "game fish" And usually they are one after another type action. Use simple baits, or better yet, forage for bait. And most important, when they want to quit. Quit. Mess around with other stuff around or in the water. Enjoy the crap you brought to eat, and just have fun with it. I've found under these conditions, most kids take to it naturally.