New to Monterey

Hi everyone. My name is Matt. I am 28 and new to this forum and the Monterey area from Phoenix Arizona. I arrived mid May and will be staying in Marina through the summer until mid August. The purpose of my stay is as a summer intern with the U.S Geological Survey, as a hydrographer. I am very excited to have been chosen to come work with the survey, and to be here in the Monterey area. Back home I am an avid catch and release angler (mostly) ; usually in the local reservoirs for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, although we have a surprising amount of Trout opportunities in the high country of Arizona too.  I fish from pontoon style float tubes and prefer them to fancy bass boats for their stealth; and it’s just more fun.  Naturally, I have wanted kayak ocean fish for a long time.
Last weekend, I took the fishing, rigging, self recovery class provided by Monterey Bay Kayak Company and I was hooked. The instructors and the class were professional and fun.  After the class I picked up a rig, am very excited to try it out. 
My salt water experience is limited to a few surf casting trips to Mexico and the east coast.  I have been working the local beaches and kelp beds (where legal), with some success.
I have met only friendly, welcoming people since my arrival in town and I really appreciate the hospitality.  Considering my relative inexperience with ocean fishing, I would welcome the opportunity to fish with local, knowledgeable anglers.  Lunch is on me.

Matt

Another has been bitten by the MADNESS!  Welcome.  You have plenty of company in the Monterey Bay area, and this site is the one to find them.

just look out for the hookups and whatever works for your schedule just show up , everyones always cool and helpful

Hey Matt welcome to our little slice of heaven! Ive been to Monterey A couple of times and more than likely will bump in to you. ( Especially if your buying lunch! )  ....J/K Make sure to post when you plan on fishing in the hookups section with date an d location and you may find yourself some company... Again welcome to Monterey County...Andy

Welcome to the Monterey peninsula and the site. I'm sure you'll find lots of fishin buddies here. And Thanks for taking the MBK safety course too (you'll find more people willing to fish w/you because you're not a potential liability on the water).

welcome matt, i hope you arent attached to that creek company boat, mine hasnt seen water since getting the yak 3 yrs ago, cameron

Hey Matt welcome to our little slice of heaven! Ive been to Monterey A couple of times and more than likely will bump in to you. ( Especially if your buying lunch! )  ....J/K Make sure to post when you plan on fishing in the hookups section with date an d location and you may find yourself some company... Again welcome to Monterey County...Andy

Thank you Andy.  I will mostly be a weekend warrior because I dont get off work until about 5.  It seems lately to be a bit too choppy that late.   I plan on paddling this Saturday morning but Im not sure where to start.  I was thinking about launching from Monterey Warf and fishing just north of the jetty for rock fish, or perhaps launching at moss landing and working some beaches for stipers.  Ive heard you can fish a short distance up stream of the bridge toward the slough and have considered this too.  Any thoughts?

Your best bet would be launching from San Carlos beach or the coast guard pier and work the kelp line in front of cannery row. But stay clear of the no fishing zone directly in front of the aquarium its marked with little red buoys.You could always paddle to the red can ( Mile marker ) There is A nice reef right there. Good luck on Sat. Do you have A radio? I will be in the area I just dont know where yet...

I dont have a radio yet.  I would like to get one soon, but Im saving for a sonar first.  Well that confirms it.  I will work the kelp lines north of the jettty and look for that reef.  I plan to be on the water at first light.  Ill be in sand colored 13 foot ocean kayak wearing a wide brim Corona hat.  It would be a pleasure to meet ya out there.  Thanks again for the input.

Im not gonna bust your balls over this but in my honest opinion you might want to reathink your decision on putting the sonar up first. It is VERY important to have radio contact in case something goes wrong. Ive personally have seen things go wrong.. Enought of that have A great time on the water.....Andy

Welcome aboard Matt.You are off to a fantastic start...buying a new T13 from MBK and taking my class.

You'll fit in quite well in the Norcal scene.
See you on the water.
Aaron

Welcome to the madness Matt!!!

I"ve got to agree with Andy, hit up West Marine, you can get a portable, waterproof VHF for less than $100.00.

See you on the water!!!

Rich

Yeah, you should get a VHF before the FF. Even a cheapo will work as long as its 5wts and you take care of it. I bought a 2-pack of cheap Cobra VHFs from the West Marine on Del Monte for $70 like 3 yrs ago. I still have & use 1 of them.

You are probable right about the radio.  Besides safety, its a good way to locate fishin buddies.  I will pick one up.  What channels do we use?

You are probable right about the radio.  Besides safety, its a good way to locate fishin buddies.  I will pick one up.  What channels do we use?

Channel....