Tips for a beached mega-newb?

Hello All,

I've been lurking for a while and thought it time to wade in.

I've recently rekindled my interest in fishing (Dad wasn't really into fishing when I was young - mostly earthworms on a bobber).  I would consider myself a mega-newbie (especially within the context of this board).  I've got two little boys, 3 & 5, with whom I intended to build lots of fun fishing memories.

I live in the Modesto, CA area but my heart lives in the Monterey Bay area. My parents recently purchased a condo in Marina for family use.  I intend to take up Kayaking with an eye towards fishing (after proper instruction of course) but that will have to wait for a bit while I gather the xtra cash (economy sucks for small business right now).

Anyway I will be heading over in a couple of weeks and plan to do some surf fishing from the beach in Marina.  Any tips or advice would be great.  Should I head into PG for some rock fishing instead.

Love the site and thanks in advance.

Welcome aboard!

Have you taken a look at PFIC?  There are a bunch of folks there who rockfish from shore in the monterey area.

Welcome 

No advice on shore fishing in Monterey but when you're ready to start kayaking, I strongly suggest taking a basic paddling & safety course to get started; it's well-worth it.

Also, ask around - there are folks here who might offer to lend an extra kayak to try out.

I have extra kayaks and would be willing to show you around a bit if you want.  not sure of my schedule right now though.  I am looking to get onto the ocean soon enough for a run, and stillwater south or Monterey Bay Kayaks would probably be where i'm going.  both are pretty tame.

as for marina/you could always rent a kayak at monterey bay kayaks and take it out in the kelp or the red/yellow cans. plenty of fish there.

About the best thing you can do would be to learn the MLPA No Fishing Zones....fines may be about the same price as a kayak.


http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/ccmpas_list.asp

Try this out.
http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/HostedStore.LassoApp?-ResponseLassoApp=detail.lasso&ID=39fc35ab5c8dc27e3372cf5830f71669&s2op=eq&s2=Fishing&sop=AND

Then this.
http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/HostedStore.LassoApp?-ResponseLassoApp=detail.lasso&ID=d0b64ef72b8579c30f87c66593a9c718&s2op=eq&s2=Fishing&sop=AND

Then this!
http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/HostedStore.LassoApp?-ResponseLassoApp=detail.lasso&ID=c29f80c3fcdcc9a06f3281e95fbcd270&s2op=eq&s2=Fishing&sop=AND

Good Luck!

Thanks guys.

I'll check the other forum (can't imagine it will be as cool).

I've also got printouts of the fishing zones.

I will definitely be checking back once I've had a chance to take some basic courses.



 

Welcome to the site. Glad you found us.
Give us a reminder when the time draws nearer to your vacation/visit, and I s/b able to provide some timely options. But you're on the right track...either sandy beach for surfperch & stripers or rocky habitat for rockfish/lingcod/cabezon. It just depends on the marine conditions and how you want to spend your day. Lately I've been opting for sandy beach because it's easier to manage my 3-yo son. Good luck!

Welcome to the Forum!!!! I have an extra yak if you are interested in fishing the Tuolumne, Stanislaus or Merced rivers, also nice trout out at Turlock inlet or Modesto inlet. Have fun, ask lots of questions and be safe!!!!

Badog

Try this out.
http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/HostedStore.LassoApp?-ResponseLassoApp=detail.lasso&ID=39fc35ab5c8dc27e3372cf5830f71669&s2op=eq&s2=Fishing&sop=AND

Good Luck!

Thank you for the links, just what I was looking for.  Do you know what would be necessary for bait and tackle?  I am also a newbie with just a fishing pole.

Love that screen name Podunk...

Welcome.......someone soon to get the bug...only bank fishing I do is "combat" when salmon find the rivers...lol...cuz they aint found me in the ocean yet...

Yaking is MUCH funner....good fishing, good times, great peeps...

Once again Welcome....

Got skunked but still enjoyed it.

Couldn't get out of the house without the five year old on Saturday so I spent more time watching him then fishing.  Got to do more actual fishing on Sunday but the bite eluded me.

I've read all the how to read the water stuff but standing on the shore looking out it kinda all looked the same to me.  I just walked the beach casting out at regular intervals.

I wanted to try the rocks in PG on Sunday after some time at the aquarium but realized I'd left my license back at the house.  Figure I probably saved myself some tackle.