sand dabs

hey fellow yakers, i have been out with a wrist injury and finally getting to the ponit where i can paddle again.  So i have been itching to get out.  Anyone know if a good spot for sand dabs? i have been craving some lately, thank you and hope to see/fish with some of you guys soon.

Out past the red bell buoy in Monterey, launch from Coast Guard Jetty.  Or outside Moss Landing jaws (be careful).
Allen

I'd be interested in going once the ocean calms down a bit.  But this week is looking too big for me.  Allen, I'm not second guessing your expertise, I'm wondering if you said to be careful because of the swell? Or is there another reason besides general safety things like other boats, currents and things that I/we should be aware of in that area? Like maybe something specific to that area that you are warning about?  Thanks buddy!

I second coast guard pier... Paddle straight out to around 150 feet. You should end up in line with the aquarium... Use large sabiki hooks!

Not sure when yet, waiting for a real nice day in Mbay, but will be heading out for some dabs in the next month or so.  Will post a hookup! 

Al, lemme know when you do come here for some dabs. I'll be joining ya then since my gf loves those dabs, and I gotta build up my pts with her lol!

i've been keeping on eye on the forecast as well..still havent seen enough the last couple weeks to make it worth the 3 hr drive.

Daniel Ive got A big bag in the freezer come pick em up!

Daniel Ive got A big bag in the freezer come pick em up!

Andy, I've still got your fishing rods and wader from the Forebay fish n chill. Since I'll be outta town tomorrow, most likely I'll come by Wednesday to drop em off and chill with ya

i've been keeping on eye on the forecast as well..still havent seen enough the last couple weeks to make it worth the 3 hr drive.

Much less the 10 minute drive....


Hey icruzyaks, I voted for "easy launch spot" but it's a confusing poll   
So yeah, just launch from MBK or San Carlos beach and paddle out towards the red mile buoy and drag the bottom w/a sz8 sabiki tipped w/little squid tentacles. Try the 130-180ft depth NW of the buoy. Good luck!

I voted for  "where to go"


Dab fishing sounds FUN!

I'm wondering if you said to be careful because of the swell? Or is there another reason besides general safety things like other boats, currents and things that I/we should be aware of in that area? Like maybe something specific to that area that you are warning about? 

It is often like a 'washing machine" at the jaws of Moss.  Lots of water moves through there with the tides.  In addition, the jetties are HUGE, and they set up conflicting reflected side waves that confuse things even more.   If there's any sort of swell, the beaches to the North and South can be dangerous if you need to resort to "Plan B" and do an emergency landing on the beach.  Swells tend to focus on that area esp to the North side.

It's  do-able, just pay attention to the tides, bring a buddy, and make sure your VHF is charged and in your pfd.

Oh yes, also the boats coming in and out are sometime BIG, adding wake problems and collision fears to the mix.


All things considered,  Monterey is much more pleasant, about the same paddle distance without all the attendant hassles.

there are tons of dabs out of Moss though so........

Allen

Allen is totally right about Moss Landing!! Couple months back, my buddy and I decided to fish inside the jetty since the swells were gnarly. Getting bored inside the jetty, I decided to take a "peak" outside. Just as I got outside, things got real dangerous very quick.

It really was a "washing machine": big waves were coming from all direction, making it difficult to keep my yak stable/balanced. All this while the ocean was trying to suck me out of the jetty.

At that moment, I got my ass back inside the jetty lol!! It was truly crazy how the waves were moving in different/various directions. As I was outside the jetty point, the water wanted to pull me out like a slingshot; but once I got inside, I was riding a wave inside the jetty at 6.1 mph 

Since then I've never gone back outside the jetty, however I've always wanted to fish outside there. Allen, if ya ever do any yak trips outta Moss please do lemme know. I'd love to join ya for company

haha that's what I'm talking about.  And remember, it can be calm and pleaant on the way out and then facing the washing machine on your way in surprise!

I will post in hookups if I go out there soon.  I gotta go out and fish get some blood on the ultra!

Allen

yakuza and I did Moss last year for salmon but we lucked out on the wx and swell. I also think being focused and getting in and out quickly helps. Kinda like a comando mission. I see ppl all the time F around near harbor mouths. Traffic, structure, swell, current all should equal get you small ass boat out of there ASAP.