Random Big Blue questions

I finally ventured out into the big blue for some RF via party boat in HMB. It was my first time and I did have a blast. Caught around 8 RF and an undersized ling (only 1/2" and it'd be legal). Some big swells out there. I actually did get a lil sick when we started drifting. So.. some questions I have in mind:

1.) How far do you guys venture out there? and..
2.) I don't suppose you guys go to those areas with big swells where boats go to do ya? I am not sure what our yaks can handle.

I'm not yet prepared to head out to the ocean in a yak myself, but maybe in the near future. The swells did bother me a bit though even after taking some Bonine (anti-emetic medicine) I ended up chumming the water.

On a good weather day, I'd go as far as the red can but on those questionable days, I'll fish the reef between the green can and the rockwall. You'll see the kelp beds on a low tide. The area gets a lot of pressure but I've seen some big fish pulled out of there.

these were caught last year....

*I suggest you keep an eye on your depth finder when fishing this area. The depth can change dramatically and the reef area can produce some big unexpected waves. Be careful.
- oh, and bring a compass / GPS in case the fog rolls in on you.

Super Herb,
Good question brother, if you went in to the queen of hearts, more likely they hit San Gregorio, Pescadero, Bean Hollow, Pigeon Point to the Lighthouse, whenever any of us go out there we always do weather factor (weather dictates), this includes wind, swell and wind waves, if the wind is down less than 10 kts and the swell is 6ft below, its doable, there are time you will I get a perfect weather that means you can venture from a mile or two some more, I get sick a lot on Charter Boats, but not much on YAK, not sure why..Lately there has been more sightings of the Landlord in SMC than the usual, others refrain from going at all..my suggestion is take a class going in and out of the surf..they are worth it..others are basically base on your comfort zone..I can show a rope or 2 when your ready to venture out in the blue..

Thanks for the replies and shared info guys. Yes, that was the queen of hearts Darius. I am actually looking into getting into some classes this year to boost my knowledge, experience, and confidence. I need to move forward from fishing the local reservoirs and lakes into bigger things. That would be great pare, I'm looking forward to that. When I'm ready, hope to fish the coast with you guys.

I am actually looking into getting into some classes this year to boost my knowledge, experience, and confidence.

I am overjoyed to read this . It really is the best investment you can make.

I rarely end up in water more than 100' deep, unless I'm fishing sand dabs in Monterey. I prefer the shallow stuff for better releases on fish.

The sea sickness has plagued me as well. I've used Bonine and store brand generics and been perfectly happy in some snotty conditions. Oddly, I seem to be less prone to queasiness on a kayak that a big boat. IMHO, sea sickness is a matter of getting your ears/eyes/equilibrium used to the visual and physical cues at sea. I think of it like exercise for those senses-the more time you spend on the water, the less of an effect.
The tried and true prep to avoid the mal de mer is stay warm & comfortable (dress in layers), don't eat much but Do eat something, avoid excess coffee, stay hydrated, and avoid intricate tasks like knot tying if you can (use of snap swivels is perfectly acceptable!)

and avoid intricate tasks like knot tying if you can (use of snap swivels is perfectly acceptable!)

Great tip Sean! Never even thought of that. I don't ever get sea sick out there but this simple tip of yours makes total sense.

For me, anything that revolves around looking down into my lap for too long results in sea sickness.  I pre-tie all my leaders and use snap swivels to reduce the time needed to re-rig.  It helps a lot 

For me, anything that revolves around looking down into my lap for too long results in sea sickness.  I pre-tie all my leaders and use snap swivels to reduce the time needed to re-rig.  It helps a lot 

Same here. I always venture out into the big blue with a ton of extra rigs tied up so I can minimize my time looking at anything but my rod and the horizon. I haven't got sick once in my kayak but I also take bonine every time I fish the ocean.

-FF

For me, anything that revolves around looking down into my lap for too long results in sea sickness.  I pre-tie all my leaders and use snap swivels to reduce the time needed to re-rig.  It helps a lot 

Same here. I always venture out into the big blue with a ton of extra rigs tied up so I can minimize my time looking at anything but my rod and the horizon. I haven't got sick once in my kayak but I also take bonine every time I fish the ocean.

-FF

I've never heard of or taken Bonnie before.  Better than Dramamine?  I have the Scopus Patches (not pill) and have had mixed results.  Got sick with it on once, and put it on when sick and felt better.  But I also have Dramamine most of the time as a backup which has worked many times (just not so well after a night of drinking lol).

I get less drowsy with Bonine. I get it at my local Rite Aid. Any place like Longs, Walgreens or Rite Aid should have it. Give it a try next time you hit the salt. I can't remember who first turned me onto Bonine but they recommended taking 1 at night right before you hit the sack and then 1 more an hour before you hit the water. Works like a charm for me. Haven't lost my lunch yet 

-FF

I use Dramamine but I get so efing tired as side effect that's why I am refraining from using it unless conditions says so, I tried scopace get dry mouth I might endup drinking the whole ocean if I keep using them..

One thing that I learned while stationed in San Diego conducting training onboard naval ships was ;  the bussier that you are, the less likely you will be sick.  Which means get busy catching those fish   Many a sailor would put down his seasick bag when he got to busy while being involved in fire drills and other associated drills, and not even need it later after the drills were done.