Pescadero Creek rd/ HWY 1 - Fishing report

I'd opt for bean hollow unless the surf is really light.  The launch/landing at pescadero has lots of boulders in the surf.  That breaks up small surf and makes it fairly easy, but larger surf could kill you on the rocks.  Bean hollow is maybe more likely to upend you, but it's a nice sand beach, which is less likely to cause serious injury.

Since you are advising someone to go out alone to BeanHollow:
Dont forget about warning/alerting him of the higher percentage factor of being attacked by a GWS there. That could kill you before you land on the nice sand beach.

You guys are 2 great advisors......   i dont think i've ever seen a either of you there in the last 3 seasons, why would you send a newbie there?

Logic:

Given: More kayak anglers launch at Bean Hollow than at Pescadero. Probably by two orders of magnitude.
Given: More kayak anglers have seen sharks, or had their kayaks attacked by sharks at Bean Hollow, than at Pescadero.
Conclusion: There may be more sharks at Bean Hollow, or the increased numbers of attacks/sightins might be due to the much larger number of kayak angler hours/annum at Bean Hollow. More data is needed.

Faulty logic:
Given: More kayak anglers have seen sharks, or had their kayaks attacked by sharks at Bean Hollow, than at Pescadero.
Conclusion: There is a

higher percentage factor of being attacked by a GWS there.

Logic:
Given: FishHunter has not seen promethan_spark or JohnGuineaPig at Bean Hollow in seasons
Conclusion: FishHunter has not seen Promethan Spark or JohnGuineaPig at Bean Hollow in three years.


Faulty logic:
Known: FishHunter has not seen promethan_spark or JohnGuineaPig at Bean Hollow in three years
Conclusion: promethan_spark or JohnGuineaPig don't know WTF they're talking about. Why would they send a newbie there?


Faulty Logic:
Given: I've not seen FisHunter at Bean Hollow for the past three seasons
Given: FisHunter's logic is demonstrably faulty
Conclusion: Don't take any advice from FishHunter.


Cool post. I've only launched from the Bean, and from Pomponio.  One of these days I want to launch from San Gregorio, and land at Bean Hollow. Just letting the prevailing drift  do it's thing.

scallen is right on - The San Mateo coast is much better for fishing in groups, for support WHEN (not if) something goes Tango Uniform.

JohnGuineaPig and promethean_spark are also correct in chiming in that Bean Hollow is much more user friendly when it comes to landing, IF you time things right, and don't dilly dally when landing.

FisHunter is right - there are a lot of landlord sightings and bitings at Bean Hollow. Know this before you fish there. This does not mean that the sharks are not elsewhere on the San Mateo coast.

My 2 cents?!: You may not need to use any anti-nausea medicine. I don't, and my stomach certainly isn't bombproof. But I do:

• Eat a little ginger before and during trips on the ocean when it's bumpy
• Have my tackle set up so that I'm not spending a lot of time dealing with it when on the water, even if I have to replace leaders and terminal gear. Whenever I've become nauseous, it's because of dealing with tackle issues when on the water. If you are looking in your lap when its funky out there, your inner ear is getting confusing signals.
• Spend most of my time looking at the horizon when it's bumpy - this somewhat helps with your sense of equilibrium.
  

Have fun out there, buddy up (the shared experience is generally more fun anyway) and good luck

Scott

I'd opt for bean hollow unless the surf is really light.  The launch/landing at pescadero has lots of boulders in the surf.  That breaks up small surf and makes it fairly easy, but larger surf could kill you on the rocks.  Bean hollow is maybe more likely to upend you, but it's a nice sand beach, which is less likely to cause serious injury.

Since you are advising someone to go out alone to BeanHollow:
Dont forget about warning/alerting him of the higher percentage factor of being attacked by a GWS there. That could kill you before you land on the nice sand beach.

You guys are 2 great advisors......   i dont think i've ever seen a either of you there in the last 3 seasons, why would you send a newbie there?

Logic:

Given: More kayak anglers launch at Bean Hollow than at Pescadero. Probably by two orders of magnitude.
Given: More kayak anglers have seen sharks, or had their kayaks attacked by sharks at Bean Hollow, than at Pescadero.
Conclusion: There may be more sharks at Bean Hollow, or the increased numbers of attacks/sightins might be due to the much larger number of kayak angler hours/annum at Bean Hollow. More data is needed.

Faulty logic:
Given: More kayak anglers have seen sharks, or had their kayaks attacked by sharks at Bean Hollow, than at Pescadero.
Conclusion: There is a

higher percentage factor of being attacked by a GWS there.

Logic:
Given: FishHunter has not seen promethan_spark or JohnGuineaPig at Bean Hollow in seasons
Conclusion: FishHunter has not seen Promethan Spark or JohnGuineaPig at Bean Hollow in three years.


Faulty logic:
Known: FishHunter has not seen promethan_spark or JohnGuineaPig at Bean Hollow in three years
Conclusion: promethan_spark or JohnGuineaPig don't know WTF they're talking about. Why would they send a newbie there?


Faulty Logic:
Given: I've not seen FisHunter at Bean Hollow for the past three seasons
Given: FisHunter's logic is demonstrably faulty
Conclusion: Don't take any advice from FishHunter.


Cool post. I've only launched from the Bean, and from Pomponio.  One of these days I want to launch from San Gregorio, and land at Bean Hollow. Just letting the prevailing drift  do it's thing.

scallen is right on - The San Mateo coast is much better for fishing in groups, for support WHEN (not if) something goes Tango Uniform.

JohnGuineaPig and promethean_spark are also correct in chiming in that Bean Hollow is much more user friendly when it comes to landing, IF you time things right, and don't dilly dally when landing.

FisHunter is right - there are a lot of landlord sightings and bitings at Bean Hollow. Know this before you fish there. This does not mean that the sharks are not elsewhere on the San Mateo coast.

My 2 cents?!: You may not need to use any anti-nausea medicine. I don't, and my stomach certainly isn't bombproof. But I do:

• Eat a little ginger before and during trips on the ocean when it's bumpy
• Have my tackle set up so that I'm not spending a lot of time dealing with it when on the water, even if I have to replace leaders and terminal gear. Whenever I've become nauseous, it's because of dealing with tackle issues when on the water. If you are looking in your lap when its funky out there, your inner ear is getting confusing signals.
• Spend most of my time looking at the horizon when it's bumpy - this somewhat helps with your sense of equilibrium.
  

Have fun out there, buddy up (the shared experience is generally more fun anyway) and good luck

Scott

Scott -

I actually agree with you on this one. But for me, you won't see me out on SMC anymore. Too many other less sharky places to fish. It's all about staying within your comfort and skill level. The sharks at BH are habituated to kayaks like Yosemite bears are habituated to cars and humans. Not a good thing, IMHO.

Scott

Well said Scott.  I used to think about fishing Bean Hollow but Adam's encounter was enough for me to decide not to try it.  There are so many other great places to fish that I just won't place myself in unnecessary danger.  I just added a floating waterproof GPS to my arsenal of safety equipment.  Even with all of the safety equipment, nothing beats having a friend in sight when things get out of control.  I know sharks can be anywhere in the ocean, but the number of sightings around Bean Hollow just makes the odds of an encounter that much greater.  No Bean for me!

Martin

Ah the "Hollowed Bean"  I fished it last yr with a group of 8 everone's eye's told the story...It's a heart pumper KNOWN GWS attacks...Known serious SHORE BREAK... so going in your like OK I made the shore break...Now the GWS's    So your heart rates up and the adrenaline is coursing through your veins... but u start fishing and sort of forget about the GWS thing, than u hear the "jaws" theme song in your head and your watching over your shoulder for u know what....than u got to paddle back in to some heart pumping shorebreak...freakin awesome... but after listening to Adam tell his story @ RBC last yr...should've filmed it...made me think twice bout the Bean...  Talked to numerous yakers that have been out there by them selves right before and day after  Adam had is out of body experience     Its an A game gig.... getting chills typing bout it....freaking awesome....so if you got some buddy's that like to live life on the edge  GAME ON...    What a Rush!!!  But Talking to Fishunter made me think twice bout that gig... Be Safe...............

Sorry for thread jacking a great report....sounds like your an on the edge kinda guy... +1 on a great report... I'd like to chk that out sometime..... and a PLUS 10 for all those that recommend the buddy system, I still solo but not like I used to...this site made me WAY more aware of SAFTY!!! +10  Cya OTW 

I feel the bean Is Not a place to start at. I think of it as a place to work your way up to. But hey what do I know? dont take any advice from me 

Scott~ you sure know how to use that Quote feature well.......i found it funny that 2 NKCA members(that I have NEVER seen there or at any other NCKA hookup), giving a newbie advice to hit Bean Hollow because the sand is softer there. No mention of the real dangers that lurk there. So thanks for breaking down plain english & adding your worthless logic & knowledge into it. All that math has already been equated and the sum still remains the same.
You, GP John and prome_s dont even fish there, why would you direct someone else to? Is that logical? 

I had fun fishing the bean, two years ago, and you guys know how I like my rodeo, that launch can be a piece of cake in the morning, and really nasty when you come back in! I think I still hold the record for greatest yard sale ever at the bean!

great report, I have looked at that beach a few times myself.

my 2c, since I can...lol

1)   the ocean is dangerous - you know that
2)   kayaking in the ocean should be a buddy activity if possible (all kayaking actually)  for safety
3)   the san mateo coast has GWS inshore (then again, so does the rest of CA)
4)   there is a huge colony breeding Elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve from winter through early summer
5)   Elephant seals are yummy
6)   Elephant seal adults average 14 feet in length (weigh up to 5,000lbs)
7)   The average kayak we fish out of is about 14' long
   sharks are curious and are OK with a test nibble
9)   GWS hunting strategy is to cruise deep water adjacent to shallower water and attack from below
10)  Places where GWS hunting habitat overlaps kayak fisherman habitat include: pigeon point, pescadero, bean hollow, all of big sur, the mouth of tamales bay......

Adam has been hit by a GWS, as have others and no one has been munched...  kayaks probably resemble wounded Elephant seals, then taste funny/bad after the initial nibble....

Every time I go out in the ocean I accept that I am taking a risk ( I also take meclazine) and do my best to minimize those risks.  I suggest that you do likewise. 

jim

I had fun fishing the bean, two years ago, and you guys know how I like my rodeo, that launch can be a piece of cake in the morning, and really nasty when you come back in! I think I still hold the record for greatest yard sale ever at the bean!

  Dude where's that pic???  NO pic didn't happen bro...

First of thanks for all your thoughts/comments/suggestions.

So now let's say I'm in my kayak and in despite all precautions (I will take) I'm attacked by a shark. How would that attack look like and what's the best thing to do, not to do?

Ok, I'm no ichthyologist but here goes:

the fish will be either be investigating, defending a territory, or in attack mode.

-Investigating may be a drive-by or two, or the fish may grab onto the boat (usually the bow as they hit seals headfirst if possible) and bite/shake it. In this case they are not looking to attack, but are examining the item with their mouths.

-Defending territory would probably result in a more aggressive behavior. Lots of shaking and multiple bites.

these two scenarios could possibly progress if the fish becomes frustrated or angry. Think like a dog or a small child, they get a little scared or frustrated and they get angry. Sharks can react similarly, but tere is always the possibility of an exception.

In these instances the best defense (IMHO) is to try and stay calm, prepare to brace, stay out of the water, etc. Call for help if you have companions close by. The fish will always call the shots so all you can do is paddle defensively. Last ditch reaction is do whatever you can to beat/startle/scare the fish off but by that time you have nothing to lose.

-Attack mode-there is no defense. You'll be hit without knowing it is coming, the fish is streaking from the deep and will hit with one huge bite and  a massive amount of momentum.

All in all, you just do the best you can. practice your self rescues, be comfortable in your boat, paddle with a buddy or 3.
In all likelihood the boat will take the abuse and the fish will become startled by the plastic item (instead of a food item) and take off. They can be remarkably shy and jumpy creatures.

Ok, now I'm all jittery .

... despite all precautions (I will take) I'm attacked by a shark.

If you never yakfish SMC, you will never get shark attacked at SMC. 


BUT, if you never yakfish SMC, you will never yakfish SMC. 

(UH OH, I'm starting to go all thornley LOL)

Great breakdown, Sean.  Head first for elephant seals is absolutely correct (usually), and tail first for sea lions, usually.  The investigatory scenario might include a bite, or maybe just a bump.  The investigative bite is often very soft, just mouthing 'gently.'  But remember even a 'gentle' bump or bite in that case has a ton of weight behind it and can rock your world. 

I've had the honor to witness a number of GWS in the curiosity mode, as well as once in the full attack mode, on lures during tagging expeditions.

Lures used were 4 X 8 3/4" or 1" plywood  cut in the shape of a sea lion.  The gentle curiosity bite can crack that wood through, and the attack hit can break it in two immediately.

Best article so far (if I do say so myself) was in Kayak Angler 2011 Spring edition.  I don't think it's posted digitally yet, but probably soon.

It has Adam's Story, an overview of the most dangerous sharks, and a preparation/survival article.  A good number of quotes and experiences from our NCKA bretheren.

Allen

Allen

Scott~ you sure know how to use that Quote feature well.......i found it funny that 2 NKCA members(that I have NEVER seen there or at any other NCKA hookup), giving a newbie advice to hit Bean Hollow because the sand is softer there. No mention of the real dangers that lurk there. So thanks for breaking down plain english & adding your worthless logic & knowledge into it. All that math has already been equated and the sum still remains the same.
You, GP John and prome_s dont even fish there, why would you direct someone else to? Is that logical? 

I dont think its really illogical as people can and do fish bean hollow safely. who is to say that zelda would get bit in any of the times he does go out there? i have fished there myself and just because you do not see someone out there does not mean they do not fish the area. As a matter of fact i have fished in many places along the SMC coast on a kayak, and even in the water spearing.

Even after your shark experience people still fish via kayak there and i know seveal people who even dive and spear there.

You are all talking like bean hollow is the only place the GWS hangs out and we all know that is not true. there is no underwater fence that corrals the shark into the bean hollow area and its free to roam about down to its favorite snack place called ANo Nuevo and even north of Bean.

I was once diving near chris from seasniper in the ricketts reserve / monterey spearing fish before the mlpa closed it to spearing and he came over and told us he just dove down on top of a gws so we moved and went on our way for the day and headed to Otter cove. After a week had passed I went back and speared again at Ricketts.

Sharks are seen in Capitola and Santa Cruz but people are in the water there daily as well.

As a person who spears fish with blood in the water I am fully aware that I am essentially chumming the water around me constantly. Its a given and I accept it. I have been bitten by a seal which scared the hell out of me but I accept that if I am in the ocean the chance exists for something to happen.

If you all want to talk about logic look at it this way. Sharks live in the ocean if you want to avoid sharks the most logical thing to do is to stay out of it. Try and fault this logic.

Bean Hollow is a very productive place to fish and it is very logical that people who fish there will do pretty good most of the time. I think its a safe place to get in and out of the water and launching at Pescadero is not nearly as logical as launching at Bean.

I like Dan's advice:  "Get back in the boat!"