Monterey Launches

New to the forum, new to the sport. Been reading on here for a while and thought I'd say hi and start asking questions.
I've been out a little more than a dozen times, mostly launching from Coral street and Otter cove (damn those stairs!), twice from Stillwater and once from MBK.  I found launching from MBK (and getting skunked that day) enough of a PITA that I've been thinking about launching from either the coast guard boat launch, or the small stretch of beach next to El Torito to try the kelp off of Cannery row.

Launching from a dock seems a little intimidating. Anyone do this on a regular basis? Also is there a lot of traffic at the boat launch on a weekend morning at 7AM? Has anyone tried the little beach I'm talking about? I parked and looked over it today and it seemed clear of rocks and somewhat sheltered...

I'll wait a few posts to ask about hot spots but I have a ton of bait/rig questions.

Look forward to hearing from some other locals, and see you on the water.

If I am thinking of the same beach parking is a pain.  If you want to get closer to cannery row, launch from San Carlos beach.  That way you dont have to deal with PBs at the ramp at all.

Thanks, I drove by today on my way home from work (which is no indication at all really) and there were open spots, I also remembered the little public beach next to the Plaza hotel, seen here:
http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/image.cgi?image=201005037&mode=sequential&flags=0&year=current

San Carlos has a bathroom though.... hmm.

Welcome Abilectic.

I've tried all your launches. Yeah, those stairs are a hassle.

Try Lovers Point by the Kayak Rental Place. Need to have a cart to haul yak to the beach as you have to go thru the park and down to the launch site. Then you can drive a bit further pass LP for free parking.

At the Coast Guard Pier, to avoid the boat traffic. haul ur yak thru the ramp and to the right side. That way, you'll not come across any boat traffic. After u lowered ur yak, tie it down and return your cart into ur car if need to. The only downside is $10 parking for the whole day or $1.50 per hour. I consider this a small investment compared to getting a ticket for $35.

At MBK, you have to come early and after you've done your unloading/prep, you can drive your car further up the road where there is no parking fee. But they get pretty filled up fast.

Going there Monday with "bink" for my 2nd WSB but may launch at the Coast Guard Pier.

See ya otw soon.

Danny

I am in the same shape as you. I have been to Stillwater a dozen times. I have drove all over looking for other places. Point Joe is doable. Timing the waves has gotta be right. I wish I had some surfing background to enter and exit. I have made the drive to Limekiln thinking there has to be a launch spot, there is, but again if I had surf smarts I would have put in. Even with all the safety gear I have, I still have gut instink of being cold and wet all day. Let me know if you find spots and I will let you know if I find one.

I am a kayak angler newbie. I launched at Lovers Point last Monday. It was easy, uncrowded, and no stairs to deal with -- just use the ramps. I'll be back there in a couple of months, perhaps we can connect. Best wishes.

I am in the same shape as you. I have been to Stillwater a dozen times. I have drove all over looking for other places. Point Joe is doable. Timing the waves has gotta be right. I wish I had some surfing background to enter and exit. I have made the drive to Limekiln thinking there has to be a launch spot, there is, but again if I had surf smarts I would have put in. Even with all the safety gear I have, I still have gut instink of being cold and wet all day. Let me know if you find spots and I will let you know if I find one.

Will do Matt, thanks for the reply.