Santa Cruz

I will be in Santa Cruz for the week of Easter and am considering bringing the yak.. I have never been in the ocean with it--only lakes so far.  Any suggestions on safe places to go and what tackle to bring?

You can launch out of the harbor in SC, head out for Halibut or try and be the early bird on the Salmon season.  Rockfishing doesn't open for this area for another month after Easter.  So options are kinda limited for that time of year.

 

  Try to not go out alone if this trip will be your first.  We don't want it to be your last!

You can launch out of the harbor in SC, head out for Halibut or try and be the early bird on the Salmon season.  Rockfishing doesn't open for this area for another month after Easter.  So options are kinda limited for that time of year.

Al covered it. Easiest launch would be the SC harbor. Paddle out to the mile buoy and drift for halibut.  Another alternative would be sand dabs, but I've never caught them regularly except in MB.

Post on Hook Ups so we can join you! 

  Try to not go out alone if this trip will be your first.  We don't want it to be your last!

Thank you all for the posts--you guys are seriously the best and I am so glad I signed up on this site.  I caught a halibut once on a charter boat and remember that it flopped like crazy when it broke the surface and was brought into the boat.  I can't even imagine having that across my lap on a kayak.  Maybe I'll just float around and watch and get the feel of things for the first few times without trying any fishing.

Hey NewYakr - another option to consider would be to invest in a guided fishing trip with Allen Bushnell out of SC (scallen on this site). He'll give you a good rundown on everything you need to be thinking about while kayak fishing the ocean.  Well worth it when getting started.

Hey NewYakr - another option to consider would be to invest in a guided fishing trip with Allen Bushnell out of SC (scallen on this site). He'll give you a good rundown on everything you need to be thinking about while kayak fishing the ocean.  Well worth it when getting started.

Good call Bird!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Hey NewYakr - another option to consider would be to invest in a guided fishing trip with Allen Bushnell out of SC (scallen on this site). He'll give you a good rundown on everything you need to be thinking about while kayak fishing the ocean.  Well worth it when getting started.

Good call Bird!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Not only that but April usually blows....literally spring winds are nasty, plus I think we're supposed to have a late winter which could mean storms into the spring.  Having someone who knows whats goin on in the ocean is worth the price of the guide alone.  Not having to lug your kayak and all your gear on vacation with you would be a bonus. 

Hi Yakers:

    Launch on the west side of  the Harbor. Head West  and work the KelpBeds.  Make sure to chill ax going thru Jaws.
    It's best not to head East unless you want to fight the Wind back to the
Harbor. Use the Current and Wind help you glide over the Kelp and bounce your Rig in the clearing between the Kelp.  Whole Squid on a Egg Sinker w/ #1 Owner  on snap swivel Leader or a three-way. Keep your deck clear and
try not overload.  The small boat ramp by the Coast guard is the best place but, you'll need a all day pass from the Harbor Master.
  Make sure to have VHF Radio, Vest and Compass.
                                                                      Sea-ya
                                                                      Ernie
http://www.santacruzharbor.org/launchRampInformation.html

I will contact the suggested guide and run some things by him.  Thank you all.