How far can u go for salmon?

Since salmon season is just around the corner it's time to ask squid question. How far are u willing to paddle for salmon? I know my limit is 10 miles comfortably. Usually at the start of the season I board my buddys boat and make a run to soquel hole in sc. This year I wanna kick off the season on my yak. So the question is if anybody here made a run as far as soqel hole or what are ur guys favorite spots for the stArt of the season. Thx

They're usually deep early in the season, which isn't conducive to yakfishing. And the area outside Soquel hole has been hot the last few yrs. But...I have heard a couple reports of krill stacked up outside Soldier's club in 150fow, so that's good news for us yakers.

At the soquel hole you'd likely be battling a nw wind to get home. If it were me Id launch from sc and plan for a moss landing.....landing. Possibly even Monterrey.

I'll usually head to the east side of the hole (~pajaro from Moss or maybe soldiers from Monterey) but I'll cruise back using mostly the sail.

Be careful about coming back into the Moss harbor -- wind + boats + current can make it challenging.

It could be really tough getting back to Santa Cruz in the spring.  The northwest winds blow almost every day, and hard.  Moss Landing or Monterey would be a much safer call.  I'm good for paddling 10-12 miles.  Can't wait, only 4 more weeks! 

10 miles seems to be a benchmark for a long day trolling.  I had done several 10 mile days over the years and then last year broke it open with multiple trips around 15 miles and up to 16.  It gets addicting.  The main thing though (other than the basics of offshore safety gear), like the good advice here in previous posts, is that you plan for a safe return should wind, current, tide, gear or your bod require a change in the plan. 

Cannot wait for trolling time.   

PS:  16 miles was a great day and I look forward to more long days paddling, but a guy named Bluekayak is probably laughing right now.     Maybe we'll get some statistics out of him regarding impressive distance paddling on the ocean.

Sounds like a hookup for Salmon Opener. I been out of Moss and the boat traffic looks bad. If the wind is blowing hard. I would think about using two cars. One In SC and the other one in Morro Bay.   

As usual skip the opener and wait for reliable boat reports and     predictable (as possible) weather. Nothing beats good intel when salmon (or any other) fishing.

As usual skip the opener and wait for reliable boat reports and     predictable (as possible) weather. Nothing beats good intel when salmon (or any other) fishing.

Hum you never met the fishermen from SLO county. If you mention the white sea bass are around they want to give you a cement overcoat. They worry that out of the area fishermen will move in on them. Check out fishreports sometime.

Indeed, the "boat" reports come from our own boat and a few "reliable" friend's boats. That's how we will determine "how far" we can go for salmon on kayaks.

10-15 miles is fine when trolling not too far offshore. I wont be paddling out to the WX at Bodega at 12.5 miles out and in 300ft + of water. There will be reports of salmon from the boats. Especially the party boats who want info out to the public. Tackle shops too. Plan and then plan some more. I hope its on in Monterey like last year. Mooching by the red in front of the aquarium was a blast.