Lost Coast - June 13-16, 2013

What's up NCKA?

I'm heading up to the Lost Coast for an extended weekend June 13-16. We'll be camping at Usal Beach, and hopefully doing some fishing if the conditions allow.

Anyone else going to be out there? Any tips, tricks, or advice? Seems like I might have a chance at a salmon if I can get offshore a little. Or I'm sure there's some fantastic rockfish/lingcod/halibut potential. I will of course check the regs thoroughly before fishing a spot that's new to me, especially in regards to pacific halibut...

I've never launched out there, but I remember the beach break was pretty tame the last time I was there (sans yak).

Anyway, it'd be great to have some company in the water out there. My girlfriend isn't quite ready for ocean yakking, so it'll just be me.

Cheers,

-Alex

I would be into checking it out if the weather is good.  I have never been there, but have heard about it.  The only fishing regulations to check would be possible MLPAs.  As far as other stuff its in the Mendo rockfish territory so up to 120 ft for rockfish and once you have a rockfish aboard you cant go deeper so you might try halibut fishing first, though places like the false cape and cape mendo have produced large halibut while rockfishing on shimp flies.  Also the salmon regs are 2 barbless circle hooks 5inches or less apart and if a salmon is aboard then all fishing is barbless.

Stormsurf is showing good weather starting Wednesday.

Rob- Sounds good. Let's keep an eye on the conditions and see what happens. Either way, I'll be fishing. If I'm stuck fishing from shore, so be it. I'll be bringing a poke pole and some surf perch gear, too.

The "road" in to Usal is pretty rough (at least it was last time). Do you have a pickup or something with a little clearance?

Oh yeah Im fine.  I have a Nissan Titan 4x4.  I will talk to some folks to get good info on launching a yak there.

Nice. Well let's hope for good weather and make it happen.

Oh yeah Im fine.  I have a Nissan Titan 4x4.  I will talk to some folks to get good info on launching a yak there.

Hey Rob, it's me, Jack.  We went out of Gerstle Cove the last day of season in 2012.  I'm going up to Shelter Cove for the first time the 13th - 15th & was planning on camping at Whitethorn, but that's only b/c of internet research, I don't know where to stay for tent camping.  I plan to get there on Thursday evening.  Alex, it sounds like we could all scout this area out for ourselves first time.
Hope to see ya up there 
MJ

Usal can be a tricky place to launch and land.

Jacks- Anywhere within a reasonably quick drive from Usal that you would recommend?

It does need to be pretty flat to launch/land at Usal - I've never done it, but I know some people who have - I've been there and dove along the coast to the north - there's no cover.  I'd camp at the Cove if you're looking for the best opportunity to fish.  Usal is true camping though and it's a great place to explore and get away from it all, and if you can get offshore there you certainly have a chance at a salmon as well as big lings, rockfish, abalone...etc.  Good luck - have fun!   

Bear Harbor is a cool place too. Its rough camping there. Sinkyone Wilderness Area.

I have launched and landed there,but, only when the conditions are flat, even than, Usal generally has a double breaker you have to navigate through.  At Bear Harbor it is about a half mile hike to get to the water/camp grounds. Shelter Cove offers the best protection for getting on the water.

The road past Needle Rock Visitor Center has been closed to Bear Harbor for around two years - it washed out, so you now have to walk about 3 miles up and down hills to get there!

Make sure your food storage is bear proof.
Have fun and most important....be safe!

Tote- I have not heard of any bear issues at Usal. Have you? I've camped there once, and my girlfriend has several times. We just locked all food in the car, and didn't have any issues.

Alex,

It's funny I was also thinking of camping at Usal this weekend. Myself and some friends have been doing a guys fishing trip off Usal for the last 10 years. Most of Usal is a short break and it can be an extremely difficult launch and land. Sundays surf report looks like it might be OK if the wind lays down. If we decide to hit Usal, I'll look for you. We normally camp along the stream.
The crabbing is usually good straight out between 70 and 100 fow. Surf perch is also good, 1.5" motor oil grubs on a double drop shot rig. Over the last ten years I've found some great spots to fish, PM and I'll give you the skinny. Good Luck. Mike