Glad to Meet You All!

Just registered and am looking for tips and techniques to use out in Monterey Bay.  I have launched a couple of times out of Capitola, but really need to get serious so I can start catching something worth eating...

I have an Ocean Kayak sit on top tandem, and an inexpensive Sundolphin Excursion 10 sit inside fishing kayak.  I have yet to really rig up either of them, but am planning on installing a fish finder, etc.

I just went out and swam with the Humpback whales that have been going crazy just between Capitola and New Brighton Beach.  That was amazing!  My daughter and I almost got swallowed along with about a million anchovies as a whale came straight up right next to us with his mouth wide open.

Now I am planning on getting rigged up to do some crabbing, rock fishing, sea bass, halibut, and salmon... just the usual.  I am hoping to tag along with anyone who is interested in sharing their experience.

Thanks for all your great posts!

Neil Kennedy

Welcome Neil.  Pretty darn brave of you to swim among the anchovies while the whales were feeding...I know I couldn't get myself to do that!   

What will you be fishing for?  Rockfish & lings?  If so, try using a shrimp fly rig or a lead jighead + swimbait combo tipped with some squid.  Or drop down a sabiki rig with some squid and that should produce sand dabs.   I am not very familiar with fishing Monterey area so maybe some other members can chime in on some spots for you to try.

Good luck!

Welcome aboard and to the madness Neil