New to the group and kayak fishing

Hey everyone!

I'm new to the group so I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Christina and I live in SF.

I just bought my first kayak a couple months ago and I've been having a blast on it so far this summer. I've been kayaking a fair amount throughout my life and have always really enjoyed it and wanted a kayak for several years now. Finally took the plunge and I couldn't be happier! I've also been really into fishing for the last couple years but I've basically just stuck to freshwater (bass and crappie, mostly, with some trout fishing when I go backpacking). Now that I have a yak, I'm hoping to go kayak fishing very regularly and I want to get more into saltwater fishing so I can do that more easily--also, it seems like my chances of reeling in a real monster is much more likely in the ocean than in a lake.

I'm going to Monterey this weekend for a charter trip (my first!) on Sunday and I'm going try my hand at kayak fishing in the bay on Saturday. Anyone have any tips about hot spots in Monterey that I should check out Saturday? Any tips (including those related to tackle and bait) would be greatly appreciated!

Also, can someone help me understand how I can take the most advantage of the tide? I've always assumed I want to paddle out as the tide is going out, then ride the tide back in, but maybe I'm wrong about that...

Thanks!!

Congrats on getting ur first kayak!  Don't know much about sf bay, but there's usually a slack period associated with the top and bottom of the tide.  Current will differ from tide to tide based on how much water is exchanged between the hi and lo.  Wind direction is important too.

Welcome aboard

Welcome, Christina. 

Welcome 

Welcome!!

Welcome to NCKA.

I would highly recommend joining some hookups so you can go out with some seasoned kayakers. who can guide you safely specially on saltwater.

What brand/model kayak do you have?

Welcome to NCKA, Christina.  Safety first! 

I've got an Advanced Elements tandem. It's a fold-up/inflatable.

Welcome!

Saturday there is a cool tourney/event at Kayak Connection in SC. Show up and paddle and fish with some of the folks there and enjoy the BBQ afterwards!!

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=73446.0

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Welcome to NCKA YakGirl 

... it seems like my chances of reeling in a real monster is much more likely in the ocean than in a lake.

True!

Hi, I just joined the forum too. I'm brand new to fishing, but have kayaked in Monterey many times. If you've never kayaked in Monterey, I would not recommend going out alone. If you have to go out alone, stay close to shore and keep your eye on drifting. The currents and winds can get strong and make it difficult to get back to your landing spot. Many kayakers have had to be rescued because they couldn't get back through the currents and wind.

I took a kayak fishing class in Monterey last weekend and the guide said the fishing is best very early in the morning, like just around dawn. The winds and surf are typically milder in the morning too, usually starts picking up sometime around noon-1 or so.

What you said about paddling out as the tide goes out and paddling back in as the tide goes in is a good rule of thumb, but you *can* go against the tide, it's just more work. But even an hour before high tide often the tide is mostly in by then.

Thanks for the warm welcome and the advice, everyone!

I kayak in Monterey pretty regularly--I am from that area and have friends and family there so I take weekend trips pretty often, especially because the kayaking is so nice down there. That said, I haven't fished from a kayak down there at all, so if anyone has ideas about where the best spots are for fishing in that area, that would be great to hear!

Like I said, I live in SF, so anyone with tips about good kayak fishing locations in that area (I read that the Marin Islands are pretty nice), that would also be great to hear about. Or of you have a favorite spot for kayaking without fishing, or fishing without kayaking, I'd be happy to hear about those, as well. I just enjoy getting out on the water as often as I can and hopefully catching fish or seeing some good wildlife while I'm there.

As far as safety goes, don't worry. I wear a wetsuit, and a PFD, I bring a buddy, I check the weather...all that good stuff!

Welcome!

Saturday there is a cool tourney/event at Kayak Connection in SC. Show up and paddle and fish with some of the folks there and enjoy the BBQ afterwards!!

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=73446.0

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Thanks for the heads up! Sounds awesome! Hopefully I can make it out.