Hi from SF!

I'm pretty new to the Bay Area, recent transplant from NYC and loving everything about this area of the country. I've been having a blast doing some rock fishing in rental skiffs SC and have always liked recreational paddling so would love to get into some kayak fishing/spearing soon. Storage is an issue (oh that city life) so will probably be starting out with some rentals first to figure things out. From what I'm reading, Dave Grigsby @ Kayak Connections is the man to talk to but if anyone else has tips on how to get started and group outings open to newbies, please hit me up!

I've been really impressed with vibrant community here. Thanks so much to everyone for contributing to NCKA and looking forward to getting involved!

Welcome to the madness!

Welcome jimliu90! So glad that you've found NCKA. - SuperVato

Welcome!  Let's see.... to get a jump start on things, you can take kayak fishing classes through a number of companies and/or head out with one of the guides that are on NCKA.  You just have to pick a location!  Careful though... it's addicting.

Kathy with Delta Kayak Adventures is awesome for kayaking the delta.

Hope to see you kayak fishing in Santa Cruz.

Welcome Jim! looking forward to seeing you at future coast fishing events!

Welcome to California and NCKA Jim 

Welcome aboard!! 


-Kiel

Welcome!  Let's see.... to get a jump start on things, you can take kayak fishing classes through a number of companies and/or head out with one of the guides that are on NCKA.  You just have to pick a location!  Careful though... it's addicting.

Thanks for the tip eelkram! Can anyone point me to any posts/forum sections introducing NCKA guides? I would love to head out with one of them. I'm pretty flexible on location between Santa Cruz, Delta or the Bay.

Dunno if there's an actual list...
Bushy guides out of Santa Cruz/Monterey, Str8fishin works through CCK classes in HMB, Ravensblack works through Clavey's classes in Petaluma, Loletaeric guides out of Shelter Cover and areas North, Matanaska guides up north as well.  There are a few others folks that I'm having brainfarts on... plus the Delta area folks as well.

Welcome, Jim!

Mark has given you a good list! If you are already visiting the Santa Cruz area for fishing, Bushy is your man! Here's some info:
http://www.santacruzkayakfishing.com/#2801

Welcome Jim,
     We have a couple of great guides here as members.  LoletaEric is the north coast guide, lots of great reviews and he is pretty active here, you'll see lots of great articles from him.  On the south side, you have Bushy, another great guide for the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay area.  They are both very active and conducts tournaments and bring the community together.  We also have a local kayak maker, Jim Martin from www.santacruzkayaks.com.  Kayak Connections/Dave are also a great friend and friendly to many NCKA members. 
     As far as NYC to SF, welcome!  'a Boston transplant here.  The striper fishing is not as great, but the salmon/hali are unbeatable, plus there are the elusive WSB.  As a bonus, weather in winter is not as cold, so you can go out if you want (just watch out for the forecast).


victor
aka yakyakyak

Much thanks all! Love the community here and how friendly everyone is.

Sounds like Bushy is the closest so I'll be looking for time with him in October after some traveling abroad.