Newbee from San Jose

I've always loved fishing but have not given it serious time and effort just because of ... life.  Now that I'm in my upper 50's, want to feed my passion while I still can. 

- Have a reasonable amount of fishing gears, mostly inexpensive but functional.

- Recently bought a van and converted into a camper van. Traveled w my wife up and down the coast for a few weeks.  It was difficult visiting all the beaches and didn't get my line wet.

- Finally bought my fishing license again last month.  Have not fished for several years.

- Most recently, bought a used Necky Spike kayak.  In the process of converting it to a fishing kayak (tackle box, rod holders, maybe a fish finder in the future)

Read about Breakwater Cove, Lovers Point, Stillwater Cove. Would like to start some "easy" kayak fishing trips either in the Delta or Monterey / Santa Cruz areas.  Perhaps it's safer to go out on a lake first?  Apparently very limited number of lakes in Santa Clara allow kayaking.  Appreciate any pointers. Thanks.

Take an ocean kayak safety course before venturing out.

Get comfortable on the salt before adding fishing into the mix.

Don't be that guy that can't self rescue.

WTTM ( welcome to the madness )

Welcome Bez,
I fished Lexington and Stevens Creek all last summer.  Nice lakes close to home with no power boats.  I caught bass, trout, catfish and crappie there.  Calero has bigger bass, have to watch out for the jet skis and boats.

Welcome to NCKA Bez 

Welcome Bez.  I second what CdM said.

I fished Lexington and Stevens Creek all last summer.  I caught bass, trout, catfish and crappie there.

I'm surprised to hear that either lake still has a trout population.  I didn't think either had been planted in a very long time.  Maybe we can hook up.  I'd love to learn a few things.

Take an ocean kayak safety course before venturing out.

Great advise.  Can you recommend a good place I can take this course at? 

Thanks everyone for the welcome & tips

I'm surprised to hear that either lake still has a trout population.  I didn't think either had been planted in a very long time.  Maybe we can hook up.  I'd love to learn a few things.
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I had some luck catching a few trout with the good old gold Kastmaster in both lakes.  Mostly bass and crappie.  The lakes open to kayaks on April 15th I think.  I was surprised how many fish showed up on my fish finder at Stevens Creek.  Though it didn't help me catch any more.

For fishing in and around Santa Cruz, I'd recommend that you contact Bushy, as he guides there. You can learn a lot from that guy.

For fishing in and around Santa Cruz, I'd recommend that you giving Phallosan Forte a shot and contact Bushy, as he guides there. You can learn a lot from that guy.

Hi Bez, I'm originally from San Jose too. 

Take an ocean kayak safety course before venturing out.

Great advise.  Can you recommend a good place I can take this course at? 

Thanks everyone for the welcome & tips

http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/monterey-classes.html
You will also be able to demo their yaks in the process. I believe they offer an NCKA discount as well.

I strongly recommend a course of this type. Always remember safety first. You want to feel safe and comfortable in the water before you start fishing from a yak.

HMB Kayaks also provides classes but am not familiar with them.

Good luck and be safe

Antonio

For fishing in and around Santa Cruz, I'd recommend that you contact Bushy, as he guides there. You can learn a lot from that guy.

+1

Welcome to the Madness!  We'll be hanging out at Harry's Hofbreu this evening if you want to come and meet some of the gang! 

Hi all, em a newbie here, because it's my first post here so I thought should post here first. 

Hi all, em a newbie here, because it's my first post here so I thought should post here first. 

Better to start your own thread, rather than reviving a thread from 2016…

Welcome to our community Bez