New to kayaking, love some advice!

Hey everyone!  This is my first time posting, but I have enjoyed reading the many threads on this board and finally decided to register.  I bought a Hobie Outback SUV 2007 HPE and am very excited to be hitting the water to fish.  Been fishing from the shore for years, never really had access to a boat until now.  I have been out only 4 times now (green:) at Loch Lomond (grew up a mile from there), steven's creek, and shadow cliffs. 

I'm getting excited about the HMB Fishing Derby, and have been  trying to get prepared for what it will be like when I finally hit the ocean.  For my first time out in the sea I was looking for some advice as to where I should first launch.  Thinking I should stick to a harbor before attempting a surf launch so I was thinking of maybe going to Santa Cruz and try launching out the harbor over there. 

I'm also tempted to goto HMB harbor, where I have been out crabbing, and kind of know the coast line, though not as well as SC.  May try some sort of fishing as well, but I mostly just want to get comfortable being in the ocean with my yak.  Any recommendations ?  Thanks!

Welcome ...I leave the standard welcomes to others...You'll see...

I also drive a Outback, great for hitting those lakes and calm waters...with that said, those pedals become a bit of a resposibility with surf launching and being out in big swells.

I have been lucky so far keeping the pedals in during launch and paddling and then pedaling thru small surf.

Landing, I take the pedals out and SECURE them to the yak.

Also, out on the water, the pedals make the deck cluttered, makes self rescue a bit different, but I have done this as well as other people I know ( FrankSwimming comes to mind )

But, it's also nice to be out there trolling along hands free...

If your going to try surf launching for the first time, maybe start with out the pedals and don't try this alone....Having a 60lb weight hit you in the head is a very real possibility....

HMB tourney will be a excelent oportunity to get into the sea via the Harbor and have very experinced people ( not me!!!) on site to help out...

Again welcome and see ya on the water soon................Danglin

I'm another hobie (adventure) guy.

you definitely want to start out without pedals and gear for your first few surf launches.  Just go down to new brighton on a small day and try a couple of surf launches and landings with your bare boat and paddle, rudder flipped and stowed.  That way it'll build up your confidence and timing.

The best of us have dumped boat, even on the calmest of days in surf launching and landing.  I remember when I was just paddling my hobie maui.  I was holding it to my side and took a running start to the surfline, like I'd do with my surfboard.  I thought that I could run and jump on the yak with enough momentum to carry me a aways from the break.  NOT!!  The boat hit the water and just sat there - I went over the bow like a kid going over the handlbars on a BMX!

Just post when your going and likely that someone can meet up with you to wlk through SOP.

I thought that I could run and jump on the yak with enough momentum to carry me a aways from the break.  NOT!!  The boat hit the water and just sat there - I went over the bow like a kid going over the handlbars on a BMX!

I did the exact same thing!! 

Welcome to the madness AHOutback!

Z

I'm another Hobie guy too. Still contemplating about HMB since it will be my first time out on the ocean. With all the "pro's," it may be a good time to learn. I've been honing my skills on lakes trying to get the feel of the yak. It is pretty stable.

SDown, this will be the most valuable chance to learn the ropes so take advantage of the wealth of yakfishing knowledge @ NCKA! The Hobie boyz will have some great specific tips for you.

Z

Z,

Thanks for the advice. Now I'm pretty sure to show up at HMB. My wife will probably be there to and she also has a Hobie. She has the Sport and is also having a blast with this "Madness!!" If she goes, she just may win it all. SHe is becoming a real good Fisherperson.

Welcome to the madness Al and splash down

Looking forward to meeting you guys at the HMB Derby! You'll definitely be around a great group to learn from - and not to forget, the Guys and Gals that run HMB Kayak Company are truly the experts when it comes to Kayak Basics and safety. So, don't hesitate to ask any questions - I'm sure they'll be more than happy to help you or anyone. I've been in contact with the owners (Chris and Doug) and they are very open, friendly and definitely have good vibe going

WARNING: Prepare to "triple" your fishing days coz with a kayak = YOU CAN  

Thanks Mooch.

It will be nice to see and meet the "family of "Madness!"  I saw some of you guys at the Fred Hall Show  and listened to Dennis speak on Rancho Leonero. He tried to get me down there several years ago. I may be going there soon with the Mrs., once I return from Alaska in July.

Thanks for the warm welcomes!  I have more questions for you guys  

I haven't done much sea fishing at all , unless from a pier and I never caught anything good.  Any "basics" you guys recommend to first try for rock and ling cods, or your must haves if you will?  Or should I head to fishermans warehouse and just start buying stuff?

How/where do you launch from the meeting place for the derby?   I have been looking at maps of the Half Moon Bay and am wondering how far out do most of you guys venture?  What direction do most people head out from the harbor for some good rock/ling cod fishing?  West twards Pillar Pnt. and  or east along the shore?  Are other boats on the water any problems? 

I hope to get a chance to at least get out there once before the derby, maybe the weekend before (im sure others will be out there for the opening season, no?) to try and have a sense of what to do on game day.

Is fishing best in the morning?  Was wondering why the end time is so early on the tourney.  In general, is morning just easier because of wind/weather conditions, or is fishing just better?

Thansk !

Al,

Swim baits and Jigs are a great start as well as a couple of good rods. I carry a light outfit made by Shimano and I have a Calstar 6'6 multipurpose rod with a Penn Jigmaster on it. I also have a heavier beef rod, but that was for deeep fishing years back when we could do it.

If you go to fishermans warehouse, talk to Justin or Glen = they know plenty They will be more than happy to show you the basics (tell 'em your fishing from your kayak).

For the derby info: look it up on the NCKA local tournaments.

The fishing area will be around the green can - visible from the harbor mouth. An easy paddle to get to but you gotta keep an eye on the boiler rocks / pinnacles. Depending on the tide, some rocks will be exposed and some of which can hardly be seen. This is where you'll need to follow the veterans. Having a Fish Finder will help a lot. If you notice a big change in dept - from deep to shallow, you may just be heading towards a pinnacle or a shallow reef - stay away from the area and watch what the swells are doing before you pass over it - or even fish it.

I would advise you to fish this area with someone who's fished there before  you head out on your own. Lot's of boats around that area too - sometimes they get too close, keep an eye on the wakes they make. Try to point your bow towards the wake till you get comfortable enough to deal with them (always keep your waist relaxed when swells are headed your way)

Got a VHF? If not ,get one It's just as important as having a PFD - especially if you fish alone.

Keep an eye on the hook-up section - in fact post one yourself, I'm sure you'll get some company interested in going.

Keep an eye on the hook-up section - in fact post one yourself, I'm sure you'll get some company interested in going.

Yep, and in about two weeks things should bust wide open! I know I'll be trying to get out every weekend during the summer.

Pillar Pt.  (HMB) you want to go out with a north wind.  If there is a wind. The Pt. will protect you. Remember, if it is blowing at 5 to 6 miles per hour.  It could build to 10 to 20 later on.  Good to have a VHF radio and listen to the Marine Report before leave home and on the water.  I like anything under 6 footers.  8 to 9 footers and you better have a few trips under your belt.  South wind is OK under 5 to 6 miles per hour.  The problem with a south wind is if it starts to build.  You will have a very uneasy time coming in.

The south green can is the most southern part of the reef.  If you go north towards Maverick's there are kept beds that will keep you protected from the boats.  At least, most boaters.

When leaving Jaws, tried to gauge when the boaters are not comming out.  Hit Jaws and turn north.  There are a couple of reefs that stick out.  Even, at high tide.  Try to stay away from them.
If you are going out on an incoming (near High) I would avoid this area and go up to the south green can and then go north.

If the breakers are big over this area.  When you are coming in. I would head towards the same green can and come down the path the boaters take.

You can fish in the rock areas next to the kelp.  Stay on the outside of the kelp.  Also, if you have a fish finder you will be able to see the bigger blues and blacks rockcod.  They usually hang in the middle of the water column. I find the last set of reefs towards the open ocean.  Seems to produce the bigger fish.  You will be fishing in 50 to 60ft and the reef should be around 25 to 35 feet.

Watch the seas and the wind.  Look out to seas to see if the white caps are forming.  If they are.  Pack up and head for the barn.  Also, watch out for the party boats (big wake).

You can catch rockcod and cabbies at the reefs that stick out.  I had a few lings there.  But, usually undersize.  Only fish this area if it is calm.  There are about 3 to 4 different reefs and the waves build while going over each reef.  Also, can have some sneaker waves.

Also, keep in mind that if you cut threw the reefs.  It maybe only a mile or 1 1/2 to the fishing grounds.  But, if the seas build and you have to go to the south green can.  It maybe a 2 to 3 mile paddle coming in.

Ken kickfish

Thanks Kickfish!  This is awesome information for a beginner, and I greatly appreciate it. I may not have a FF by the time of the derby, but I can study the charts, maps, google earth, etc to have a good idea of the area's to fish.  (Chart: http://www.boatharbors.com/chart_half_moon_bay_18682.htm)  Hope the seas are calm come 6/10 though

Some (really) green questions I still have:

I do plan on getting a VHF, looks like the floating ICOM is a good deal, found it fairly cheap on Froogle:  http://dogbytecomputer.com/xcart/catalog/product_11937_Icom_M34_01_Handheld_VHF_Marine_Transceiver.html?MMCF_Froogle

I haven't used one before, do you need a license to generally use the device?  Is there a specific channel NCKA folks tune into when on the water? 

What is the green can?  I know what channel markers look like, but is this a real green can or something to indicate the reef is close?

Any recommendations for Santa Cruz fishing?  I don't see many reports, or hookup threads with regards to SC fishing.  Am I better off going farther south like NBSB, Capitola, or Moss Landing?  Hear the otters are everywhere down in moss landing right now, would be fun to see them anyways.


Once again, thanks for all the kind advice guys!