Treasure Island

Every day when crossing the bay bridge I look out at the bay and think "I should bring my kayak to work and fish Treasure Island on my way home instead of sitting in traffic".

Has anyone launched from TI before?  The north ramp looks to be in the closed area-- so launching at the ramp by the winery is my plan.

The target species would be halibut (but really it comes down to whatever bites).  My thought would be to check out the areas around Yerba Buena since they look more beachy and varried (although I would bet the entire area is prime habitat).

The only two concerns I have are wind and current.  I have been out in the main channel on both sides of TI and it can be intense.  I would therefore choose my days wisely and/or stick around clipper cove.  As for the wind-- the same rules apply.

On average I get to TI on my way home at 3pm each day.  Anyone interested in giving this a go?  Any advice from someone who already has?

Cheers!
Joseph

I've launched from the island before but off the rocks - some crazy mofo wanted to swim across to SF.

Just check wx reports and tides. Or go east out to the flats.
Wind could be an issue since you'll be out there in the afternoon.

Also, be sure your radio is working and your kayak is highly visible. IMO, boat traffic is your biggest concern, especially if you go into the channel.

Good call about the boat traffic.  My olive green yack / green life jacket / black wetsuit are prettymuch otw camo.

Hopefully some others will chime in with some fishy experience.  I will share what I find in the upcoming weeks.  Youtube provided some videos of people catching surf perch... that should be fun too.

I drifted the NE corner Sunday for MANY halibuts. There is an old
 ramp there that a windsurfer was using.  Otherwise you should be able to launch by the marina at TI.

There's good beach launching by the radio towers next to the toll plaza.  That gives very good access to the flats, the channel, and then the east side of TI or Yerba Buena.  The afternoon winds are going to be a challenge; the question is exactly how you want to set up that challenge.  Do yo prefer working against the wind straight off and then letting it push you back to your start, or do you like generally fighting side winds?

The radio tower launch will have you fighting the wind straight off, but then it will help you.  The TI launch will offer up generalized side winds all day long, and could ultimately blow you away from your start point.

I think that I'm gonna pass on Treasure Island. The goddamm bay can be a real kicker with winds and strong EBB tides. I'd hate to end up  having to land someplace I was not expecting to go to!!! I really careful now when I go out in the Bay, it's not what it seems from the Bay Bridge!!

I always go the hard way first (against the tide and/or wind and then take the easy ride home).  I agree that the bay can be a real ass-kicker or worse if you are not familiar with fast water.

The beach by the radio towers sounds like a good stop on your way into the city, I always see kite surfers out there.

Pickerell- thanks for the report.  I will have to go check out the old ramp now that I know it is not fenced off.  I plan on giving this a go next week.