Santa Cruz 7/29 halibut hunt - Newbies & Pros invited

Hello all   ,

I being a fresh newbie and with friends asking where/when/how to catch a halibut from a kayak (interesting since I haven't caught one yet - details-details) would like to put together a "newbie halibut hunt" and invite all the newbies and pros alike to go out on Sunday, 7/29 (Church of Santa Cruz Harbor) to catch some fish!!!

I have only had 1 "lesson" from Allen (and we know he's awesome) as to how to catch halibut, but I'd like to get the party started!!

Let me know if you would like to join us - I have 3 newbies so far, Kayak Ken, Maybethere Glenn, David ifIcanwakeupthat early, and me.

Plan is to meet at 5:15 AM - can you make it??

Life's good when you are on the water.

Kim

What do you call extended family obligations? EFAF? If I didn't have to go out of town, I'd be there in a minute, Kim. Good luck! I look forward to your report!

Janice aka "Big J"

I might make this one. It would be nice to meet some of you folks in person. Out of about 20 times I've fished halibut I've only ever caught one legal out here in SC.

Where do you plan on launching from? I have launched my boat from the harbor many times but never my kayak.

We will launch in the Small craft harbor area just down from Aldos restaurant- follow the sign that say "Aldos parking", unload at the dock ( (its a GREAT dock to launch from) and park up the hill on the street next to Aldos and you don't have to pay for parking. (Bonus)

Kim

Here is a picture of the launch area - really easy launch..

Kim

Thanks for the information, I had forgotten that ramp was even there.

thats funny,

I have no issues with surf launches but feel like every step off a dock could lead me to a dunking.  My graceful "roll" out of my yak on return is also something.

not positive yet but will most likely be joining you all.  been yak fishing for a few years, yet to catch a butt, but have seen it done.  If things dont change between now and then, out and slight towards the southwest put you out towards the right spots.  You can also pick up a parking pass at the bait shop on the other side of the harbor.  its $5 and you dont need to carry 50 pounds in quarters.  you can then park in any metered space.

Eugene

I have no issues with surf launches but feel like every step off a dock could lead me to a dunking.  My graceful "roll" out of my yak on return is also something.

I'm with you on that Eugene.  Last time I was there I couldn't figure out how to get off the yak.  I finally made it after almost ending up in the water.

if you get to the small boat harbor early, just unload your stuff and park up the street and walk back.  No charge.  There is also a hose to wash down your gear.

I have no issues with surf launches but feel like every step off a dock could lead me to a dunking.  My graceful "roll" out of my yak on return is also something.

I've been shown how to do this once - and it works! I had to first convince myself that I trusted the person directing me because it doesn't feel like a natural way to board your yak - but what you do is align the boat with the launch ramp that is there in santa cruz at the small boat launch (boat and dock are level with each other), sit down, put your paddle behind you with 1/2 the paddle over the dock and 1/2 over your yak - hands on the paddle (which means you are reaching behind you) - very carefully put a leg in your boat, then the rest of you.

I've now rolled twice in the surf, loaded up my reel with sand, and lost a few things......I will now always look for a dock entry if possible....

Good luck!

Kim

Remember when using the paddle technique to keep equal weight on both arms:  1/2 weight is on the dock, and 1/2 weight is on the boat.  Feet first then butt.

allen

Hi Kim:

         Parking tickets my be purchased at Bayside Marine. GrandPa is a nice man to deal with.He gave me a plastic
yard Stick and a bumper sticker. I use the bumper stickers as warning flashers on my paddles for PBers .
          I always seem to roll the Scuppers while trying to launch, my first trip out for the Season.
                                                                                                                   Sea-ya there!
                                                                                                                  Ernie
                                                                                                             

I will try to be there on the 29th, but I do not know Santa Cruz very well.  What exit should I Take from Highway # 1 coming from the north to get to the small boat launch area that you guys are launching from. Thanks for the helpful directions.

Hi Mike,

I'm driving from Gilroy - not sure of what exit you should take. Aldos restaurant is at the top of the hill above the parking area and the address there is 616 Atlantic Avenue, Santa Cruz.

Maybe use yahoo maps/google maps to figure out the best way for you to get there.

Sounds like we are going to have a good sized group going out so I
will probably pick up a one day parking pass from grandpa at Bayside marine for $5.

Looking forward to meeting all of you. See you Sunday!

Kim