Rockfish & lings with no fish finder

I am preparing for my maiden voyage into kayak fishing and plan to target ling cod for now. Does anyone have tips for identifying the right water to fish? I have a plan for where I will launch, but since I have no fish finder (yet), I’m looking for ideas on where to actually put my line in the water.

From what I’ve gathered, the edges of kelp beds could be a good place to start. I’ll also spend some time on Google Earth to see what structure I can find. Besides that, I guess I’ll be looking for other kayaks haha.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

The best option would be to go with someone for safety and shorten the learning curve. Once you have 10 posts you can post a hookup and see others. If you haven't already read to the safety first section. Lots of really important info that could save your life in there.

For finding promising fishing grounds use the Navionics app on your phone. Make sure you have a waterproof case first. On the app select the sonar chart option (I think it's in the lower left, it has been a long time since I used it) to see 1ft contours. You can scout out places ahead of time using the webapp version (free) on your computer or phone.

Good luck and report back how it went.

Thanks, JP. I have read the safety first section and am working on putting together the gear that is recommended.  I don’t know anyone who kayak fishes yet, but I plan on going with a skin diver/spear fisher buddy who is experienced.

And thanks for the advice, I’ll let you know how it goes.

I just went out of Fort Baker this morning.  Lots of rocky shoreline and structure near the launch.  The high cliff of the GGB protects the area from wind.  Caught lots of brown rockfish, 2 good keepers, and one short lingcod. 

I just went out of Fort Baker this morning.  Lots of rocky shoreline and structure near the launch.  The high cliff of the GGB protects the area from wind.  Caught lots of brown rockfish, 2 good keepers, and one short lingcod.

Brah!  Glad you got out!  I love that spot.

Nice that’s awesome!

Way to go. You're hooked now there is no turning back.

Nice that’s awesome!

If you want to meet up there, then I can show you some fishy spots.  Easy launch, protected cove, and beautiful view of the Bay.

If you go far enough north, you won't need a fish finder to find structure.

I just went out of Fort Baker this morning.  Lots of rocky shoreline and structure near the launch.  The high cliff of the GGB protects the area from wind.  Caught lots of brown rockfish, 2 good keepers, and one short lingcod.

Is it ever possible to launch from there and go out the gate to Bonita Cove? Always see PBs there, but the GGB exit is just so gnarly that im guessing it's not worth it?

look for rock outcroppings off da beaches, especially where you might see a sea tower. look at the birds, sometimes they'll tell you where baitfish are. kelp beds are good signs of reefs, sometimes you just want to fish da kelp. I'm pretty sure if you're in Sonoma county and fishing most of the popular spots that folx fish that are on here, that you shouldn't have an issue finding fish. probably tons of videos on utube that might even show you where to fish. I've fished spots like anchor bay where structure's super easy to find and fish were pretty abundant. have fun!!!

As said above the navionics app is super useful, especially if no kelp around.

I don’t have a fish finder either but have found plenty of good reefs just by exploring...

You can also use the navionics app to mark the reefs you find so can come back to them in the future. 

Good luck!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Thanks everyone, that gives me an idea of where to start. I’m planning to launch out of Timber Cove. I’ve checked out the Navionics app and started searching for good areas to target. I’m really pumped.

Thanks for the offer, Simplycook. I may take you up on it before the season ends. I definitely want to try for halibut in the bay at some point, too.

Buy and download the Navionics app for your phone. It's like $14 for the year. Thank me later..

Yep, got it. I've been spending some time with it, trying to learn all its features. I can see how powerful this information is...