Salinas Resident/Flight Instructor New To Kayak Fishing

Hi all,

My name is Taylor and I'm currently a resident of Salinas, CA. I teach people how to fly airplanes for work, for hobby I try to enjoy life to the fullest every way I can. Recently I've plunged head first into the kayak fishing world. After more than a few weeks of research and scouring craigslist I bought my first seaworthy kayak, a 2018 Wilderness systems Thresher 140. I've also gotten myself geared up with a couple Penn jigmasters and daiwa rods.

I'm not new to kayaking, or fishing, but I am new to putting the two together, and I'm certainly new to fishing in the Monterey Bay area. Most of my fishing experience has been fly fishing for trout in streams and rivers and occasional Bass fishing in ponds and lakes. It's not too hard to find the structure in tighter spaces like these. I am hoping to learn more about how to find the fish/structure out in the open ocean where it may be a little less obvious. Particularly without a fish finder, as I haven't yet decided what I want in that regard. I'm also hoping to get in touch with some local kayak anglers that wouldn't mind letting me tag along.

I have been out twice already. Once on a guided tour through Monterey Bay Kayaks, and once with a friend that has also taken up the sport. Both times with success. I have put a considerable amount of time into researching safety on the water. Though I'm sure I still have a lot to learn. From what I've read this forum appears to be a wealth of knowledge, I'm looking forward to learning whatever I can from whoever is willing to share! Both of my trips so far have launched from the Monterey Bay Kayaks location. I'm very interested in learning more about the Coral St, Stillwater cove and Santa Cruz harbor locations to start. This coming Thursday, October 8th and Sunday, October 11th I will likely have some time to get back out on the ocean. If anyone has any tips for finding fish or is planning to go out on one of those days and wouldn't mind a few new guys tagging along it would be much appreciated!

Thank you all in advance. I'm looking forward to learning everything I can and I can't wait to hook that first Lingcod!

-Taylor LaMascus

Hi Taylor, welcome!

I live in Monterey and usually launch off the boat ramp near the wharf.

I might not have everything dialed but I'm always down to go out.

-Jeff

Welcome Taylor to NCKA.   

Welcome Taylor
Give rides too? Or just lessons.

Hi Taylor, welcome!

I live in Monterey and usually launch off the boat ramp near the wharf.

I might not have everything dialed but I'm always down to go out.

-Jeff

Thanks Jeff! I'll send you a PM. I'd love to do some fishing with you sometime. It's all good experience and it's all good fun!

Welcome Taylor
Give rides too? Or just lessons.

Thank you all for the welcomes. I generally only do instruction. Rides could be arranged, however I stay booked fairly solid with instruction. I do have a close friend that is a licensed commercial pilot. I often send him that type of work. He enjoys it. We fly out of the San Martin Airport. It's a very quick flight over to the Santa Cruz area. You might be surprised by how many sharks we typically see from the air in the immediate vicinity of the cement ship wreck in Aptos.

-Taylor

Hi Taylor, welcome 

You might be surprised by how many sharks we typically see from the air in the immediate vicinity of the cement ship wreck in Aptos.

Here, we prefer to think of them as misidentified mola mola...

Welcome to NCKA Taylor 

Hey Taylor, welcome to NCKA!

You might be surprised by how many sharks we typically see from the air in the immediate vicinity of the cement ship wreck in Aptos.

Here, we prefer to think of them as misidentified mola mola...

Hahah, right. I'll keep that in mind the next time I go "mola mola" spotting!

Welcome!

Welcome, but boy you picked an addicting hobby! 

Welcome. If you have any questions about your Wilderness Systems kayak I may know a thing or 2.

Welcome Taylor

Coral St. is a tight slot launch and considering tide and surf are important. That said, it is quite doable and I did it a couple times when I was just  beginning. If you have a fishing partner, may I suggest leaving one car at MBK and taking the other with two kayaks to Coral St. or one of the other nearby spots. From there you can begin your paddle back to MBK. This will give you access to some of the better / less fished areas. Chances are you will be working with the predominate winds and you will have an easier landing at MBK