Salinas Resident/Flight Instructor New To Kayak Fishing

Theres no more fish in Monterey.

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

Thanks for the tip! Any concern about paddling through the MPA with fish on board? I guess as long as there aren't any lines in the water we're ok?

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

I appreciate the offer! I've really been liking the wilderness systems products. I recently bought new old stock Tarpon 120. A friend of mine broke it in out at Santa Cruz today. I've noticed a lot of play in the rudder pedals on the thresher. The pedal assembly and the plastic track can easily flex fore and aft as well as up and down. Is this normal? It hasn't affected operation necessarily. It sort of just feels like the nature of a plastic boat.   

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

Thanks for the tip! Any concern about paddling through the MPA with fish on board? I guess as long as there aren't any lines in the water we're ok?

The two types of MPAs between Coral St. and MBK are State Marine Conservation Areas (SMCAs) and State Marine Reserve (SMR).  Within the SMCAs, take of finfish is allowed by hook and line.  Inside the SMR, however, it is illegal to possess.

You'll want to paddle clear of the Lovers Point SMR and you'll be good.  See https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/Network/Central-California#27248549-edward-f-ricketts-state-marine-conservation-area for more.