Guide for a Dux salmon trip

Any local guides willing to take a salmon newbie for a surf launch from Bolinas to Duxbury? I have done 3-4 surf launches (assisted) for rockfish, but have never fished salmon from my kayak. Experienced salmon fisherman from a boat. I have a PA14 and know the Marin coast well.

My advice would be to choose another location.  Launching/landing a PA14 at Bolinas is just a bad idea.  Not saying its impossible, but it will definitely be trickier. 

My advice would be to choose another location.  Launching/landing a PA14 at Bolinas is just a bad idea.  Not saying its impossible, but it will definitely be trickier.

+1 not a suggested PA launch especially with these big tides

When I'm fishing Dux on my friend's Whaler, I see PA14s fishing the area. They must launch somewhere.

My advice would be to choose another location.  Launching/landing a PA14 at Bolinas is just a bad idea.  Not saying its impossible, but it will definitely be trickier.

+1 not a suggested PA launch especially with these big tides

This 100%... I've launched the AI from the beach a few times and it's pretty damn scary.

Its pretty much like this launch but 10X



Stay safe if you do and never place yourself between kayak and beach. Goodluck 

When I'm fishing Dux on my friend's Whaler, I see PA14s fishing the area. They must launch somewhere.

They might have launched from the lagoon, but that has its own set of problems you must deal with.  Or they did a surf launch, perhaps there's members here with more experience surf launching with a PA14 there.  But judging by what you mentioned, 3-4 surf launches which were assisted, I don't think you should be attempting it there.  Honestly, even with experience I personally wouldn't surf launch a PA14 at Bolinas.  Good luck if you decide to attempt it and make sure someone is filming it...for educational purposes of course.    

Yeah, I am not interested in getting tumbled in the washer machine. I wonder how these guys are getting out there.

My advice would be to choose another location.  Launching/landing a PA14 at Bolinas is just a bad idea.  Not saying its impossible, but it will definitely be trickier.

+1 not a suggested PA launch especially with these big tides

This 100%... I've launched the AI from the beach a few times and it's pretty damn scary.

Its pretty much like this launch but 10X



Stay safe if you do and never place yourself between kayak and beach. Goodluck 

That video is an absolute classic. Poor guy was all over the place.

Painful to watch… definitely needs some lessons on launching! Besides “life”

Could’ve been really bad with the “Ultimate-no no” wrong side of kayak and wave…

Wish someone would’ve filmed my faceplate there!!! It was Epic 😂

After all the responses I’m sure your wondering if ya can… Casper Beach is a great place to practice… typically breaking waves everyday, but still easy in and out on the north side of beach…

Have fun GetSome

In my very limited surf launch/landing experiences, I've already seen some epic fails. One guy at Fort Ross lost all his fish, rods and reels and even his truck keys.

was definitely a sketchy ride back in, but at least no yard sales! 

Would suggest not to use legs in downrigger fashion at such location.. could be recipe for carnage.

Gnarly teamwork and landings tho.. great footage!

Nice team work.   

Based on your experience I agree with the above advice. I’d say, however, that your kayak and your skills are two separate things. I launched from Bolinas and LM (which is worse by far) with an Outback when I was still a nube. And I’m still a nube.
My suggestion is ask yourself:
1. Am I fit enough to paddle hard and catch up with the kayak if it capsizes? Do I know how to paddle in the surf?
2. Is my gear safely stowed? If I capsize, am I going to be distracted or get tangled or injured by it?
3. If something unexpected happens, who is going to help me?

There are probably more questions. But then, good seas don’t make good sailors. It doesn’t mean you should take unnecessary risks, but for me, I feel that if I don’t challenge myself, I’ll stay where I am.

First vid was rough , definitely not fun paddling a tank like a PA thru surf. The Bolinas launch looks like timing is key... yard sale in that tiny spot is gonna be brutal.