Fishing solo yes/no ???

[doggmann]

I've been fishing solo on my kayak for the last couple years in Newport Harbor and really like it. The only problem is I'd rather not eat anything from the harbor.

I've been seeing posts from other members catching WSB among other things out on open water in some of the local kelp beds. The idea of spending a day on the open water with the potential of putting a few bass in my fridge is really appealing. I plan on checking out the only place I've heard anything about (Corona Del Mar) since I'd be able to get there relatively easy and I'm familiar with NPH.

I've never fished open water and plan on doing it on good weather days and with a friend. Does anyone go out solo? Is it a bad idea?

I'm sure there are some things I'm just not aware of asking so please feel free to add your 2 cents.

[Dannowar]

90 percent of the time I fish solo. And usually at night. It's peaceful.

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by Dannowar

90 percent of the time I fish solo. And usually at night. It's peaceful.

X2

I love hooping alone at night. In fact I don't really enjoy it till everyone else leaves

[danjor]

Originally Posted by Fiskadoro

X2

I love hooping alone at night. In fact I don't really enjoy it till everyone else leaves

x3 I normally fish solo. I try to get people to join me but it never happens so I'm solo 90% of the time. And night fishing solo is very peace full as long as your not drowsy and very far offshore without a GPS been there done that. Just bring food and a energy drink and you will be fine

[ctrujillo]

X4 minus the at night alone for me

[vincentek9]

solo missions a lot. even on rough days. if you're going for a WSB, i wouldnt count on CDM to produce any legals for you. gotta do your research and figure out where the WSB are being caught (usually la jolla or dana point). and you gotta do a night launch. if you've never done a beach launch before... longbeach is a great place to practice.

[Deamon]

Solo...often. My daughter called me one night when i was alone outside. It was the day after the GWS was spotted in LJ and she's screaming "what are you doing? There's a great white in LJ. Get out of there now!"...Definitely had me looking around just a bit more after her call.
I prep much more on forecasted conditions before heading out (esp after each questionable experience ).

You need to be able to get back in your yak if you roll over...esp in rough conditions (prob when it'll happen, right?)...when your rods are dangling, mixed swell, wind, cold and wet...

Hobie guys need to be able to paddle back in if mirage drive fails...

Radio...protected cell phone...GPS...keeping calm under most situations

Weigh the risk over reward and stay on the conservative side always...

[easyday]

I hoop alone at night also haven't fished at night solo yet but plan on it soon I jist make sure people know where im going and what time to expect me back by and let them know if ill be out longer which always happens for me. Im really comfortable doing stuff at night (even though the wife hates it) so that's something you have to consider, but what it really comes down to is if your comfort level.

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by doggmann

I've been fishing solo on my kayak for the last couple years in Newport Harbor and really like it. The only problem is I'd rather not eat anything from the harbor.

I've been seeing posts from other members catching WSB among other things out on open water in some of the local kelp beds. The idea of spending a day on the open water with the potential of putting a few bass in my fridge is really appealing. I plan on checking out the only place I've heard anything about (Corona Del Mar) since I'd be able to get there relatively easy and I'm familiar with NPH.

I've never fished open water and plan on doing it on good weather days and with a friend. Does anyone go out solo? Is it a bad idea?

I'm sure there are some things I'm just not aware of asking so please feel free to add your 2 cents.

I have a lot of solo fishing trips because a lot of the times it's a last minute trip. Like My wife will say, why don't you take the Kayak out and do some fishing. I don't ask why, I just go. I do prefer La Jolla trips and big water paddles with a partner but I don't let that hold me back. One thing I have noticed is when Launching in commonly used areas, you're never alone. I've seen so many fellow BWE people out at the launches, on the water, and so on. I always try and keep an eye out for others in the even they get in trouble or anything. Keep a good radio on you, a cell phone protected from the water, and have the numbers programmed in your phone.

[doggmann]

A friend of mine finally got a kayak and I realized if I waited for our schedules to click, I'd be lucky to get out once a month. I'd like to thank you all for all the input, I really appreciate it.

So its just like anything else. Check and double check your equipment. Bring "just in case" gear (radio, cell, PLB etc.) and even then $h!t happens but if you planned for the worst you should be okay.

I'm self employed so my schedule is all over the place. I'd like to get out with an experienced guy/gal to help with my learning curve.

[raffman55]

I felt my prowler getting harder to paddle, checked the hatch, only to find 4-5 inches of water in the hull. A friend I was with had a bilge pump, I did not. I was 2 miles off shore from LJ at the time. I learned my lesson. I have since made many solo trips, but now I make sure I have all the safety gear:Phone, rope, bilge pump, mirror/reflector, lights, energy bars/snacks/water, first-aid kit. Just be safe. You learn an awful lot about yourself fishing solo.