Anacapa Island - A 15 mile Journey - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

aren_denman · 03-11-2016, 01:40 PM

Spring break is coming, that means fishing trip!
Me and a friend plan on kayaking to Anacapa Island from March 17th - 27th. We will launch from preferably Point Magu, Oxnard, or Ventura. Roughly a 10-15 mile journey depending on daily currents. We are well aware of the danger of this trip, and the weather during this month of March, EL NINO BABY!

THIS IS OUR FIRST LONG DISTANCE KAYAKING JOURNEY.

I am making this post to pick the brains of any people who have done similar trips. My name is Aren Denman and my brother in arms Ian Bayrak have been kayak fishing our whole lives. I am not saying 15 miles is easy, buts its not hard either. Our biggest fear is currents. We have no motor on board just our manpower, which renders us useless against heavy current, timing and planning will be vital.

Some safety precautions and gear - satellite phone and vhf radio, surplus food & water rations, contacting coast guard before and after, GPS and water navigation, and of course a mirror and lighter fuel (day and night rescue).

Questions: Best launch spot this time of year? Suggestions about the island itself? Tips for predicting weather patterns and currents? Which satellite or vhs radio to buy?

Denis_Ruso · 03-11-2016, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren_denman

Which satellite or vhs radio to buy?

Broadcast your whereabouts to every 7 year old on the world

aren_denman · 03-11-2016, 02:43 PM

Looking for some real answers.

momo fish · 03-11-2016, 02:52 PM

Good job editing your curse laced response..

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren_denman

Looking for some real answers.

aren_denman · 03-11-2016, 02:58 PM

So the vibe I'm getting is that its a pretty easy trip, I know currents can get crazy in-between the islands

Batmann · 03-11-2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denis_Ruso

Broadcast your whereabouts to every 7 year old on the world

Leave the satellite phone at home and take a PLB. If you don't buy one look at renting one from BoatsUS. Good luck using a satphone when you in a situation bad enough that you need a SAR asset to assist you.

https://www.boatus.com/epirb/

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/acr-el...acon--13381207

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

taggermike · 03-11-2016, 08:20 PM

March 17-27. Is that your available window or are you staying on the island for 10 days? Mike

aren_denman · 03-11-2016, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taggermike

March 17-27. Is that your available window or are you staying on the island for 10 days? Mike

Thats the window, we plan on checkin out most of the islands, freedive some sea caves and do some hiking as well. Depending on weather we might be there all 10.

2-Stix · 03-11-2016, 11:59 PM

I almost died at the anacapa arch this last year on Nov 28th. Bad weather, unpredicted. I wrote about it on here some where. I spent a life time running extreme type shit. The ocean is the worst opponent.

aren_denman · 03-12-2016, 12:10 AM

[QUOTE=Batmann;255658]Leave the satellite phone at home and take a PLB. If you don't buy one look at renting one from BoatsUS. Good luck using a satphone when you in a situation bad enough that you need a SAR asset to assist you.

https://www.boatus.com/epirb/

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/acr-el...acon--13381207

This is very helpful. I might buy the gps locator just to carry on me for future excursions. Is it a one time purchase where you can use it whenever, or do you have to keep up with a subscription for its gps service? Also, do you think investing in a vhs radio is a good idea? I heard they have a very limited signal range for kayakers because we sit so low in the water.

momo fish · 03-11-2016, 02:51 PM

Make sure you have an emergency kite in case it gets windy..

cell128 · 03-11-2016, 03:11 PM

uploadfromtaptalk1457737891249.jpg

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Zed · 03-11-2016, 03:35 PM

What are you paddling?
In a sea kayak its a good hump. In a mini-X Id advise against it.

aren_denman · 03-12-2016, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zed

What are you paddling?
In a sea kayak its a good hump. In a mini-X Id advise against it.

15 ft Malibu fishing kayaks... too poor for a Hobie!
We have them rigged up with basic bait tanks and fish finders.

Zed · 03-12-2016, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren_denman

15 ft Malibu fishing kayaks... too poor for a Hobie!
We have them rigged up with basic bait tanks and fish finders.

What are you doing to train? Have you ever paddled more than 10mi straight w/o stopping in your 'whole life'? I would practice fully loaded nearshore. Try 3 6mile legs in a triangle nonstop thatway youre never too far from shore. 15mi on a straight line on a kayak is unrealistic. It will end up more than 15. With all that crap in/on your hull stability and seaworthiness is tailing off and you are more subject to capsize. Have you ever flooded your yak at sea and pumped it out to remount in wind and waves? Do you have a pump? You say camping is pricey so does that mean you have nowhere specific planned? Rangers arent too keen on anyone just hauling out to camp.

Youre crossing a nasty channel trying to hit a speck of rock in a month that historically is one of the stormiest. Call me a goober if youre a mod but you do not sound prepared enough to do it. You sound like a statistic. Aren meet logistics.

Follow Andys advice and try Cabrillo to 2 Harbors in a calmer month for your first long paddle/open ocean crossing.

monstahfish · 03-12-2016, 07:50 AM

I would highly recommend the PLB and a VHF radio. The PLB needs to be registered with SARSAT(search and rescue organization which will coordinate with coast guard, park ranger, police etc...) which is free. There are other units that are similar like spot and the delorme one that you can broadcast a message with but they require subscriptions. I have an ACR resqfix(they have newer units now) and though I've never had to use it, I always keep it in my PFD pocket, just have to send it in to change the battery every 5 years.

I would also recommend a flare gun and a visibility flag of about 4 feet with some kind of metal cap to act as a radar reflector on your kayak. Don't want to get run over crossing shipping lanes or by other boats.

aren_denman · 03-12-2016, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zed

What are you doing to train? Try 3 6mile legs in a triangle nonstop thatway youre never too far from shore.
Have you ever flooded your yak at sea and pumped it out to remount in wind and waves? Do you have a pump?

Youre crossing a nasty channel trying to hit a speck of rock in a month that historically is one of the stormiest. Call me a goober if youre a mod but you do not sound prepared enough to do it. You sound like a statistic. Aren meet logistics.

I am confident in a 20 mile paddle, however, I have never trained with this much gear. You never know what can go wrong. I take your concerns seriously and will not do the trip if I feel like I am not prepared.

To answer your question I do not have a pump and have never been capsized in my kayak and in another post, I do not have a visibility flag with metal on top for shipping traffic.

My kayak is watertight, I just went through with marine epoxy on all the cracks, but as of right now, if I flip I am screwed. A pump is very necessary. I have a flare gun. I plan on communicating with coast guards and Island officials. (I will pay for every night I camp there.)

Some new items on my list - waterproof pump. vhf and plb system. GPS system. visibility flag (ill probably rig something up) And finally, a full understanding of the common wind, currents, and MPA (Marine Protected Area)
Thanks for the suggestions, keep em comin.

BigAppa · 03-11-2016, 03:59 PM

Any reason why you're not launching from the children's beach at Channel Island Harbor? I believe that's where many sea kayaking clubs launch from to get to Anacapa. It's an easier launch than Point Mugu and closer than Ventura, I believe. You may want to ask this question at one of their forums as well. Of course, a touring kayak will handle the conditions much differently than a fishing kayak (if that's what you'll be using), but I'm sure they can give you some good information about currents, weather, etc.

If you do make the trip, I personally would love to hear about your experiences. I've been seriously thinking about making this trip as well, after I get more experience under my belt.

Iceman · 03-11-2016, 04:05 PM

Sounds like a cool adventure closer than Cat and I WILL paddle that one some day, little more likely to run in weather in March, I plan to do it in October, less unsettled.

Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down!

I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers

http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/

Camping:

http://www.recreation.gov/camping/an...O&parkId=70984

aren_denman · 03-12-2016, 12:17 AM

Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down!

I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers

http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/

Thanks for the response
Just checked out the Island Packers website, good info and maps. Camping can be pricy especially if you change your dates on them or change between islands. Maybe we can sneak our way onto some grounds for a night or two

03-11-2016, 01:40 PM	#1
aren_denman Junior Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 13	Anacapa Island - A 15 mile Journey Spring break is coming, that means fishing trip! Me and a friend plan on kayaking to Anacapa Island from March 17th - 27th. We will launch from preferably Point Magu, Oxnard, or Ventura. Roughly a 10-15 mile journey depending on daily currents. We are well aware of the danger of this trip, and the weather during this month of March, EL NINO BABY! THIS IS OUR FIRST LONG DISTANCE KAYAKING JOURNEY. I am making this post to pick the brains of any people who have done similar trips. My name is Aren Denman and my brother in arms Ian Bayrak have been kayak fishing our whole lives. I am not saying 15 miles is easy, buts its not hard either. Our biggest fear is currents. We have no motor on board just our manpower, which renders us useless against heavy current, timing and planning will be vital. Some safety precautions and gear - satellite phone and vhf radio, surplus food & water rations, contacting coast guard before and after, GPS and water navigation, and of course a mirror and lighter fuel (day and night rescue). Questions: Best launch spot this time of year? Suggestions about the island itself? Tips for predicting weather patterns and currents? Which satellite or vhs radio to buy? Last edited by aren_denman; 03-11-2016 at 03:16 PM.

03-11-2016, 03:35 PM	#13
Zed BANNED Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: W of 5 Posts: 1,265	What are you paddling? In a sea kayak its a good hump. In a mini-X Id advise against it. __________________ Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Give a fish a man and he'll eat for a week.

03-11-2016, 04:05 PM	#19
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Sounds like a cool adventure closer than Cat and I WILL paddle that one some day, little more likely to run in weather in March, I plan to do it in October, less unsettled. Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down! I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/ Camping: http://www.recreation.gov/camping/an...O&parkId=70984 __________________ Last edited by Iceman; 03-11-2016 at 04:16 PM.

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03-11-2016, 02:43 PM	#3
aren_denman Junior Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 13	Looking for some real answers.

03-11-2016, 02:58 PM	#5
aren_denman Junior Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 13	So the vibe I'm getting is that its a pretty easy trip, I know currents can get crazy in-between the islands

03-11-2016, 08:20 PM	#7
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	March 17-27. Is that your available window or are you staying on the island for 10 days? Mike

03-11-2016, 11:59 PM	#9
2-Stix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 376	I almost died at the anacapa arch this last year on Nov 28th. Bad weather, unpredicted. I wrote about it on here some where. I spent a life time running extreme type shit. The ocean is the worst opponent.

03-12-2016, 12:10 AM	#10
aren_denman Junior Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 13	[QUOTE=Batmann;255658]Leave the satellite phone at home and take a PLB. If you don't buy one look at renting one from BoatsUS. Good luck using a satphone when you in a situation bad enough that you need a SAR asset to assist you. https://www.boatus.com/epirb/ http://www.westmarine.com/buy/acr-el...acon--13381207 This is very helpful. I might buy the gps locator just to carry on me for future excursions. Is it a one time purchase where you can use it whenever, or do you have to keep up with a subscription for its gps service? Also, do you think investing in a vhs radio is a good idea? I heard they have a very limited signal range for kayakers because we sit so low in the water.

03-11-2016, 02:51 PM	#11
momo fish Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Camarillo Posts: 1,491	Make sure you have an emergency kite in case it gets windy..

03-11-2016, 03:11 PM	#12
cell128 lizard king Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Lakewood Posts: 520	uploadfromtaptalk1457737891249.jpg Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

03-12-2016, 07:50 AM	#16
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 421	I would highly recommend the PLB and a VHF radio. The PLB needs to be registered with SARSAT(search and rescue organization which will coordinate with coast guard, park ranger, police etc...) which is free. There are other units that are similar like spot and the delorme one that you can broadcast a message with but they require subscriptions. I have an ACR resqfix(they have newer units now) and though I've never had to use it, I always keep it in my PFD pocket, just have to send it in to change the battery every 5 years. I would also recommend a flare gun and a visibility flag of about 4 feet with some kind of metal cap to act as a radar reflector on your kayak. Don't want to get run over crossing shipping lanes or by other boats.

03-11-2016, 03:59 PM	#18
BigAppa Junior Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 27	Any reason why you're not launching from the children's beach at Channel Island Harbor? I believe that's where many sea kayaking clubs launch from to get to Anacapa. It's an easier launch than Point Mugu and closer than Ventura, I believe. You may want to ask this question at one of their forums as well. Of course, a touring kayak will handle the conditions much differently than a fishing kayak (if that's what you'll be using), but I'm sure they can give you some good information about currents, weather, etc. If you do make the trip, I personally would love to hear about your experiences. I've been seriously thinking about making this trip as well, after I get more experience under my belt.

03-12-2016, 12:17 AM	#20
aren_denman Junior Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 13	Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down! I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/ Thanks for the response Just checked out the Island Packers website, good info and maps. Camping can be pricy especially if you change your dates on them or change between islands. Maybe we can sneak our way onto some grounds for a night or two