Alamitos Bay 4/6

[Scubasteve382]

Headed out today for my maiden voyage. Launched today around 12:30 at Mother's Beach. Messed around until 4:30. Paddled around the bay and headed towards Ballast Point. Made a few stops to get the lines wet. Was tossing out ghost shrimp on a Carolina rig. Managed a smelt and a fish that I can not identify. See photo. Being my first time fishing from a kayak, I have much to learn!

*learn all features of the fish finder and how to properly read them
*need to tie kayak down to cart as it fell off once I hit the beach, had to drag the yak in the sand to the water
*take shorter rods 8ft+ seems to be a little long
*better maneuverability and knowing which side to fish from
*the seat kept slipping down
*research different lure and bait options that are successful, used ghost shrimp and a luckycraft flash minnow today
*kept getting tangled up in the rod/paddle leashes

Minus a little surf fishing I know very little about fishing the bay as I am used to jumping on cattle boats.
[IMG][/IMG]

[blitzburgh]

Keep at it! More time on the water is all you need. I believe that is a Rock Wrasse, very cool!

[Btmfeder]

I've spent way too much time fishing Alamitos Bay and have found it tougher fishing over the last couple years for some reason but here's what I've found: For launching, I would suggest going over to the peninsula by the gondolas. There's a great washdown area and you can usually park free on the street. No cart needed. For tackle, I always get bit more using lighter stuff so I'll trade the occasional break off for a little more action. I use a 6-1/2' medium spinning rod with 8# and usually throw small Big Hammers or grubs on 1/4" football jigs. I throw those around the docks and fish pretty slow. I've never used bait in there so I can't speak to that. Like all bays, it seems to be best when there's water moving and in lower light. Never been hassled for being out there without lights if I stay out of the middle of the main bay so it's a great spot to fish for a few hours after work with easy access. It would be nice to see it get a little more fishy, though.

[bwana]

It is all about deck management and preparation prior to launch.

You are smart to start on calm inside waters to get familar.

Being able to beach yourself quickly when needed is a good plus while learning and adjusting your gear.

It won't be long before you are venturing out to the other side of big water's edge.

[FullFlavorPike]

The photo of the un-IDed fish isn't showing up, so I am going to take a wild stab in the dark: white croaker?

[Scubasteve382]

Originally Posted by FullFlavorPike

The photo of the un-IDed fish isn't showing up, so I am going to take a wild stab in the dark: white croaker?

Fixed

[Harry Hill]

Originally Posted by Scubasteve382

Headed out today for my maiden voyage. Launched today around 12:30 at Mother's Beach. Messed around until 4:30. Paddled around the bay and headed towards Ballast Point. Made a few stops to get the lines wet. Was tossing out ghost shrimp on a Carolina rig. Managed a smelt and a fish that I can not identify. See photo. Being my first time fishing from a kayak, I have much to learn!

no picture, try it again please