Alamitos Bay 4/6 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Scubasteve382 · 04-06-2017, 10:47 PM

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.
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blitzburgh · 04-06-2017, 11:42 PM

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

Btmfeder · 04-07-2017, 08:47 AM

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 · 04-07-2017, 12:16 PM

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 · 04-08-2017, 09:47 AM

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 · 04-08-2017, 01:23 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-07-2017, 08:25 AM

Quote:

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

04-06-2017, 10:47 PM	#1
Scubasteve382 Junior Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 16	Alamitos Bay 4/6 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] Last edited by Scubasteve382; 04-08-2017 at 01:23 PM. Reason: Photo issues*

04-06-2017, 11:42 PM	#2
blitzburgh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Menifee Posts: 2,509	Keep at it! More time on the water is all you need. I believe that is a Rock Wrasse, very cool! __________________ ”The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.” ~Thomas Jefferson.........maybe

04-07-2017, 08:47 AM	#3
Btmfeder Junior Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Long Beach Posts: 14	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.

04-07-2017, 12:16 PM	#4
bwana Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: El Toro, CA Posts: 244	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.

04-08-2017, 09:47 AM	#5
FullFlavorPike Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 809	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?