How do you know your ready! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Robs · 06-22-2015, 12:29 PM

How do you know your ready to transition from bay fishing to ocean fishing? How long is the paddle to the kelp from La Jolla? I have a tarpon 160 and a moken 12.5. Which is a better yak for the trip? Thanks in advance for the help

MrPatrick · 06-22-2015, 12:35 PM

You're ready when you feel comfortable and have confidence in your abilities. As far the kayak choice first go on the one you feel most comfortable on. Pick a small surf day and try to go out with others that don't mind showing you the ropes. I do recommend going to La Jolla without fishing gear and practicing launching and landing. It's good to practice and I think it's fun.

kjsdad619 · 06-22-2015, 12:39 PM

I didn't know I was ready I just made the decision to hit up LJ for the first time a few weeks ago for my 40th BDAY. Getting in was easier than I expected and the paddle out was real easy on that day, It only took about 10 minutes to hit the edge of the beds. The swell was non existent and the sun was out full force. I fished the outside for awhile and then went into the kelp beds and this is where we yakers have a leg up on the boats. I ended up catching 3 Calicos, 13, 13.5 and 19.5. Released two kept just one because it was my birthday, I usually always let them go. Coming back into shore wasn't bad at all, worse case scenario if it gets skiddish with the waves you just have to jump out and walk it in. I just got back from the Pt Loma kelp beds this weekend on Saturday..MUCH longer distance and ZERO fish for me but always a good time. I have a hobie and it's 14 feet, but I have seen all sizes out there. And it really will boil down to you and what you feel most comfortable in. I went real light the first time I went out..just a couple poles..just in case I lawn darted in the surf.

If you ever want to go hit me up.

GregAndrew · 06-22-2015, 07:27 PM

LJ is usually about as close to bay fishing as you are going to get in the open ocean.
You are ready when:
You have all the right safety gear.
You know how to upright and reenter your loaded kayak.
You no longer need to take all boat wakes head on.
And you feel comfortable in your yak.

And then, work your way up through higher swells and wind speeds gradually.

jorluivil · 06-22-2015, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

LJ is usually about as close to bay fishing as you are going to get in the open ocean.
You are ready when:
You have all the right safety gear.
You know how to upright and reenter your loaded kayak.
You no longer need to take all boat wakes head on.

Really, Greg? Really?

Its no fun if you don't take one to the chest

And you feel comfortable in your yak.

And then, work your way up through higher swells and wind speeds gradually.

Best advise I can give you is to never launch/land when I launch/land. That is unless you want to get wet and have one of those 'I almost died stories'.

makobob · 06-22-2015, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

Best advise I can give you is to never launch/land when I launch/land. That is unless you want to get wet and have one of those 'I almost died stories'.

Nothing wrong with I almost DIED stories. As long as..................................

Robs · 06-22-2015, 09:33 PM

Thanks I just gotta go out and do it

Jimmyz123 · 06-23-2015, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robs

How do you know your ready to transition from bay fishing to ocean fishing? How long is the paddle to the kelp from La Jolla? I have a tarpon 160 and a moken 12.5. Which is a better yak for the trip? Thanks in advance for the help

Both Kayaks you have are great for heading out to the kelp. The answer to your question is do you feel ready? Do you feel that if you get tipped that you can get back in your boat. Do you feel you have a good grasp on surf launching and landing? Have you tried paddling in and out of the waves in your kayak to get a feel for it? So do this and some don't. Paddling distance should not be something that scares you. Don't let the distance from the beach to the kelp keep you from paddling out. Check out the link below and watch some of the tips for launching and landing kayaks in the surf, trust me, they will help.
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...+kayak+in+surf

Robs · 06-24-2015, 10:22 PM

I did it!!!! I went out today and got comfortable in the surf, launching and coming back in. I even made that quick paddle to the kelp. I didnt bring my gear but great experence. Thanks to all for the good info and tips.

AirborneYak · 06-24-2015, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robs

I did it!!!! I went out today and got comfortable in the surf, launching and coming back in. I even made that quick paddle to the kelp. I didnt bring my gear but great experence. Thanks to all for the good info and tips.

Congrats! You got the first time jitters out of the way!

f'nsabiki · 06-25-2015, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robs

I did it!!!! I went out today and got comfortable in the surf, launching and coming back in. I even made that quick paddle to the kelp. I didnt bring my gear but great experence. Thanks to all for the good info and tips.

good for you for getting out!! even better that it was a weekday

Goose1993 · 06-27-2015, 10:05 AM

Haha kayaking in the ocean is not difficult...

06-22-2015, 12:29 PM	#1
Robs Junior Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 5	How do you know your ready! How do you know your ready to transition from bay fishing to ocean fishing? How long is the paddle to the kelp from La Jolla? I have a tarpon 160 and a moken 12.5. Which is a better yak for the trip? Thanks in advance for the help

06-22-2015, 12:39 PM	#3
kjsdad619 Just a Salty Sailor Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 193	Your ready! I didn't know I was ready I just made the decision to hit up LJ for the first time a few weeks ago for my 40th BDAY. Getting in was easier than I expected and the paddle out was real easy on that day, It only took about 10 minutes to hit the edge of the beds. The swell was non existent and the sun was out full force. I fished the outside for awhile and then went into the kelp beds and this is where we yakers have a leg up on the boats. I ended up catching 3 Calicos, 13, 13.5 and 19.5. Released two kept just one because it was my birthday, I usually always let them go. Coming back into shore wasn't bad at all, worse case scenario if it gets skiddish with the waves you just have to jump out and walk it in. I just got back from the Pt Loma kelp beds this weekend on Saturday..MUCH longer distance and ZERO fish for me but always a good time. I have a hobie and it's 14 feet, but I have seen all sizes out there. And it really will boil down to you and what you feel most comfortable in. I went real light the first time I went out..just a couple poles..just in case I lawn darted in the surf. If you ever want to go hit me up.

06-22-2015, 12:35 PM	#2
MrPatrick Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Waiting to launch Posts: 1,381	You're ready when you feel comfortable and have confidence in your abilities. As far the kayak choice first go on the one you feel most comfortable on. Pick a small surf day and try to go out with others that don't mind showing you the ropes. I do recommend going to La Jolla without fishing gear and practicing launching and landing. It's good to practice and I think it's fun.

06-22-2015, 07:27 PM	#4
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	LJ is usually about as close to bay fishing as you are going to get in the open ocean. You are ready when: You have all the right safety gear. You know how to upright and reenter your loaded kayak. You no longer need to take all boat wakes head on. And you feel comfortable in your yak. And then, work your way up through higher swells and wind speeds gradually.

06-22-2015, 09:33 PM	#7
Robs Junior Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 5	Thanks I just gotta go out and do it

06-24-2015, 10:22 PM	#9
Robs Junior Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 5	I did it!!!! I went out today and got comfortable in the surf, launching and coming back in. I even made that quick paddle to the kelp. I didnt bring my gear but great experence. Thanks to all for the good info and tips.

06-27-2015, 10:05 AM	#12
Goose1993 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 115	Haha kayaking in the ocean is not difficult...