Looking for some help!

[senojmj]

First off, in this day and age where information is key, the amount of knowledge shared on this forum is great. I have learned quite a bit from this site. I thank you for that.
I will be in Santa Barbara (Solvang, actually) for Thanksgiving, and I think it would be a crime for me not to bring my kayaks to the ocean. I usually go to Refugio Beach and just cruise around. I don't fish there because all of my gear is for trout and bass (I live in Salt Lake). I am looking for some help in finding some calm launch points from SB and North. I was looking Avila Beach as a potential spot. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[mtnbykr2]

you can launch right out of the harbor, make a left and pick up some bait
if they are open, no problem...Carpentaria is just south, ususlly a easy launch to fish north, Cachuma not to far away for some fresh water rinse...

[Hunters Pa]

Gaviota is close, but never know on the surf

[T-Rex]

At Avila, the launch at the north side of the bay at Port San Luis Beach is sheltered and very easy launch. It's a short paddle across the bay to the sea caves at Fossil Point. Tour operators run guided tours to the sea caves the same as they do in La Jolla.

There's also a couple of usually easy launches further south at Shell Beach.

Gaviota is a great place to paddle, but as Hunters Pa said, the surf can be an issue. I guess if the surf's up you could launch and land from the pier using the boat hoist.

Hope you have a great time.

[senojmj]

From what I understand, you can't take kayaks onto Cachuma. Does anyone know something different?

[mtnbykr2]

Originally Posted by senojmj

From what I understand, you can't take kayaks onto Cachuma. Does anyone know something different?

I would check with them however I did hear they were allowing them now
I may be wrong...but it was a pretty reliable source

[wiredantz]

From what i read... they now allow kayaks and canoes..


Kayaks and canoes now allowed at Cachuma Lake! Check out how the grand opening went! Rocky Mountain Recreation, the Cachuma Lake marina concession has kayaks for rent. Click to see rules, regulations, and lake map.

http://www.countyofsb.org/parks/parks05.aspx?id=13440

[TheBentRod]

Originally Posted by wiredantz

From what i read... they now allow kayaks and canoes..


Kayaks and canoes now allowed at Cachuma Lake! Check out how the grand opening went! Rocky Mountain Recreation, the Cachuma Lake marina concession has kayaks for rent. Click to see rules, regulations, and lake map.

http://www.countyofsb.org/parks/parks05.aspx?id=13440

I think they still have the Quagga and Zebra Mussel inspections.

http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedFi...2009August.pdf

[mtnbykr2]

Originally Posted by TheBentRod

I think they still have the Quagga and Zebra Mussel inspections.

http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedFi...2009August.pdf

they do inspect (big deal) but they don't quaranteen like Casitas

[senojmj]

The quagga and zebra mussels are big deal in Utah as well. There is a year long certification that makes it easier to get onto the water quicker. Just another reason I should get back into Saltwater fishing!

[mazilla]

Bring your bass gear, you can drop shot for bass and halibut.

[Amish Ed]

Definitely bring the bass gear.

[T-Rex]

Bass gear will work great at Refugio and Avila as well. At Refugio just paddle north a couple miles to Tajiguas Reef. Good for bass and rock fish. Lots of halibut and rockfish spots at Avila.

[senojmj]

Got onto Lake Cachuma today. Took the family out and had a great time. It was great to paddle out there. There was no one on the lake. Fishing was a little slow, but I did go in the middle of the day, so it was a little warmer for the kids. Thanks for the info! I am going to try Avila, later this week.