LJ on Tuesday - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Enceladus · 03-18-2012, 08:40 PM

Heading out with Big Barrels on my yak's maiden salt water voyage on Tuesday. I only have four major goals:
1. Don't get flipped by the tiny waves in the forecast.
2. Don't chum my breakfast.
3. Don't birds nest all three reels.
4. Catch something...anything...

Anybody catching fish out of LJ recently? Any tips? I'm pretty sure that we're planning on making bait, but I was reading that fresh or frozen squid work well for WSB this time of year. Should I pick some up just in case?

I feel like a kid two days before Christmas.

tasteslikechikn54 · 03-19-2012, 09:22 AM

I made my maiden voyage out to la jolla last week... Only thing I can say is this...
1.) Time your entry, don't jump the gun no matter how small it is.
2.) Never let yourself be caught between the kayak and shoreline.
3.) Try to keep the kayak perpendicular to the waves at all times.
4.) Catch fish...

The surf was about two feet when I went and on my first attempt I jumped in the kayak and rolled it... Nothing lost. No harm no foul... Good luck.

slobslayer · 03-19-2012, 09:33 AM

I also made my maiden voyage last week without any equipment just wanted to learn how to handle the surf. It was much bigger than expected appx. 5 ft so needless to say i got wet. glad i had my wetsuit on. going out this week to la jolla sometime as well

Mobsan · 03-19-2012, 09:41 AM

Good job! On my maiden voyage last year I rolled coming back in. I lost a pair of Oakley shades, a 3 week old Shimano Curado and Clarus, and my favorite fishing hat that I had for over 15 yrs. Needless to say I learned a valuable lesson regarding timing the sets, all for a mere $350+ in gear.

Baja_Traveler · 03-19-2012, 10:23 AM

One thing that is always in my truck when going out - my snorkeling gear. I've been kayaking since the times when people used to point and stare at the wierd eskimo contraption - way before plastic boats. Even with all those years of experience, every blue moon I get surprised by a crossing or reflected wave and end up in the drink.
Its good insurance knowing I have the ability look for expensive lost gear - I've recovered rods lost 300 yards off the launch at La Jolla (not mine) - the bottom is only 12 feet deep out to the canyon edge 1/2 mile out.

Croaker Dave · 03-19-2012, 10:57 AM

Wed-Thurs looks even better

tasteslikechikn54 · 03-19-2012, 11:02 AM

I will probably be making it out to la jolla on Thursday... WSB should be biting anytime... Can't wait for the water to warm up a bit.... I will highly recommend getting some rod leashes. OEX carries them for cheap and are or very good quality...

xpresso2am · 03-19-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

One thing that is always in my truck when going out - my snorkeling gear. I've been kayaking since the times when people used to point and stare at the wierd eskimo contraption - way before plastic boats. Even with all those years of experience, every blue moon I get surprised by a crossing or reflected wave and end up in the drink.
Its good insurance knowing I have the ability look for expensive lost gear - I've recovered rods lost 300 yards off the launch at La Jolla (not mine) - the bottom is only 12 feet deep out to the canyon edge 1/2 mile out.

Good idea. I might start bring my snorkeling gear. I've flipped often enough to know that fist hand

ctfphoto · 03-19-2012, 02:42 PM

Everyone flips, so don't worry about that, it's no big deal.

As to seasickness, if it is a problem (that I have severely) the "patch" works 100% of the time for me. If you have a problem, FORGET the oral drugs and go directly to the "patch"

You should be able to catch bottom fish, I have not been skunked yet.

Enceladus · 03-20-2012, 05:07 PM

BB and I got out there right around 0700 @ high tide. It was cold, but man was it beautiful. The surf wasn't very big and BB gave me expert advice on how to get through the waves. Success! First try out was a breeze but, I was a little concerned when I had to punch through the last good sized wave. First lesson learned -- keep your mouth shut when going through a wave.

The highlight was the incredible amount of wild life. We were literally surrounded by water fowl and jumping dolphins just feet of the yaks. Spectacular.

We peddled out a good way with the plan to make bait. And peddled.And searched. And peddled. We couldn't find any bait. We tried everything. I even tried chumming the Sausage Egg McMuffin that I had for breakfast. It seemed that I took that one little sandwich and converted it into about a gallon of chum. Fish and squid don't like McDonald's food, I guess. Now I don't either.

After around 3 hours, we headed in. It should be noted that getting in is a hell of a lot tougher than getting out! My first try at getting in I got completely turned around and had to go back out and try again. The second time, I got sideways and was sure that I was going to roll, but fortunately it was a tiny wave and I drifted in sideways.

All in all, it was a great experience. Next time:
1) I wear that patch!
2) We make bait.
3) We catch fish.
4) I don't rely on luck to get back to shore.

mtnbykr2 · 03-20-2012, 05:17 PM

congrats on the first successful launch and landing, I know the pucker factor when just starting out I still get a little nervous, glad you guys had a good time

bigbarrels · 03-20-2012, 06:37 PM

Nice job Jesus on getting in and out without rolling it. Good start for your first day OTW. There was still some swell at the launch today. Nice looking water but no bait around today(that we could find on the surfacer or on the FF). The Commorants, Pelicans, sealion and dolphins went crazy for about twenty minutes just as we got out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZUTL...1&feature=plcp

Baja_Traveler · 03-20-2012, 06:49 PM

Well, you didn't make bait or catch any fish, but you sure did make some good memories judging by the video... Thats exactly what it's all about! Better than a good day at work thats for sure.

bigbarrels · 03-20-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

Well, you didn't make bait or catch any fish, but you sure did make some good memories judging by the video... Thats exactly what it's all about! Better than a good day at work thats for sure.

that is exactly what we were saying

The Kid · 03-20-2012, 07:32 PM

The video looks like a scuba chicken take over! Nothing giving the ocean's wildlife a free meal!

Enceladus · 03-20-2012, 08:41 PM

Yeah, that's was awesome! I was trying to tie on the sabiki and getting nauseated! Thanks for the video, Tom! This link is getting sent to a few people! I'll be sleeping with a smile on my face tonight.

GregAndrew · 03-20-2012, 08:50 PM

More kewl chit happens while you are on the water than you can shake a stick at. Nice bike vids too BB.

FlyFishinYakr · 03-22-2012, 09:23 PM

You should check out the floating sunglass straps @ R.E.I. Have them on all my Rx glasses. Just one pair of polarized Rx sunglasses $500. Not taking any chances.

ANYONE EVER THOUGH OF WEARING SCUBA GOGGLES OVER YOUR GLASSES? BOUGHT A PAIR BUT NEVER MADE IT TO THE OCEAN.

FFY

03-18-2012, 08:40 PM	#1
Enceladus Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 70	LJ on Tuesday Heading out with Big Barrels on my yak's maiden salt water voyage on Tuesday. I only have four major goals: 1. Don't get flipped by the tiny waves in the forecast. 2. Don't chum my breakfast. 3. Don't birds nest all three reels. 4. Catch something...anything... Anybody catching fish out of LJ recently? Any tips? I'm pretty sure that we're planning on making bait, but I was reading that fresh or frozen squid work well for WSB this time of year. Should I pick some up just in case? I feel like a kid two days before Christmas.

03-20-2012, 05:17 PM	#11
mtnbykr2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: newbury park ca Posts: 2,323	congrats on the first successful launch and landing, I know the pucker factor when just starting out I still get a little nervous, glad you guys had a good time __________________

03-20-2012, 06:37 PM	#12
bigbarrels Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vista Posts: 1,111	Nice job Jesus on getting in and out without rolling it. Good start for your first day OTW. There was still some swell at the launch today. Nice looking water but no bait around today(that we could find on the surfacer or on the FF). The Commorants, Pelicans, sealion and dolphins went crazy for about twenty minutes just as we got out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZUTL...1&feature=plcp __________________ The shorter you are, the bigger your fish appear

03-20-2012, 08:41 PM	#16
Enceladus Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 70	Yeah, that's was awesome! I was trying to tie on the sabiki and getting nauseated! Thanks for the video, Tom! This link is getting sent to a few people! I'll be sleeping with a smile on my face tonight. Last edited by Enceladus; 03-22-2012 at 09:30 PM.

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03-19-2012, 09:22 AM	#2
tasteslikechikn54 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: san diego, ca. Posts: 113	I made my maiden voyage out to la jolla last week... Only thing I can say is this... 1.) Time your entry, don't jump the gun no matter how small it is. 2.) Never let yourself be caught between the kayak and shoreline. 3.) Try to keep the kayak perpendicular to the waves at all times. 4.) Catch fish... The surf was about two feet when I went and on my first attempt I jumped in the kayak and rolled it... Nothing lost. No harm no foul... Good luck.

03-19-2012, 09:33 AM	#3
slobslayer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Santee Posts: 384	I also made my maiden voyage last week without any equipment just wanted to learn how to handle the surf. It was much bigger than expected appx. 5 ft so needless to say i got wet. glad i had my wetsuit on. going out this week to la jolla sometime as well

03-19-2012, 09:41 AM	#4
Mobsan Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Carmel Valley Posts: 40	Good job! On my maiden voyage last year I rolled coming back in. I lost a pair of Oakley shades, a 3 week old Shimano Curado and Clarus, and my favorite fishing hat that I had for over 15 yrs. Needless to say I learned a valuable lesson regarding timing the sets, all for a mere $350+ in gear.

03-19-2012, 10:23 AM	#5
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	One thing that is always in my truck when going out - my snorkeling gear. I've been kayaking since the times when people used to point and stare at the wierd eskimo contraption - way before plastic boats. Even with all those years of experience, every blue moon I get surprised by a crossing or reflected wave and end up in the drink. Its good insurance knowing I have the ability look for expensive lost gear - I've recovered rods lost 300 yards off the launch at La Jolla (not mine) - the bottom is only 12 feet deep out to the canyon edge 1/2 mile out.

03-19-2012, 10:57 AM	#6
Croaker Dave Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: OC Posts: 171	Wed-Thurs looks even better

03-19-2012, 11:02 AM	#7
tasteslikechikn54 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: san diego, ca. Posts: 113	I will probably be making it out to la jolla on Thursday... WSB should be biting anytime... Can't wait for the water to warm up a bit.... I will highly recommend getting some rod leashes. OEX carries them for cheap and are or very good quality...

03-19-2012, 02:42 PM	#9
ctfphoto Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 901	Everyone flips, so don't worry about that, it's no big deal. As to seasickness, if it is a problem (that I have severely) the "patch" works 100% of the time for me. If you have a problem, FORGET the oral drugs and go directly to the "patch" You should be able to catch bottom fish, I have not been skunked yet.

03-20-2012, 05:07 PM	#10
Enceladus Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 70	BB and I got out there right around 0700 @ high tide. It was cold, but man was it beautiful. The surf wasn't very big and BB gave me expert advice on how to get through the waves. Success! First try out was a breeze but, I was a little concerned when I had to punch through the last good sized wave. First lesson learned -- keep your mouth shut when going through a wave. The highlight was the incredible amount of wild life. We were literally surrounded by water fowl and jumping dolphins just feet of the yaks. Spectacular. We peddled out a good way with the plan to make bait. And peddled.And searched. And peddled. We couldn't find any bait. We tried everything. I even tried chumming the Sausage Egg McMuffin that I had for breakfast. It seemed that I took that one little sandwich and converted it into about a gallon of chum. Fish and squid don't like McDonald's food, I guess. Now I don't either. After around 3 hours, we headed in. It should be noted that getting in is a hell of a lot tougher than getting out! My first try at getting in I got completely turned around and had to go back out and try again. The second time, I got sideways and was sure that I was going to roll, but fortunately it was a tiny wave and I drifted in sideways. All in all, it was a great experience. Next time: 1) I wear that patch! 2) We make bait. 3) We catch fish. 4) I don't rely on luck to get back to shore.

03-20-2012, 06:49 PM	#13
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	Well, you didn't make bait or catch any fish, but you sure did make some good memories judging by the video... Thats exactly what it's all about! Better than a good day at work thats for sure.

03-20-2012, 07:32 PM	#15
The Kid Loves Surface Irons Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 455	The video looks like a scuba chicken take over! Nothing giving the ocean's wildlife a free meal!

03-20-2012, 08:50 PM	#17
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	More kewl chit happens while you are on the water than you can shake a stick at. Nice bike vids too BB.

03-22-2012, 09:23 PM	#18
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	You should check out the floating sunglass straps @ R.E.I. Have them on all my Rx glasses. Just one pair of polarized Rx sunglasses $500. Not taking any chances. ANYONE EVER THOUGH OF WEARING SCUBA GOGGLES OVER YOUR GLASSES? BOUGHT A PAIR BUT NEVER MADE IT TO THE OCEAN. FFY