Sharing the love - San Diego Bay Kayak Fishing - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

kauaiboy04 · 01-22-2014, 09:37 AM

Everyone fishes for different reasons. Whether its to unwind from long days at work, a hopeful dinner feast, or for the thrills and excitement of fighting a fish. Often times we fish alone, the sweet serenity that fishing solitude has to offer. But, nothing beats being able to share that love and excitement with other people. Owning 2 kayaks in my possession has given me this opportunity to share my experiences with others. Recently, many of my friends have expressed interest in going out and fishing with me, and when one of my friends (Jason) was free over the past weekend, I offered to take him out. Just bring yourself, some water and snacks, and I'll take care of the rest.

For many first timers, I like to take them out to the bays first. Here, its much calmer and they can get used to maneuvering and being in a kayak, as well as fishing from one. So, with nice weather forecast for Saturday, I told Jason to meet me up at my place bright and early at 5:45 AM.

Awesome sunrise with the San Diego skyline in the backdrop

We arrived at Shelter Island to beautiful conditions. Flat, with no wind, we were hopeful for a fish-filled day. Tides were predicted to be incoming in the morning until about 930, then an outgoing of 5 ft until 1630. The plan was to loop around the inside of the bay, so that we wouldn't be stuck paddling back in against the current (as I've been stuck doing this, against a headwind and it was not fun...).

Tackle of choice for the day was the usual: assorted colors of 5" big hammers with 3/4 oz. leadheads, dropshotted super fluke, 3-way swivel bait drifter, and of course the sabiki. Unfortunately, it was a sloooow day. Water temp was up, and my usual places just seemed empty. I was able to pound out a few assorted bass, and 3 short hali's, and fortunately I was able to get Jason on some fish, but nothing like I was hoping.

The usual suspects

Still, he said he had fun. Nothing beats getting out on the water, for some fishing! All in all, he's looking forward to our next outing, and hopefully we'll find the fish. Until then, looks like I'll be taking out another friend this weekend! Sharing my enjoyment with others is what I enjoy doing, and hopefully teaching safety and conservation in between. It's fortunate that we fisherman can do this anytime we want, but always a pleasure to share the love with others.

buddha · 01-22-2014, 10:06 AM

Nice post.

There is a lot more to kayak fishing than just catching fish.

I do like the solitude from an early morning launch with the sun coming up, the birds frolicking about and the stillness too.

Hondatom · 01-22-2014, 11:33 AM

Well done. We have an obligation to share the sport with those who will appreciate it. I had no idea how wonderful it was until I acquired a couple small yaks from a friend. Now I am on my 5th yak and look forward to sharing my passion with my friends. Every one who try's it , Loves it.
Now if I could only learn to catch fish.

Raskal311 · 01-22-2014, 11:57 AM

I'm in the same boat; I had a spare cobra for the past year and was able to take a half a doze friends out on their first kayak trip. Many of whom ended up buying their own kayak. I now have two fully rigged Pro Angler 12s (storing one for a buddy with full use privilege) in my garage so I'm able to spoil some of my guess with the best of the best

Right now I have three friends waiting to try kayak fishing with me. It’s a lot of work prepping for and guiding a second person on their first trip but having more fishing buddies is worth it.

janines.fishtales@cox.net · 01-22-2014, 12:16 PM

I have always loved to fish. I remember years ago, looking at those guys out on the water with fully rigged kayaks, thinking I wish I had one... Then about two years ago, a co-worker talked about fishing on her kayak. She told me she had an extra yak and offered to take me out. I don't think I fished for 10 minutes before I knew I would buy one. I was addicted from the get go. So thanks to Nancy!

Janine

JeffB · 01-22-2014, 01:28 PM

Good write up!

ronbo613 · 01-22-2014, 03:47 PM

One of my favorite winter fishing spots. The rest of the country is freezing, but it's beautiful at Shelter Island.

01-22-2014, 09:37 AM	#1
kauaiboy04 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sandy Eggo Posts: 215	Sharing the love - San Diego Bay Kayak Fishing Everyone fishes for different reasons. Whether its to unwind from long days at work, a hopeful dinner feast, or for the thrills and excitement of fighting a fish. Often times we fish alone, the sweet serenity that fishing solitude has to offer. But, nothing beats being able to share that love and excitement with other people. Owning 2 kayaks in my possession has given me this opportunity to share my experiences with others. Recently, many of my friends have expressed interest in going out and fishing with me, and when one of my friends (Jason) was free over the past weekend, I offered to take him out. Just bring yourself, some water and snacks, and I'll take care of the rest. For many first timers, I like to take them out to the bays first. Here, its much calmer and they can get used to maneuvering and being in a kayak, as well as fishing from one. So, with nice weather forecast for Saturday, I told Jason to meet me up at my place bright and early at 5:45 AM. Awesome sunrise with the San Diego skyline in the backdrop We arrived at Shelter Island to beautiful conditions. Flat, with no wind, we were hopeful for a fish-filled day. Tides were predicted to be incoming in the morning until about 930, then an outgoing of 5 ft until 1630. The plan was to loop around the inside of the bay, so that we wouldn't be stuck paddling back in against the current (as I've been stuck doing this, against a headwind and it was not fun...). Tackle of choice for the day was the usual: assorted colors of 5" big hammers with 3/4 oz. leadheads, dropshotted super fluke, 3-way swivel bait drifter, and of course the sabiki. Unfortunately, it was a sloooow day. Water temp was up, and my usual places just seemed empty. I was able to pound out a few assorted bass, and 3 short hali's, and fortunately I was able to get Jason on some fish, but nothing like I was hoping. The usual suspects Still, he said he had fun. Nothing beats getting out on the water, for some fishing! All in all, he's looking forward to our next outing, and hopefully we'll find the fish. Until then, looks like I'll be taking out another friend this weekend! Sharing my enjoyment with others is what I enjoy doing, and hopefully teaching safety and conservation in between. It's fortunate that we fisherman can do this anytime we want, but always a pleasure to share the love with others. __________________ http://socalkayak.blogspot.com

01-22-2014, 11:57 AM	#4
Raskal311 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Ana/Westminster Posts: 1,256	I'm in the same boat; I had a spare cobra for the past year and was able to take a half a doze friends out on their first kayak trip. Many of whom ended up buying their own kayak. I now have two fully rigged Pro Angler 12s (storing one for a buddy with full use privilege) in my garage so I'm able to spoil some of my guess with the best of the best Right now I have three friends waiting to try kayak fishing with me. It’s a lot of work prepping for and guiding a second person on their first trip but having more fishing buddies is worth it. __________________ Kevin Yellow PA12

01-22-2014, 12:16 PM	#5
janines.fishtales@cox.net Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 555	That's how I started I have always loved to fish. I remember years ago, looking at those guys out on the water with fully rigged kayaks, thinking I wish I had one... Then about two years ago, a co-worker talked about fishing on her kayak. She told me she had an extra yak and offered to take me out. I don't think I fished for 10 minutes before I knew I would buy one. I was addicted from the get go. So thanks to Nancy! Janine __________________ Fishtales

01-22-2014, 01:28 PM	#6
JeffB Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: La Jolla Posts: 1,216	Good write up! __________________ If you're looking for me I'm

01-22-2014, 03:47 PM	#7
ronbo613 Waterman At Large Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: On the Water Posts: 199	One of my favorite winter fishing spots. The rest of the country is freezing, but it's beautiful at Shelter Island. __________________ Kayak Fishing Photos and Video

01-22-2014, 10:06 AM	#2
buddha Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: chula vista Posts: 907	Nice post. There is a lot more to kayak fishing than just catching fish. I do like the solitude from an early morning launch with the sun coming up, the birds frolicking about and the stillness too.

01-22-2014, 11:33 AM	#3
Hondatom Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 113	Well done. We have an obligation to share the sport with those who will appreciate it. I had no idea how wonderful it was until I acquired a couple small yaks from a friend. Now I am on my 5th yak and look forward to sharing my passion with my friends. Every one who try's it , Loves it. Now if I could only learn to catch fish.