Leopards at La Jolla launch? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

lowprofile · 05-24-2012, 08:43 AM

the wife and I want to go snorkeling this weekend. decided the best place would probably be la jolla if we want to see anything. was going to enter at the launch and then swim out a couple hundred yards to the beginning of the kelp and see what we could find. I'm wondering if anyone has noticed any leopard sharks while launching and landing? I've been getting them from the surf from torrey to oceanside but i haven't seen any at la jolla or heard of them making a big showing. i want to get some footage of them with the GoPro.

Baja_Traveler · 05-24-2012, 09:08 AM

I don't think the water is warm enough for the really big turnout like the summer months, but a few are usually there. The best place to see them is in front of the Marine Room restaurant, not the launch. For some reason they like the corner over there better.
There isn't any Macrocystis (giant kelp) within a mile of the launch, so don't plan on seeing any unless its broken off and floating, but if you continue to the left of the Marine Room you will get into some nice eelgrass beds. Thats where the smoothhound sharks and perch all hang out in good numbers. Theres Eisenia in there also (palm kelp). Heading due west several hundred yards will get you nothing but sand and sand dollar beds until you hit the canyon edge in 20-25 feet of water. There's a nice big broomtail grouper that hangs out there, that if you are lucky will come and visit, but it's a long swim.
I'm sounding like a tour guide... I used to scuba dive there and out to the canyon at least once a week for years.

lowprofile · 05-24-2012, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

I don't think the water is warm enough for the really big turnout like the summer months, but a few are usually there. The best place to see them is in front of the Marine Room restaurant, not the launch. For some reason they like the corner over there better.
There isn't any Macrocystis (giant kelp) within a mile of the launch, so don't plan on seeing any unless its broken off and floating, but if you continue to the left of the Marine Room you will get into some nice eelgrass beds. Thats where the smoothhound sharks and perch all hang out in good numbers. Theres Eisenia in there also (palm kelp). Heading due west several hundred yards will get you nothing but sand and sand dollar beds until you hit the canyon edge in 20-25 feet of water. There's a nice big broomtail grouper that hangs out there, that if you are lucky will come and visit, but it's a long swim.
I'm sounding like a tour guide... I used to scuba dive there and out to the canyon at least once a week for years.

huh... i always pass through kelp in about 30ft of water on my way in.. must be further from the launch than i thought. might take the yaks.

Good info though! and thanks. I know one of the main breeding schools is headed north and is between oside and san onofre right now. but the waves and the hike down the cliffs just isn't appealing to me. i haven't been snorkeling in a good 5 years.. so any other info would be appreciated. and dont worry.. i can swim.

would i need a dive flag if we took the yaks?

ashmoz · 05-24-2012, 11:56 AM

I have some sick ass footage of them attacking my gopro from last year. They were in 5 ft water but yeah i dont think its time yet. Late july maybe?

mtnbykr2 · 05-24-2012, 12:35 PM

Yeah they are a beautiful fish, i saw a 5-6 footer out at the island last weekend in about 10 feet of water, I was too busy fishing to think about sticking the GoPro under though I wish I had of now good luck and post it when you get it

Baja_Traveler · 05-24-2012, 12:52 PM

Yep - Macrocyctis is clear over the other side of the canyon towards the cove. Easier to drop in over by the Clam to get to it, or kayak over and clip off the kayaks while you snorkel.
You dont need a dive flag - no power boats allowed where you are going (other than those that may be going to and from the launch)...

05-24-2012, 08:43 AM	#1
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	Leopards at La Jolla launch? the wife and I want to go snorkeling this weekend. decided the best place would probably be la jolla if we want to see anything. was going to enter at the launch and then swim out a couple hundred yards to the beginning of the kelp and see what we could find. I'm wondering if anyone has noticed any leopard sharks while launching and landing? I've been getting them from the surf from torrey to oceanside but i haven't seen any at la jolla or heard of them making a big showing. i want to get some footage of them with the GoPro. __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area

05-24-2012, 12:35 PM	#5
mtnbykr2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: newbury park ca Posts: 2,323	Yeah they are a beautiful fish, i saw a 5-6 footer out at the island last weekend in about 10 feet of water, I was too busy fishing to think about sticking the GoPro under though I wish I had of now good luck and post it when you get it __________________

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05-24-2012, 09:08 AM	#2
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	I don't think the water is warm enough for the really big turnout like the summer months, but a few are usually there. The best place to see them is in front of the Marine Room restaurant, not the launch. For some reason they like the corner over there better. There isn't any Macrocystis (giant kelp) within a mile of the launch, so don't plan on seeing any unless its broken off and floating, but if you continue to the left of the Marine Room you will get into some nice eelgrass beds. Thats where the smoothhound sharks and perch all hang out in good numbers. Theres Eisenia in there also (palm kelp). Heading due west several hundred yards will get you nothing but sand and sand dollar beds until you hit the canyon edge in 20-25 feet of water. There's a nice big broomtail grouper that hangs out there, that if you are lucky will come and visit, but it's a long swim. I'm sounding like a tour guide... I used to scuba dive there and out to the canyon at least once a week for years.

05-24-2012, 11:56 AM	#4
ashmoz 192.168.0.1 Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 397	I have some sick ass footage of them attacking my gopro from last year. They were in 5 ft water but yeah i dont think its time yet. Late july maybe?

05-24-2012, 12:52 PM	#6
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	Yep - Macrocyctis is clear over the other side of the canyon towards the cove. Easier to drop in over by the Clam to get to it, or kayak over and clip off the kayaks while you snorkel. You dont need a dive flag - no power boats allowed where you are going (other than those that may be going to and from the launch)...