Seal Beach Platform Esther advice/tips needed - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mongo Johnson · 07-26-2012, 06:28 AM

It sits out there and intrigues me . . .

I'm considering trying a paddle to the Seal Beach oil platform. I did a search and found one old post and some old press clips.

Dumb idea? The paddle looks a little open oceanish when compared to the kelp bedding I'm used to. The "Beg Water's Edge" seems a little wider out there . . .

So, any advice for this noob' is welcome.

Am not sure on distance. I've read 1.5 and 3 mi.

On a breezy day it looks like it might be a real trek . . . Any current or conditions to consider beyond the normal south swell?

Do you approach and head back to Seal Beach angled north to compensate for current or is it negligible?

Looks like boaters might be worth watchin' out for. (As always.)

Any fishy out there?

'Sure hate to ask noob questions, but will appreciate any insight.

landwhale · 07-26-2012, 07:29 AM

First you have to stay away from the platform at least 300 ft so you cannot fish the pilings or structure near Esther. The current can run either uphill or downhill. Boaters ALWAYS look out for them. As for fish sandbass and halibut can be found from the beach out to the drop off to 45 ft.

Matar · 07-26-2012, 08:30 AM

I fished the platforms years ago and i always got sucked in and broke off, I had better luck drifting the bottom by the platforms on the shaddy side. Depenting on current the oil islands can produce and are a lot closer.

FishRaiden · 07-26-2012, 08:46 AM

Ive nvr fished the platform, but my group always fished the LB Wall thats next to it. Nvr a day youll get skunked.

07-26-2012, 06:28 AM	#1
Mongo Johnson Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Long Beach Posts: 192	Seal Beach Platform Esther advice/tips needed It sits out there and intrigues me . . . I'm considering trying a paddle to the Seal Beach oil platform. I did a search and found one old post and some old press clips. Dumb idea? The paddle looks a little open oceanish when compared to the kelp bedding I'm used to. The "Beg Water's Edge" seems a little wider out there . . . So, any advice for this noob' is welcome. Am not sure on distance. I've read 1.5 and 3 mi. On a breezy day it looks like it might be a real trek . . . Any current or conditions to consider beyond the normal south swell? Do you approach and head back to Seal Beach angled north to compensate for current or is it negligible? Looks like boaters might be worth watchin' out for. (As always.) Any fishy out there? 'Sure hate to ask noob questions, but will appreciate any insight. __________________ A day on the water . . . priceless. Last edited by Mongo Johnson; 07-26-2012 at 07:04 AM.

07-26-2012, 07:29 AM	#2
landwhale Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach Posts: 506	First you have to stay away from the platform at least 300 ft so you cannot fish the pilings or structure near Esther. The current can run either uphill or downhill. Boaters ALWAYS look out for them. As for fish sandbass and halibut can be found from the beach out to the drop off to 45 ft. __________________

07-26-2012, 08:46 AM	#4
FishRaiden CEO-TacticalFishingCrew. Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 275	Ive nvr fished the platform, but my group always fished the LB Wall thats next to it. Nvr a day youll get skunked. __________________ Follow us on Instagram: @tacticalfishingcrew #TacticalFishingCrew #DropLuresNotBait

07-26-2012, 08:30 AM	#3
Matar I am just me. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Lake Forest Posts: 135	I fished the platforms years ago and i always got sucked in and broke off, I had better luck drifting the bottom by the platforms on the shaddy side. Depenting on current the oil islands can produce and are a lot closer.