On a Serious Note - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

ful-rac · 06-19-2013, 07:08 PM

Jorge is right, "the spot" is inherintly dangerous. Just like jorge said dont get in over your head, its not worth it. If your experince is minimal, you shouldnt not go there. Make sure its up to your experience level. Even experienced anglers will have mishaps and wipe outs from time to time, from minor to serious.

Like i said before not trying to scare anybody away, just giving fair warning to anybody who is a newbee dying to catch that first WSB.

You dont want to be that guy...that got hurt lost all his gear or worse...

cesar74 · 06-19-2013, 07:43 PM

That spot has tought me some good lessons. I've learned to be really,really,really patient to study the surf before I make my entry & exit. I go with very minimal gear & because I have a family that depends on me I always sacrifice my gear if I have the slightest feeling that I'm about to wipe out. Good luck & buddy up!

boxturtle · 06-19-2013, 07:55 PM

Well put! That's the reason why I love this site. There is a wealth of information on this site that all can take advantage of. With that I would like to thank all of you that have taken your time to share your knowledge!

Cadillyak · 06-19-2013, 08:18 PM

Well coming from a newb, I totally understand. I have been in the bay many times and feel comfortable there. I think I am ready to broaden my horizons and launch at LJ. I have made sure yo have all the equipment by needed. I posted looking for those who may want to paddle out this coming Monday, but only one person pm'd me. I know it's not a matter of if but a matter of when. I just would prefer to launch with someone who knows what they are doing. Great post by the way! Just had my first born in October and plan to be there every step of the way.

Stay safe everyone

Cadillyak out...

smithers · 06-19-2013, 08:45 PM

I got my yak last season and have only ever gone out alone.

I see a lot of comments about how it's not safe but I dunno...

There are certain disaster scenarios where a buddy isn't going to make a difference. There is also the possibility that you go with a buddy and instead of helping you out that person ends up getting you into trouble. So I am very aware of the danger, but part of me is more comfortable facing it alone.

Also have a family to care for, so I got a fat life insurance policy after an incident on my second outing. I go out in S.B. usually they have some great whites lurking in those waters. I decided not to worry about them since it would be a glorious death but I still can't fish with my feet in the water. Life insurance doesn't cover lost foot after all!

I had one scary experience launching this season. Flipped at a spot where the break is pretty far out and took a beating from multiple sets while trying to keep a hand on the yak and get back to shore. Was totally exhausted by time I got back to shore and realized how out of shape I have become... packed up my gear and headed home. Decided I need to spend some time on the treadmill before attempting that spot again. Oh, lost my Go Pro too but the rest of it was more upsetting.

Wish I were closer to LJ I'd go out all the time.
Don't have the balls to hit county line and only did leo carillo once (hairy)
Mostly now make the drive up to Refugio which I have to recommend to anyone up that way as super easy launch. When I get back in shape I'm going to hit that spot that kicked my butt this season.

alanw · 06-19-2013, 08:54 PM

I prefer to launch/land where I don't risk losing my beer.

easyday · 06-19-2013, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanw

I prefer to launch/land where I don't risk losing my beer.

:thumbup:

momo fish · 06-19-2013, 10:05 PM

what spot? CL?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Jorge is right, "the spot" is inherintly dangerous. Just like jorge said dont get in over your head, its not worth it. If your experince is minimal, you shouldnt not go there. Make sure its up to your experience level. Even experienced anglers will have mishaps and wipe outs from time to time, from minor to serious.

Like i said before not trying to scare anybody away, just giving fair warning to anybody who is a newbee dying to catch that first WSB.

You dont want to be that guy...that got hurt lost all his gear or worse...

BrokeLoser · 06-19-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momo fish

what spot? CL?

Craigslist?
County line?
Can we stop talking in code...haha

TJones · 06-20-2013, 05:25 AM

for the safety and and well being of others . ya i can chuckle about it becuase i did not get hurt . i really could not afford to get injured because my work would be affected . the smart thing would have been to launch down the street at leo and make the 1 mile paddle . the regulars with a lightly encumbered ocean kayak make it look so easy

. but you know the spot is hot when you are paddling in and there is 10 surfers in your landing zone . excellent post jorge .

Big Wave Dave · 06-20-2013, 05:36 AM

I've got to tell you about my first surf launch. I had a rented scupper pro and tried to go out from Pescado Beach in OB. I filipped over at least four times trying to get out. A girl brought out a lawn chair from her apartment to watch. She was laughing hysterically. Each time I flipped, I was washed into the rocks and had to put my gear back in place. I had a milk crate bungied to the back with rod holders on it. Finally got out and spent the day fishing.
Coming back in, I noticed that the surf had really picked up. I pulled up outside the break and there were a bunch of surfers there looking at me like I was crazy. They were telling me I'd never make it. I watched the sets for awhile and made a break for it. I made it in paddling for all I was worth and a wave pushed me right up onto the beach. This guy there was amazed and asked if I was a professional. I told him he should have seen me heading out. He was so impressed he helped me carry the yak to my car. Never tried to launch there again.

06-19-2013, 07:08 PM	#1
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	Jorge is right, "the spot" is inherintly dangerous. Just like jorge said dont get in over your head, its not worth it. If your experince is minimal, you shouldnt not go there. Make sure its up to your experience level. Even experienced anglers will have mishaps and wipe outs from time to time, from minor to serious. Like i said before not trying to scare anybody away, just giving fair warning to anybody who is a newbee dying to catch that first WSB. You dont want to be that guy...that got hurt lost all his gear or worse... __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

06-19-2013, 07:43 PM	#2
cesar74 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ventura,CA Posts: 81	Well said! That spot has tought me some good lessons. I've learned to be really,really,really patient to study the surf before I make my entry & exit. I go with very minimal gear & because I have a family that depends on me I always sacrifice my gear if I have the slightest feeling that I'm about to wipe out. Good luck & buddy up!

06-19-2013, 08:18 PM	#4
Cadillyak Team Get $$ Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 841	Newb here Well coming from a newb, I totally understand. I have been in the bay many times and feel comfortable there. I think I am ready to broaden my horizons and launch at LJ. I have made sure yo have all the equipment by needed. I posted looking for those who may want to paddle out this coming Monday, but only one person pm'd me. I know it's not a matter of if but a matter of when. I just would prefer to launch with someone who knows what they are doing. Great post by the way! Just had my first born in October and plan to be there every step of the way. Stay safe everyone Cadillyak out...

06-19-2013, 08:54 PM	#6
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	I prefer to launch/land where I don't risk losing my beer. __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe

06-20-2013, 05:25 AM	#10
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	good looking out for the safety and and well being of others . ya i can chuckle about it becuase i did not get hurt . i really could not afford to get injured because my work would be affected . the smart thing would have been to launch down the street at leo and make the 1 mile paddle . the regulars with a lightly encumbered ocean kayak make it look so easy . but you know the spot is hot when you are paddling in and there is 10 surfers in your landing zone . excellent post jorge .

06-19-2013, 07:55 PM	#3
boxturtle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 291	Well put! That's the reason why I love this site. There is a wealth of information on this site that all can take advantage of. With that I would like to thank all of you that have taken your time to share your knowledge!

06-19-2013, 08:45 PM	#5
smithers Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 39	I got my yak last season and have only ever gone out alone. I see a lot of comments about how it's not safe but I dunno... There are certain disaster scenarios where a buddy isn't going to make a difference. There is also the possibility that you go with a buddy and instead of helping you out that person ends up getting you into trouble. So I am very aware of the danger, but part of me is more comfortable facing it alone. Also have a family to care for, so I got a fat life insurance policy after an incident on my second outing. I go out in S.B. usually they have some great whites lurking in those waters. I decided not to worry about them since it would be a glorious death but I still can't fish with my feet in the water. Life insurance doesn't cover lost foot after all! I had one scary experience launching this season. Flipped at a spot where the break is pretty far out and took a beating from multiple sets while trying to keep a hand on the yak and get back to shore. Was totally exhausted by time I got back to shore and realized how out of shape I have become... packed up my gear and headed home. Decided I need to spend some time on the treadmill before attempting that spot again. Oh, lost my Go Pro too but the rest of it was more upsetting. Wish I were closer to LJ I'd go out all the time. Don't have the balls to hit county line and only did leo carillo once (hairy) Mostly now make the drive up to Refugio which I have to recommend to anyone up that way as super easy launch. When I get back in shape I'm going to hit that spot that kicked my butt this season.

06-20-2013, 05:36 AM	#11
Big Wave Dave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 137	I've got to tell you about my first surf launch. I had a rented scupper pro and tried to go out from Pescado Beach in OB. I filipped over at least four times trying to get out. A girl brought out a lawn chair from her apartment to watch. She was laughing hysterically. Each time I flipped, I was washed into the rocks and had to put my gear back in place. I had a milk crate bungied to the back with rod holders on it. Finally got out and spent the day fishing. Coming back in, I noticed that the surf had really picked up. I pulled up outside the break and there were a bunch of surfers there looking at me like I was crazy. They were telling me I'd never make it. I watched the sets for awhile and made a break for it. I made it in paddling for all I was worth and a wave pushed me right up onto the beach. This guy there was amazed and asked if I was a professional. I told him he should have seen me heading out. He was so impressed he helped me carry the yak to my car. Never tried to launch there again.