Carlsbadians

[GkT]

Yep. Plans are to get out on the open water as soon as im comfy on the yak. And better with this abu baitcaster i just bought. Any good fishing at the kelp offshore? Ive always heard there are tons of sandies and calicos out there. Whenever im surfing im always imagining paddling out there with a rod.

Planning on test driving a Tarpon down at OEX tomorrow. Excited, cant wait to get the ball rolling on this boat!

[Cbad Mike]

There are plenty of posts regarding fishing in the lagoon. Just do a search for them.
Fishing the kelp off the smoke stack is OK for bass with a few halibut on the way there.
The hard part of getting to the kelp is the launch and landing.
Good to have some more guys from Carlsbad!

[tsugg]

I just go ahead and buy the passsive use permit for both kayaks every year, they're $35. for each yak(or if you don't stick it on its ok to just carry it,then you can switch between different yaks). I find the ski lagoon is just as good as the YMCA lagoon for spotties and butts. The only difference is in the back lagoon your have a lot of distractions, such as the womens yoga -on-paddle board class I can't concentrate on the bottom of the lagoon when that takes place. During this time of year (cooler water)there isn't much traffic out there and theres lots of ell grass to work over. The YMCA gets a little more fishing pressure just because its free and calm(except for I-5 buzzing by).Old guy in a olive PA.good luck.

[surfisher]

Yea, the local kelp has some pretty good fishing. I typically fish it about 2-3 times a week depending on how good the surf is. I'd recommend just taking an hour and practicing your launches and landings in like 3-4ft surf. Once you have it down you will be good to go/fish on most days of the week. If you ever want someone to cruise with you just let me know! I fish from the campgrounds up to about state beach (north tamarack) all the time. If your looking for halibut, fish out a bit in front of the jetties and there are some good ones! Other than that it's all your usual kelp suspects and the Carlsbad canyon can have some good fish periodically. Like Cbad Mike said, just search the forums and you will find lots of info on it!

I'm on a yellow outback so if you see me, feel free to say hello!

[TheCuban1040]

I just got a boat and have been learning my way around these waters too. Ive had some luck fishing just out in front of the surf breaks in south cbad and north encinitas. Ive been in the lagoon a couple times and struggled... Cant wait to get out to the kelp beds this summer!

I read about the artificial reef in front of the Ponto jetties. Any tips on how far offshore those start/stop? Apparently it covers 6 acres of water, but it'd be awesome to get an idea of the boundaries.

Im paddling a camo Native Manta Ray 12, hollar if you see me!

[CG_88]

I just moved to carlsbad and I would love to join you guys. I took my yak out to mission bay a few times before I moved. I would like to get out the the open water at some point.