Stormy Weather Diversions

Rockfish season opener for the Southern California region starts March 1st, but with stormy weather being forecast over the weekend (8-12ft swells and 40MPH gusts), I've decided to do some much needed prep work on my new Jackson Kayak Cuda 14.

I was able to take out my new boat, with just the OEM parts a few times. Stock parts include 2 Ram Tough Tubes with Combination Bulkhead/Flat Surface Base and Plunger, right behind and to the side of the seat. This mounting base features a locking mechanism that also has a release plunger to move freely and/or remove the rod holder. Much more robust than the older Ram Ball Mounting system.

The center hatch cover features 2 gear tracks for mounting any Ram or Scotty accessory, as well as some compartment space for smaller items like my lures and weights. I, however, noticed there was a lot of flex in the hatch when placing heavier gear in the pole holder on the gear track. It isn't a problem with lighter gear, but since I drift fish with weight anywhere from 2-32oz., I needed a sturdier system for my style of fishing. Enter YakAttack's GearTrac system.

After researching a bit online, I stumbled on Matt Trucks posting of his installation of the GT90 track mounting system. I wanted to ensure a sturdy mount, so I also went ahead with using the Full Back plating, instead of the included nuts and bolts. I'd be lying if I said installation was a breeze, as ensuring everything lines up in that tight space, provided some difficulties. But, the end results are well worth the planning and effort. I also installed YakAttack's Mighty Mount system, to provide that additional mounting strength. I'd previously found that the Tough Ram Ball mount and Ram Rod holder would loosen, even after I tightened it down.

Next order of business was the installation of my fish finder. I like the transducer to be actually in the water (I've done both through hull and scupper mounted on my other kayak), so I fabricated a bracket mount to go through the scupper. Easy enough with another of Matt's helpful posting, and I was done in less than 30 minutes.

Here's how it looks with everything installed, and ready to go. Can't wait to give it a go with the new upgrades!

SD Bay Last Week(end) Quick Report

I've been meaning to put up a report of my recent fishing from last week and this past weekend, but work has been keeping me quite busy. So, better late than never.

I'd recently bought a new boat, the Jackson Cuda 14 last Monday, and was quite excited to try it out that day.

Didn't really have much time to rig it up fancy, so I went out with just a couple rods and hit up the South bay. First impressions? I absolutely love this boat! Very stable and quite fast, like my Trident 15. Lots of deck space, and quite the comfy seat! The weather was a bit snotty, and the Cuda did really well in windy weather. Having the rudder especially helped with tracking straight in the wind and chop. 

Hit SD bay over the weekend as well for some nice players.

I was able to pick up my first ever bonefish from the south bay! Those suckers are fun little drag burners. Also picked up 20+ spotties in the same session. Good times out there in the new boat. Hoping to take her out in La Jolla soon. Thank for looking!

Hanapa'a!

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.

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...).

Awesome sunrise with the San Diego skyline in the backdrop

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.

mbay 1/14: slow night

During the winter months, historically, this is the time when the salt water bass fishing goes off. Check out my 2012 posts and before, during the months of December through February and you'll see what I mean. So, it's been a long time since I've hit the little bay and decided to check it out.

Slid the kayaks into the water around 7:30 pm, to warm ambient temperatures and fairly warm waters. Little to no wind at first.

We did a basic loop of this cove, which I've done many times for great success, but last night we just couldn't find them. Couple bites here and there, but unfortunately we only pulled 3 spotties, total!

Off the water by 10, for an extremely slow winter night. Where have all the spotties gone???

2013 in Review...

2013 has been quite a year for me. I've fished all my life from shore, and have always wanted to venture out into the vast ocean. Owning a boat was always too expensive of an option, and so I got my first kayak, Pelican Castaway 116. From there I learned a lot about kayak fishing. Different rigs, different positions, different tactics and techniques for fishing. But how exciting it was to try different places!

As I grew from my learning, I knew I had to upgrade to a better yak. The Ocean Kayak Trident 15 was the answer! Now, I've only been kayak fishing for much less than a year, but, I've been fortunate enough to be able to go out on my yak fairly often. Almost every weekend since May. I've learned much more about kayaks, and the way each one handles conditions differently. Paddling vs. peddling, longer vs. stouter, flat bottoms vs. v-hulls. It's been an interesting journey along the way, and I'm quite happy that I dove head first into the world of kayak fishing!

I"ve been able to hit the famous La Jolla fisheries, explore new parts of San Diego's bays, and couldn't be happier with this newfound sport/hobby! As I look back to 2013 in review, I'm glad I could share my experience with others. I've been able to bring out some other friends with me (as I currently still have my other yak), and now he's looking into getting a kayak! So, for everyone else who's tight on budgets and can't afford a boat, look to a kayak. The ever increasing opportunities that it has granted me for my love of fishing has never been greater.

As I now look towards a new year, its exciting just to think about. Winter's here, but spring's coming up, and soon enough it'll be summer. I fish for the love of solitude, to be out in nature away from all that is 'busy' life, and for those adrenaline rushes of a tug on your line. Whatever you're reasons for fishing, get out and wet a line! Here's to 2013, the beginning of my journey into kayak fishing, and to 2014, the future of evermore adventures!

12/14 - big bay, winter hali

go figure, i catch my first legal hali from the yak in winter.

i've been pounding away since i first started yak fishing (july 2013). new baits, new techniques, and new locations. i've had my fair share of epic bass days, but my 1st legal halibut never came during those hot months. i've been broken off more times than i care to count, and had my bait raked even more. i've caught many (and i mean MANY) a shorts, but, they were not all in vain. from each outing, i learned, and learned some more. i've found many productive spots, and know exactly what i'd be catching there too.

well, almost to the day, one year later (from my PB hali), i catch my first legal hali from the yak! 25"!

well short of my PB, but nonetheless, i'm stoked! these three all caught on a dropshotted super fluke.

La Jolla First Time - Rockfish!

Well, seems like I haven't posted since September. I haven't really had much time to fish, studying for the PE exam and all. But I have gotten out a couple times in between now, and September. Nothing really to brag about. Until earlier this week.

Weather's been really cooperative lately, and just needed to take advantage of the nice Fall weather. Decided it was time to take the yak out to La Jolla. I've read up so much on launching and landing from the surf. I've studied any any all material I could get my hands on for fishing the ocean, away from the safety of the bay. In preparation, I got myself some waders, PFD, and a VHF radio. Safety first, kids. The day before going out, I picked up some new tackle for the big blue. Our plan was to do a little rockfish fishing, and possibly dropping down some live fin bait for the bigger creatures. Also decided to purchase some irons for a little yo-yo action. Called up a friend and convinced him to accompany myself on my first ocean expedition. This was, in fact, also his first time out.

Morning of, we arrived at La Jolla shores around 6:15 a.m. to ideal first time conditions. Swell was less than 2 ft, with little to no wind. We loaded up everything, with some of the more expensive setups in my kayak hatch, and hit the launch. Launching was cake that day, my friend got some splash over, but everything went relatively smooth. We didn't have much direction, but I had an idea of where to go. Look for lobster traps, and send down the rigs!

About a 15 minute paddle, brought us out of the reserve, and near the canyon edge with lobster traps in sight. Probably in about 100'-150' of water. The night before I bought some squid, so we tied on some double dropper loops, and sent down some squid strips. First drop down, and what do you know, first rockfish for me!

We picked our way through some of the smaller guys, and kept the nicer models. Dropping down that far was definitely a pain using my bass gear, and especially harder for my friend, as he had a 2500 size spinner. Though, we made it work.

Here's a bendo shot of him!

I metered some good spots here and there, and we had pretty much constant action with the squid. I also bought some shrimp, and some larger grubs as well. Grubs definitely gave up bigger models of rockfish, and the shrimp helped us hook up to some nice sheephead! We filled up my one and only game clip with limits of rockfish with 5 nice sized sheephead, and called it a day.

Back at the launch, surf wasn't all too crazy, but has always made me weary reading about it and whatnot. My friend went first and almost tipped over, but was helped by another yakker. Myself, I waited it out until the sets were slower in between. Hauled ass to shore, and almost nearly pearled. But, made it in safely. Successful launching, fishing, and landing! 

Our haul!

For our first time out, with no experience whatsoever, I think we did pretty good! Went back to my buddies place and cleaned up the fish and cooked some up. Delicious! Can't wait to get out there again!