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!