Where and How to start Kayaking?

[rather-B-fishin]

Hey fellas, I sold my boat and bought a kayak (older Malibu II) that was rigged for fishing. I bought it off of Marinedude, cool guy, but now what do i do. Never kayaked, and never really seen anybody launch. So my question is where is a good place to launch/fish for a newbee yaker like myself? Planning to take advantage of this monday, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I will be in the area of Dana point this monday. But i live in the long beach area, so could you recommend a place in my area as well. Also, are there any regulations or requirements when using a kayak? Again, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[tinfish]

Congrats on the new yak! PFD for sure and a whistle. I dont know what its like at Dana Pt on a 3-day weekend but if its like Mission Bay, its going to be busy. Staying out of the way of jet and water skiers as well as not getting waked by 3-day weekend warriors will be the menu. Not a good atmosphere for a new yakker to acclimate to your new yak (I did my first trip over Labor Day). If it was me I would go next weekend but IF you go Enjoy and keep your head on a swivel

PS Stay away from Karl

[JJamous1]

hey try launching off of la jolla shores. make some bait and slow troll around the kelp until something happens.
jj

[Limits]

Cool... you bought Ray's old yak???

Ray's good people. He's my regular yakkin'/hoopin' buddy.

If you're in Downey, take it to Long Beach to get the hang of launching it and to see how it handles. When Ray was using it, he would take 4 eclipse nets out and never had an issue with tipping so I know its a stable SOB.

Bring one rod, some plastics and go at it.

Everyone's on a different learning curve when it comes to gettin comfortable with a yak. When you feel comfortable with the calm conditions of the harbor, then think about the surf launch.

For now, the LBC and Newport harbors should keep you plenty occupied. Shoot me a PM when you go out and I'll see if I can join you. I'm in Cypress and down the 605 from Downey.

[marinedude]

Hey bro I know you will have many good times on that yak, it served me very well. Hopefully I will be getting another one soon, (I'll let you know tommy). Have fun and when you launch or land.....once you decide dont hesitate...paddle like hell, leash your stuff down, and dont flip over!!!

[DrunkSanta]

- You will need a life vest which you dont have to wear but you need to have one on your kayak, if you are planning to be out in the night you will have to have some type of light, they will ticket and its a few hundred bucks. Get an air horn, they are about $8 at big 5. You will need to have a net on board if you are fishing on a yak but I have never been checked. Also some type of measuring device.

- Go to Baby Beach for a launch its at the north end of Dana Point Harbour, you will see a lot of kayaks there, free parking and no waves.

- Take just the yak out and get a good feel for it, there are a lot of rental kayaks there so dont worry about tipping or looking stupid.

- Troll the inner channel from baby beach to the bait reciever with a rapalla and you will probably get some cuda or halibut.

- Fish the reciever with plastics or live, there are halibut cuda and small wsb.

pm me if you have any other questions.

[rather-B-fishin]

Hey thanks all, lots of useful info, and as for karl its cool man- no worries. I'll definately give it a whirl and let you know how it went. Waz up Marinedude I guess your yak has some history, and it sounds all good! Hey limits, you'll be hearing from me pretty soon.
Thanks everyone.
P.S. Karl :imga y:
Just kidding!

[umoa]

you are in downey, so i suggest you get over to OEX sunset in sunset beach. they'll help you out good, and their beach launch is perfect for beginners.

+ iceman is a cool guy

[nunyabizness1]

I am new to yakking as well and have had a lot of help from people on the BD site as well as from OEX where I bought my yak. From my learning experiences (yes that was plural!) Here are some of the more important things I've learned:

Don't count on tie down straps even if they are new... use plenty of straps to tie the yak down for safety!

When launching or landing in surf keep the yak pointed straight cause it can quickly turn and flip you.

Untie any leashes for your paddle as you can be tangled up in it and hurt until you get past the surf.

Wear your PFD! Enough said!!!!

When landing your yak in the surf, RIDE the backside of the wave coming in, BACK PADDLE, keep the yak straight! You can quickly shoot to the front of the wave as it breaks and the tip of the yak will go straight down and the back will flip you up and out! Trust me, I know this first hand. Thank goodness my brain still functions taking a blow to the head from that happening!

Walmart has a cool "waterproof" bait box for about $25 that is a good size to store stuff in and be organized. It's red and black and should be easy to find.

I would recommend practicing in a bay first and getting comfortable. Also, practice climbing back in your yak after tipping!!! You don't want to get stuck out there and not be able to get back in!

That's all I can think of for now. Have fun and enjoy but don't get over confident out on the water. Have a respect for the surf and enjoy!

[tackle junkie]

Hp
I'm in Long Beach and pretty new at yakfishing myself. I'm thinking about going out tomorrow, 6/1, paddling around the islands and tossing some plastics. Let me know when you're going out and maybe I can meet up with you.
Jose

[sundog]

dear az monkey, Be nice

[johnnylite]

Everybody had great advice. Best advice is the PFD and starting out in a Bay.
Tip your kayak over as suggested and learn to get back in in deep water. Tie everything down. Have fun and catch a load of fish. Post some pictures too.