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Kayak fishing Alamitos Bay and Newport Bay in California | Category: Introduce yourself

oldflyer 5 years ago
#6493

Just registered on the site, and invited to introduce myself.
For years I fished primarily for small mouth bass and brook trout in Virginia. As time passed I started fishing for the Smallies in a canoe, then a kayak. Once I got into the kayak, I broadened my horizons from strictly fly rodding to using whatever worked; i.e. spinning gear.

Moved to Southern California six years ago, and guess I thought I was too old to start over. Then a few weeks ago my daughter surprised me with a kayak for Father's Day/83rd birthday; and I am once again hooked on fishing.

Fish Alamitos Bay and Newport Bay in California for bass and California halibut. Learning the environment, and interested in any local knowledge or techniques.


BTW, I do not live in Naples. That is the island in Alamitos Bay and I entered the site looking for predictions for that area. I drive about an hour to get to the bay..

itsaboat 5 years ago
#6496

Hi Oldflyer,

Welcome to Fishing Reminder...and happy birthday

Don't worry, we cannot see your location. Only you can see what location you have chosen. All anyone else can see is the country you are in.

itsaboat mate...Life is just a boat and then ya marry one !
oldflyer 5 years ago
#6497

Ha, ha. I wasn't worried that people would know where I am. The thing is that a good part of Naples Island--in Alamitos Bay--is an enclave of the rich. I do quite a bit of fishing off the ends of docks that are home to boats that cost nearly as much as my house. Parts of the island are also commercial; so it is a bit eclectic. Over in Newport, the homes are grander and the yachts are even bigger. One could feel insignificant in one's 10 ft ,yak, if one were inclined that way. On the other hand, there are a good many folk out paddling almost anything that floats. I just wanted to clarify lest someone think I was part of the California rich and famous.

Glad to have found the site. Sorry to see the discouraging news that the next few days forecast poor fishing. I will give it a try in any case.

itsaboat 5 years ago
#6499

Them rich people don't have any where near as much fun as us poor people...and they are ugly and they smell

itsaboat mate...Life is just a boat and then ya marry one !
Mark Totzke 5 years ago
#6507

Hi Oldflyer,

what kind of kayak do you have?
I used to do a lot of kayak fishing.

These days I fish from a paddle board. But wind is a big problem.
So if it's too windy or choppy, I take a kayak paddle and use the paddle board like a kayak.

a snapper a day keeps the doctor away
oldflyer 5 years ago
#6508

Mark, I have a Pelican Trailblazer sit-in kayak. You might ask why I have that to fish in. Well, as I said, my daughter gave it to me as a surprise gift. If she had asked...

Now that I am once more hooked on fishing I have thought of buying a fishing friendly boat. But, feelings. I also take into account that this is a very light boat, and the ones I would be interested in are not.

Fishing from a paddle board has to be challenging. I assume that you are a minimalist when it comes to gear. I applaud that approach.

When I left Virginia, the serious river kayak fishermen all had sit-in boats, and usually carried one rod, maybe two at the most. Some fished tubes exclusively. And they caught fish, and big small-mouth bass at that. The salt guys in Florida had somewhat more complex rigs, and sit-on boats. Now, I am mind boggled when I look at some of the outfits that guys go fishing in. I have counted as many as seven rods, plus fish finders, elaborate anchoring mechanisms; and of course the ubiquitous go-pro. I doubt that those guys I knew are actually catching more or bigger fish.

I am working to get my boat organized; but, I will keep it simple.

Mark Totzke 5 years ago
#6521

yeah it's amazing what people carry around in their kayaks, isn't it?
Nothing wrong with a sit in kayak. I guess it's just a bit more difficult to deal with the fish once caught.

I used to have a hobie kayak a few years ago. Have you had a look at those?
They are great, you pedal with your feet and have your hands free for fishing.

You're quite right, these days I like the minimalistic approach.
I love to be able to carry everything I need from the car to the water in one go.
The paddle board weights less then 20 pounds.

I only fish with one rod now. Used to have two rod holders and rods when I was still kayak fishing but I don't really miss the second rod. The only thing I really miss form my kayaking days is the fish finder. Paddling around without one is like paddling blind. I'm currently considering getting one of those portable wifi fish finders. They are super small and don't need to be installed.

a snapper a day keeps the doctor away
oldflyer 5 years ago
#6524

Mark, I am familiar with the Hobie, and agree that the pedal concept is great for fishing. There are now several competitors on the market with that concept--Brooklyn Kayak has a nice looking boat for about $1k less than Hobie; and the Riot Mako is even less than that. Pelican has announced that they will have one available next year.

My problem is that my boat was a surprise gift from my daughter. Since I got back into fishing, I have considered buying a pedal boat, but fear it would hurt her feelings. So, I am slowly organizing the boat I have to be the best boat that it can be. Nothing can replace the ability to hold position in current with pedals and rudder however. I carry a shorty paddle that I can manipulate one handed, and that helps maneuver while fishing. It can also be used like a canoe paddle to reposition short distances. If I am still enthusiastic and functional by Christmas, I may ask Santa Claus for a new boat.

BTW, I usually carry two rods. There are grassy areas where I fish, so it is advantageous to have one rigged weedless, and the other for open water. Or sometimes one dark and the other light while testing what they like that particular day.