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Posted by Brendan on 18:03:07 02/02/04
Hi All!
It can be hard to stay in doors and off the water this time of year, especially down here off the Central Coast when conditions aren't the best for our style of fishing. The fishing addiction can be quite strong, and it sometimes can cause us to do adventurous thing like get up at 5 am, drive an hour south to launch, lower a 50 pound kayak + gear down a steep slope, and launch at dawns first light into frigid waters and 7-9 foot swell.
I've got a new kayakfishing buddy that lives right down the street from me. We have been waiting the past few weeks for the best winter "window" to get out on the water for some fishing. A storm had just passed by on Saturday, and a new one was supposed to be coming our way by Monday night. This left us with the window we had been looking for: the lull between storms.
With suns rays pouring down over the Ventanas, and a beautiful day ahead of us fishing the rich grounds off Garrapata, we launched out onto the sea. We paddled out towards the two rocks about 3/4 miles offshore, and once we got around Sobranes point, we discovered what happens when a NW swell mixes with a southern wind: the water gets real churned up.
I have done real good off these fishing grounds in the past, so we decided to brave it out for a few hours before heading back around the point into the protected cove. During this time, we caught a smattering of rockfish, several nice lings, two cabezon, and 2 reds. A decent catch, but definitely not what we've been used to in these waters. The swell tends to either lay the fish down into the cracks, caves and crevices, or push them out into deeper water.
After getting pummeled by the wind and soupy water conditions, we paddled back into the cove to fish the shallower waters (30-40 feet). The conditions were much better in here. Problem was the swell had driven most of the fish out. We still managed to each catch about 10 rockfish and a few smaller lings (all caught and released).
Off the water by 3, up the cliffs, and back home to Santa Cruz by 7.
The fat ling I caught weighed in at around 15 lbs.
Zen Fishing the Central Coast
Brendan Crahan
Central Coast Kayakfishing Adventures
Licensed Guide
831 423 8003
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