Kayak Fishing Forums

[Swordfish]

This is for anyone that has surfed launched at night for bugs. I know Jason has done this near Escondido to hoop near Paradise Cove.
What are the dangers of doing this? Doesn't seem wise to do this by yourself? Or am I being paranoid?
Feedback anyone?

[potto]

I never tried it. I will once the swell is up to 6-8 feet.
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Jonah 1:17 "Now the LORD had prepared a great fish"


Peter Joseph Otto

[jas]

Potential dangers are of course the surf. The first time I solo'd I tried to light the swells and waves up with a 2 million candle light beam. All the bright light ends up doing is burning the retinas. I found the best method was pitch black. A full moon seems to be the best way to light the launch/landing area.

Surf launching with an extra 40-50lbs can be challenging. Especially with these hoopnets which can snag on just about anything. Securing a tackle bag is one thing.....securing 5 X 32" nets is another. I can see how easy it would be to get tangled up in these things. I secure them to the top of my tankwell or on top of my front hatch with bungees. I also use my game clip to secure the nets.

There are of course no lifeguards or harbor patrol to contact should something go wrong. I usually don't even run into a single boater, yaker, etc; I embrace this solitude but the splash off in the distance is a little more frieky with no one around.

Most if not all beaches close by 10pm. Public Beach access gates are usually locked at a certain time as well. Be sure to land well before 10pm to account for breaking down the kayak and gear.

Another concern might be the parking. Check the signs to make sure there isn't a parking curfew similar to the beach curfew.

Generally speaking, the lobsters are fairly spread out. It can be a little more tricky trying to find a productive area. SONAR is extremely valuable for locating rockpiles, other structure and eel grass.

jas