Originally Posted by el pescator

1: Where is a good place to launch in SDbay?
Shelter Island or Lawrence Beach
2: As an avid fisherman I naturally want to fish for WSB and YT in LJ but should I stick to the bay while I get a hang of things on a kayak?
Comfortability is key. I have seen a guy on a rental kayak catch a YT his first time everybeing on a kayak. However, expect to get a few trips under your belt before you have the opporuntiy to pull on one of these
3: Is there a safety course someone could recommend before I head out to the Kelp Beds?
Not really a "safety" course but pair up with any of the new guys, or feel free to padde out and just pick the brains of people you meet on the water. Most are friendly and will steer you in the right direction.
4: When is the best time to fish a kayak? Is wind a major factor?
There is a link to the forecast at the top of the page. Generally, you want to paddle out in small swell, lite wind and leave with the outgoing tide and return with the incoming. Fighting wind and tides can tripple the effort and time it takes to paddle home
5: Should I stick to artificials as I learn the ropes or go straight to making bait?
Artficials are more difficult than live bait, but when used properly but are equaly lethal
6: Are you guys gonna gang up on me and sink me into the submarine canyons of LJ? (please don't answer honestly as I like to sleep at night)
Do you really want the answer?
7: Is there a VHF channel you guys frequent as Kayak fisherman for info, chat, etc?
Not really, less people carry radios than you would expect, but 68-70 I believe are the rec vessel channels


Ed Aka. el pescator