Ventura County Beach Launch
 

New to Ocean Kayaking and was wondering where in Ventura County are the best beach launches? I've been kayak fishing Nacimento this summer with my brother (sasquatch) and finally popped for my own kayak (WS Ride 115 Advanced). Im in Moorpark. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks

Hey not from your area and don't really make it up that way but welcome to the addiction

I don't know too many spots up your way but I have launched out of Port Hueneme harbor, the beach park just south of the harbor is usually good but can be tricky if there is multi directional swell. Both spots gives you access to the Canyon that is a short paddle distance and possibility of awesome deep water fishing. If you venture further south you I've lauched at the south end of Thornhill broome beach (across from heart attack hill). Yerba Buena (county line) must make the list as well.

There are some good spots just scout the area and when the surf looks good go for it. Some spots build bigger waves dependent on swell direction and be aware some spots are rocky at low tide.
Have fun and be safe

I end up in Ventura a bit, but usually just launch from the beach just outside the harbor across from the breakwall. Probably the easiest beach launch ever since you're somewhat inside the harbor then just a short paddle to open water. I'll also launch up near Faria and Solimar beach, lots of kelp. You just have to time your days there since the surf can be pretty hairy sometimes. Have done decent there catching different sorts, saw some lings pulled out a couple trips ago by a PB. Ventura is a tricky area, not super productive compared to some of the spots further south without some work and time put in. If you can head up the coast a bit more to Santa Barbara you'll find some nice fishing but that's a different thread all together. Shoot me a pm next time you're heading out, can help you find some new spots in the area.

Put in yesterday late afternoon at Channel Islands Harbor (Kiddie Beach inside harbor area..... very easy beach launch), just to get a feel of my new Yak (WS Ride 115). Im 6'2" 285 lbs. and choose the Ride for its width (33") and Max Capacity (500lbs) but the ride seemed very tippy and took some getting used to. I had no additional load as it was my first time out. Very easy to paddle and smooth but I think I need to load it up to stable it out more. It rides about 6" to 8" out of the water, very dry, but tippy if you know what I mean. Any advice from other WS Ride Owners? Sasquatch recommended trying other Yaks to get the best for what you need. Any other Yaks for XXXL Men that you all might suggest testing out?

Take it to a lake, pool, or ocean before it gets too cold and actually try flipping it over. I don't want to go in to the details of primary and secondary stability but some kayaks feel tippy but may actually be pretty hard to roll over.

"..... welcome to the addiction" this is NUTS. I just got off the water late yesterday afternoon and I can't concentrate at work becuase all I can think about is getting back on my kayak, ..... and I wasn't even fishing!!! Can't imagine what its going to be like when I start ocean fishing. Now I understand what you meant by "addiction" LOL

Real easy one
 

Google neptunes net seafood resturant. Located on pch.At ventura / L A county line .across the street was a hot spot in the summer. Not a launch recommended for beginners due to shore break and intervals unless the surf is low. One mile south is Leo Carrillo state park which is more protected and generally an easier launch . Both have free parking on pch . Watch for rocks at Leo at low tide . Good luck , feel free to pm for more info.

From what I understand you have some good fishing up near you. Have fun, be safe and we expect to see some fish porn in the near future from you.

Thanks TJones. My son is a lifeguard and I think that is the spot where he recommended too. He says he sees quit a few kayaks south of his tower, so I believe its where you are talking. I'll give it a try after I figure out my seat.... the Phase3 High seat is too High, so I'm going to try the Phase3 Lower and see if that lowers my CoG to a more stable point.

Other than launching from inside harbors/breakwalls, all I can say is pick your days carefully when it comes to surf launching in the Ventura County area.

There are not a lot of beaches that are protected from swells/waves. So if you can pick a day with extremely low surf (anywhere from 0-2 feet), that would be your best bet to attempt a surf launch.

If you head up to Santa Barbara, you can launch around Santa Barbara Pier or Goleta beach pretty easily. If you are fishing, just make sure to steer clear of Campus Point (at Goleta beach) and other areas that are closed to fishing.

And always ALWAYS stow your gear inside your yak for launching and landing (especially landing) when there are any signs of waves. If you dont have hatches, make sure you tie everything down securely, and strap your rods down flush to your yak.

Even if there are waves, if you are patient, you ought to be able to time your launch and landing just right so that you can prevent getting tossed. But just know, around this area when it comes to a surf launch/landing, it's only a matter of time before you get rolled. So be careful, and dress accordingly. For example, I'd never wear waders, unless it was flat as a lake out there. Its either boardshorts or a wetsuit for me.

And be careful if you end up launching at County Line/Neptunes Net. There's a reason that there's always surfers there. I've had good luck landing closer towards the condos at the south end of the beach.... with some good timing.

You can also try Leo Carillo. Theres stairs down from PCH for somewhat easy access. But there can be a pretty hefty surf break there as well.

I'm sure there's plenty more places around Ventura and Carp that might have easier launches, but I havent spent much time in that area. Usually its either Malibu or SB for me.

i have a state park pass and frequent heavens for funBques and paddles. beautiful paddle north to mentioned locations, safe easy launch when flat/small, and a pretty decent group of guys that get out there...and a big one for me is usually few boats...i prefer the serenity of not here in motors, just the lapping of the occasional wave alongside the yak.
fun no matter what on nice days


some good info above

welcome.. New as well since last year..so a sophmore I guess..

I'm from Camarillo.. Easy launch area is kiddie beach off channel island harbor.. Or any of the boat ramps in Oxnard or Ventura..

in Malibu stay away from county line.. Way to hard if your new..launch either from Leo Carrillo or even dear creek can be mellow at times.. Found a new launch site near Malibu pier that is easy and you can explore new areas rarely fished..

good luck.. May start fishing more since I was just laid off ;-)

I used to hit Arco Island up at Oil Piers. Dont think anyone now calls it that beach name unless they used to surf up there.

But get off at Seacliff and head up north, go under the freeway. Park at the north end. Easy launch there now since the structure is gone and its like a lake most times even if it is 3' breaks down north or south from there.

Good luck.

Rincon island? If so sweet launch area.. Waves but small and easy timing

Heading out tomorrow morning, plan is to launch from Mondos beach, surf report forecasts <1' waves. Otherwise I have been putting in at the boat launch in the Ventura keys, easy to get to and way protected.

Ventura area
 

Hey guys..
I am new to this site. I also live in Camarillo. If any one is going fishing soon and doesn't mind a tag along pm me. I get out to Oxnard harbor a lot, but I would like to get out to some better spots. I'd like to get out there with at least one other person for safety reasons, as I am still relatively new to the sport of kayak fishing. Any time is a good time, I to was laid off at work.