La Jolla Launch - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Quilted Germ · 07-18-2008, 09:52 AM

I'm new to kayak fishing and would love to give LJ a go, but I'm wondering why everyone seems to launch at the shores and not somewhere closer to the actual fishing spot. Seems like there are a lot of potential launch areas near downtown LJ, would just need the help getting the kayaks to the launch area. If you have two guys, seems not too bad.....Am I crazy? Stupid? Also, how far north have the YTs been caught in SD county? Heard about them around Cardiff but never seen them. Thanks for the info and looking forward to my first YT off the kayak.

esdees · 07-18-2008, 10:26 AM

Many people launch at the shores because you can drive onto the beach to unload and load, and the surf is very minimal. Even though it's only sand, it is considered a boat launch, so there are no swimmers, surfers, etc to navigate.

Handymansd · 07-18-2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esdees

Even though it's only sand, it is considered a boat launch, so there are no swimmers, surfers, etc to navigate.

I almost ran over two swimmers Tues, and the tourist yakkers are as bad as I have ever seen them. I was hit by one Sunday afternoon and they broke one of my poles!!

Boogie boarders think it is their area to boogie in and it never gets any better because the ignorant people turn over to new ones daily.And parking is becoming horrendous even at 4am!

Maybe it is time to launch from the tide pools or something... I know... I need to find someone with access to the pier for launching

.

All in all, I groan, and I complain, but I still go 2-3 times a week!

Heck, I am going to go right now!

dsafety · 07-18-2008, 11:36 AM

I grew up in La Jolla and know the area like the back of my hand. Most of the La Jolla beach or rock launch locations lack nearby parking and the access involves climbing down a cliff. The few sandy beaches often have a dangerous shore break that would flip the best of us. There is one exception, the Children's Pool.

Back in the day, (before the seals took over), The Children's Pool, aka Casa cove was a place that people would launch zodiacs and other small boats. There is even a paved, although steep and bumpy, ramp to the beach that drops you off right in the middle of where the seals like to lay in the sun. These days it is unclear if launching there would be OK.

Before the lifeguard station at the Casa was closed a few months ago, I stopped in to see if I could get an answer. As a former lifeguard, I was able to have a very candid talk with the guards on duty.

They told me that as far as they were concerned, this place is a public beach and that I could launch a kayak there any time I wanted. On the other hand, they reminded me that it is illegal to "harass" the seals. The problem is that the definition of harassment is open to interpretation. To most reasonable people, as long as one does not overtly try to bother these critters, everything should be fine. As a kid, I used to snorkel with the seals swimming around me all the time. Unfortunately, there are some zealots who think that we humans are harassing wildlife by simply sharing the planet with them. To these people, some of them real nut cases, setting foot on the Casa beach should be a hanging offence.

I have thought of testing all of this by launching at the Casa but do not think that it would be wise without some backup and an official ruling from the City. This might be something that we, the big WE, might want to push forward.

Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Bob

Quilted Germ · 07-18-2008, 12:40 PM

So people really launch at the shores...some paddle to the pier...then all the way past the cove? I was at Scripps Aquarium the other day and seeing that from a bird's view seems like a lot of paddling. Must take awhile.

esdees · 07-18-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quilted Germ

So people really launch at the shores...some paddle to the pier...then all the way past the cove? I was at Scripps Aquarium the other day and seeing that from a bird's view seems like a lot of paddling. Must take awhile.

There are plenty of people who launch elsewhere, like Marine St, but the surf at the shores is usually much mellower because it is so sheltered. I'm assuming you're new to kayaking (not just kayak fishing), so I would suggest you launch at the shores a few times without fishing gear to get a feel for your kayak in the surf. Then go from there and decide what you're comfortable with. Just remember, getting out through the surf is easier than coming back in. Leash or stow everything.

madscientist · 07-18-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quilted Germ

So people really launch at the shores...some paddle to the pier...then all the way past the cove? I was at Scripps Aquarium the other day and seeing that from a bird's view seems like a lot of paddling. Must take awhile.

From the launch to the pier is about 0.7 miles. About the same for the launch to the edge of the reserve. That's about a 10-15 minute paddle depending on conditions. Since a typical outing usually ends up covering 5-10 miles total, that little extra is not too much extra effort for the convenience of a drive up beach launch and mellow surf. From where I come from, the additional time to drive to LJ and the additional time it would take to carry everything to the water and setup outweighs the time it takes to paddle from the cove. Of course, if you are going to the pier there is no closer launch spot other than dragging the yak down the steps and launching through the big surf at the north end of LJ shores.

blackcloud9 · 07-18-2008, 07:48 PM

I second the Casa launch idea, I too have been kicking that around in my
head for months as they finalize the discussion. I have launched a few
times from Casa Beach stairs area. By law, you are not allowed to launch
a "floating device" between this spot, and LJ Shores. Your mileage may
vary depending on time of day.

I have been spending summer weekend days playing with my kids at
Shores, and often am amazed at the size of the windswell at the Shores
"sheltered" launch - when Big Rock channel (Palomar St.) is serving up
ankle slappers on the sets.

Shorter swell periods, aka windswells fill into the shores better than the LJ
reefs areas.

So, I think you are correct sir, however finding live bait consistently can
be an issue over here.

Launching at Big Rock Saturday.

Billy V · 07-18-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsafety

I grew up in La Jolla and know the area like the back of my hand. Most of the La Jolla beach or rock launch locations lack nearby parking and the access involves climbing down a cliff. The few sandy beaches often have a dangerous shore break that would flip the best of us. There is one exception, the Children's Pool.

Back in the day, (before the seals took over), The Children's Pool, aka Casa cove was a place that people would launch zodiacs and other small boats. There is even a paved, although steep and bumpy, ramp to the beach that drops you off right in the middle of where the seals like to lay in the sun. These days it is unclear if launching there would be OK.

Before the lifeguard station at the Casa was closed a few months ago, I stopped in to see if I could get an answer. As a former lifeguard, I was able to have a very candid talk with the guards on duty.

They told me that as far as they were concerned, this place is a public beach and that I could launch a kayak there any time I wanted. On the other hand, they reminded me that it is illegal to "harass" the seals. The problem is that the definition of harassment is open to interpretation. To most reasonable people, as long as one does not overtly try to bother these critters, everything should be fine. As a kid, I used to snorkel with the seals swimming around me all the time. Unfortunately, there are some zealots who think that we humans are harassing wildlife by simply sharing the planet with them. To these people, some of them real nut cases, setting foot on the Casa beach should be a hanging offence.

I have thought of testing all of this by launching at the Casa but do not think that it would be wise without some backup and an official ruling from the City. This might be something that we, the big WE, might want to push forward.

Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Bob

I'd be willing to launch my yak with you from the Children's Pool. As you said, it is a public beach, and our "intended use" is to launch our kayaks into the water, nothing more.

I'm sure we could be careful enough not to harass any sunbathing mammals.
-I wouldn't mind taking along a bag of frozen anchovy just incase we got mugged, or shaken down while passing through the neighborhood.

A Court Decision has Ordered the City to make the Children's Pool Beach exclusively for public use and remove the seals.
This links has some info as well as phone numbers. It seems to say it can be used for swimmers and divers.
http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/pool.shtml
-----------------------
I do think the Shores has smaller surf though. Some of them waves rounding the sea wall could put a hurting on you. Then the seal would eat us. :lol:

dsafety · 07-19-2008, 08:22 AM

A Court Decision has Ordered the City to make the Children's Pool Beach exclusively for public use and remove the seals.
This links has some info as well as phone numbers. It seems to say it can be used for swimmers and divers.
http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/pool.shtml
-----------------------

I checked out the contact names on the Lifeguard list. As luck would have it, several of the current senior lifeguard officers are people with whom I worked many years ago when I was a seasonal lifeguard. I have emailed them with questions about using the Casa as a kayak launch site and will post the responses that I get in this forum.

I suspect that the official response will be that floating devices are not allowed on this beach. If that is the case, I would like to suggest that we, (the kayaking community), unite and try to get that rule changed.

Stay tuned.

Bob

prowlerdude · 07-19-2008, 08:40 AM

I wish you luck! please be careful because the zealots dont care about the court ruling and will try and badger your into doing something foolish while another video tapes you.

These are not normal people. Did you see them when they had the nut jobs with hooks hanging by ropes last October? Coo coo for coco puffs. Doesnt help that the head kook in charge of the Animal Protection & Rescue League heading the pro seal efforts has allege ties to eco-terrorist

http://www.activistcash.com/biography.cfm/bid/3247

07-18-2008, 09:52 AM	#1
Quilted Germ Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cardiff, Ca Posts: 185	La Jolla Launch I'm new to kayak fishing and would love to give LJ a go, but I'm wondering why everyone seems to launch at the shores and not somewhere closer to the actual fishing spot. Seems like there are a lot of potential launch areas near downtown LJ, would just need the help getting the kayaks to the launch area. If you have two guys, seems not too bad.....Am I crazy? Stupid? Also, how far north have the YTs been caught in SD county? Heard about them around Cardiff but never seen them. Thanks for the info and looking forward to my first YT off the kayak.

07-18-2008, 11:36 AM	#4
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,121	LJ Launch site with lots of potential I grew up in La Jolla and know the area like the back of my hand. Most of the La Jolla beach or rock launch locations lack nearby parking and the access involves climbing down a cliff. The few sandy beaches often have a dangerous shore break that would flip the best of us. There is one exception, the Children's Pool. Back in the day, (before the seals took over), The Children's Pool, aka Casa cove was a place that people would launch zodiacs and other small boats. There is even a paved, although steep and bumpy, ramp to the beach that drops you off right in the middle of where the seals like to lay in the sun. These days it is unclear if launching there would be OK. Before the lifeguard station at the Casa was closed a few months ago, I stopped in to see if I could get an answer. As a former lifeguard, I was able to have a very candid talk with the guards on duty. They told me that as far as they were concerned, this place is a public beach and that I could launch a kayak there any time I wanted. On the other hand, they reminded me that it is illegal to "harass" the seals. The problem is that the definition of harassment is open to interpretation. To most reasonable people, as long as one does not overtly try to bother these critters, everything should be fine. As a kid, I used to snorkel with the seals swimming around me all the time. Unfortunately, there are some zealots who think that we humans are harassing wildlife by simply sharing the planet with them. To these people, some of them real nut cases, setting foot on the Casa beach should be a hanging offence. I have thought of testing all of this by launching at the Casa but do not think that it would be wise without some backup and an official ruling from the City. This might be something that we, the big WE, might want to push forward. Does anyone have thoughts on this? Bob

07-18-2008, 07:48 PM	#8
blackcloud9 Kayaker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Big Rock, WindanSea, La Jolla Posts: 413	I second the Casa launch idea, I too have been kicking that around in my head for months as they finalize the discussion. I have launched a few times from Casa Beach stairs area. By law, you are not allowed to launch a "floating device" between this spot, and LJ Shores. Your mileage may vary depending on time of day. I have been spending summer weekend days playing with my kids at Shores, and often am amazed at the size of the windswell at the Shores "sheltered" launch - when Big Rock channel (Palomar St.) is serving up ankle slappers on the sets. Shorter swell periods, aka windswells fill into the shores better than the LJ reefs areas. So, I think you are correct sir, however finding live bait consistently can be an issue over here. Launching at Big Rock Saturday. __________________ Larry. Hobie Revolution 13. 25 years of kayak fishing La Jolla. https://larryl.com/photos

07-19-2008, 08:22 AM	#10
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,121	Childrens Pool Kayak Access A Court Decision has Ordered the City to make the Children's Pool Beach exclusively for public use and remove the seals. This links has some info as well as phone numbers. It seems to say it can be used for swimmers and divers. http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/pool.shtml ----------------------- I checked out the contact names on the Lifeguard list. As luck would have it, several of the current senior lifeguard officers are people with whom I worked many years ago when I was a seasonal lifeguard. I have emailed them with questions about using the Casa as a kayak launch site and will post the responses that I get in this forum. I suspect that the official response will be that floating devices are not allowed on this beach. If that is the case, I would like to suggest that we, (the kayaking community), unite and try to get that rule changed. Stay tuned. Bob

07-18-2008, 10:26 AM	#2
esdees The Good Clone Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Clairemont Posts: 520	Many people launch at the shores because you can drive onto the beach to unload and load, and the surf is very minimal. Even though it's only sand, it is considered a boat launch, so there are no swimmers, surfers, etc to navigate.

07-18-2008, 12:40 PM	#5
Quilted Germ Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cardiff, Ca Posts: 185	So people really launch at the shores...some paddle to the pier...then all the way past the cove? I was at Scripps Aquarium the other day and seeing that from a bird's view seems like a lot of paddling. Must take awhile.