Anacapa Island - A 15 mile Journey - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

BigAppa · 03-11-2016, 02:59 PM

Any reason why you're not launching from the children's beach at Channel Island Harbor? I believe that's where many sea kayaking clubs launch from to get to Anacapa. It's an easier launch than Point Mugu and closer than Ventura, I believe. You may want to ask this question at one of their forums as well. Of course, a touring kayak will handle the conditions much differently than a fishing kayak (if that's what you'll be using), but I'm sure they can give you some good information about currents, weather, etc.

If you do make the trip, I personally would love to hear about your experiences. I've been seriously thinking about making this trip as well, after I get more experience under my belt.

Iceman · 03-11-2016, 03:05 PM

Sounds like a cool adventure closer than Cat and I WILL paddle that one some day, little more likely to run in weather in March, I plan to do it in October, less unsettled.

Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down!

I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers

http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/

Camping:

http://www.recreation.gov/camping/an...O&parkId=70984

aren_denman · 03-11-2016, 11:17 PM

Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down!

I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers

http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/

Thanks for the response
Just checked out the Island Packers website, good info and maps. Camping can be pricy especially if you change your dates on them or change between islands. Maybe we can sneak our way onto some grounds for a night or two

2-Stix · 03-12-2016, 12:18 AM

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=28263

2-Stix · 03-12-2016, 12:21 AM

Another guy on the site went to Catalina by yak. Freaking stud. Find him on here. He's the guy to listen too.

steve999 · 03-12-2016, 07:10 AM

I used to take a sailboat out to the channel islands a lot. The wind really rips out there, especially in the spring. It will be blowing 20 at Ventura, 30 at the closer islands, and 40 at the far islands. I've been sitting at anchor several times at the east end of Santa Cruz, when the wind is predicted to be to be 15 to 25, and we sat there and watched the anemometer clocking gusts of 40. We used to joke that when the forecast said winds from X to Y, you add X plus Y for the actual winds. The weather forecasts were notoriously low.

This time of year, the typical day will start out calm, and the wind at the near islands will build to 30 by 1:00 PM. You'll need to leave at first light and get there by noon, otherwise there's a good chance you won't make it. In October, however, the winds are much lighter. We always had the boat reefed in and rail buried on spring and early summer trips, but wound up motoring on fall trips.

If you leave from Ventura, the prevailing wind will be a little to the right of head on as you're going out. So will the current, although the current will be even more to the right as you get close. All the more reason to get there early, because you'll be fighting both wind and current.

Be sure to have a GPS with you. One of the newbie mistakes on an island trip is to underestimate how far away the island is. You start out, the island is barely visible through the mist, you go for a while, and then there's this big huge island in front of you. You think you're almost there. Nope, you're only half way, and it will be hours before you hit the beach. Be sure to have a GPS so you can determine ETA, and know if you need to abort.

Did you notice that the north side of anacapa for the eastern half is a state reserve? I think that means no fishing. You might have a long paddle from the campground to the legal fishing area. Be sure to check that.

The web site for anacapa also said you have to carry your own water. That will make an extended stay difficult.

They do have water on Santa Cruz. Given the time of year, the no fishing zones, and the lack of water, that's making an island packer trip more appealing.

But I'm not positive on all the details. If nobody with more info posts here, do get on one of the sea kyaker forums and get their views.

Steve

Socalkayak · 03-12-2016, 01:05 PM

I camped and fished out there via islandpackers on a 3 day trip. Swell will come from your 2 o'clock on way there. But swell is secondary by far. I got in mass trouble at Santa Cruz because of wind. Had to beach and wait for like 8 hours due to wind and current. Scary scary. Horrible time of year to try this. I am not hating but I give you a 15% chance on making it. 85% you will be calling for rescue. Just take islandpackers and go island hoping. Camp at smugglers or scorpions. I would do this first then try the long haul in July or August. Call vessel assist and get info on how many boats they assist every weekend. 3 friends of a friend died on there boat trying to cross a few years ago. It's not like down south (catalina) there are not as many boats crossing so you are all alone except for the cargo boats. Trust me paddling from island to island will be extreme enough. Again camp out there via island packers first. It will be cheaper than paying for the rescue.

Socalkayak · 03-12-2016, 01:19 PM

I camped and fished out there via islandpackers on a 3 day trip. Swell will come from your 2 o'clock on way there. But swell is secondary by far. I got in mass trouble at Santa Cruz because of wind. Had to beach and wait for like 8 hours due to wind and current. Scary scary. Horrible time of year to try this. I am not hating but I give you a 15% chance on making it. 85% you will be calling for rescue. Just take islandpackers and go island hoping. Camp at smugglers or scorpions. I would do this first then try the long haul in July or August. Call vessel assist and get info on how many boats they assist every weekend. 3 friends of a friend died on there boat trying to cross a few years ago. It's not like down south (catalina) there are not as many boats crossing so you are all alone except for the cargo boats. Trust me paddling from island to island will be extreme enough. Again camp out there via island packers first. It will be cheaper than paying for the rescue.

Socalkayak · 03-12-2016, 01:58 PM

Just read Zeds post. I hope you don't think you are going to roll up and camp anywhere. There are a ton of rangers out there and you are not camping unless at a campground. So u need to make reservations as well there are only a few spots that you will be able to land cause it's all cliffs. There is nowhere to camp unless at campgrounds. Good luck getting reservations on the weekend. Weekdays yes weekend nope. You can leave all kayak gear on the rocky beach no problem of getting stolen then it's a 1/4 mile walk to campgrounds. Landing options are very limited when you get out there make sure you are paddling back from fishing with the wind and current. Ya it's 15 miles as the crow Flys but paddling count on a good 18. It's 15 to islands but another 2 or 3 miles to get to a place to pull into. So plan your milage from channel islands harbor to scopions. That will be your true millage. Ok I looked at navionics and from channel islands harbor. ( best place to launch ) to scorpions closes place you can camp is 17.8 miles perfect straight line so you can plan for 20 mile paddle. You can't camp on anacapa and will get emidately popped if you try. It's awsome out there but paddling probably not going to happen. Wish you the best. The current picks way up the closer you get to the islands so you really need to look at the tides at estimated arrival time and get it on a slack tide. Don't mean to be negative but you gave me flash backs of me on a 20 foot rock beach waiting 8 hours for the wind and tide to calm down so I could paddle 3 miles back at night freezing cold while my wife and two kids were freaking out at the campsite and pulling into the cove at 9pm to a wife shaking her head at me as if I didn't know I was a complete fool. That ruined me for at least a year.but good luck.

Socalkayak · 03-12-2016, 02:07 PM

At scorpions it's only like a 1/4 mile paddle and you are out of the MPLA area. Awsome 1/4 mile paddle as well. Caves cliffs mist enjoyable paddle ever. As soon as you get outside of MPLA GPS and a rock out coping daily marks boundary. The fishing is killer about 100-200 yards off of rock outcropping. When I was there there were 3 charters sitting there marking the spot for me. Also fish right along the island. One cool thing I liked was casting into the caves and pulling nice calicos out of caves bring a snorkel as well

aren_denman · 03-11-2016, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAppa

Any reason why you're not launching from the children's beach at Channel Island Harbor?
If you do make the trip, I personally would love to hear about your experiences. I've been seriously thinking about making this trip as well, after I get more experience under my belt.

We have no clue where to launch, any chance you can link the club names? Ill repost some questions into that forum. We both have 15ft malibu fishing kayaks and plan on trolling most of the way. Along with camping gear, were bringing some freediving gear. We plan on bringing go pros and making a short video of some catches along with some info on the trip. Keep you posted.

03-11-2016, 03:05 PM	#2
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,943	Sounds like a cool adventure closer than Cat and I WILL paddle that one some day, little more likely to run in weather in March, I plan to do it in October, less unsettled. Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down! I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/ Camping: http://www.recreation.gov/camping/an...O&parkId=70984 __________________ Last edited by Iceman; 03-11-2016 at 03:16 PM.

03-12-2016, 07:10 AM	#6
steve999 Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 39	Lots of wind out there I used to take a sailboat out to the channel islands a lot. The wind really rips out there, especially in the spring. It will be blowing 20 at Ventura, 30 at the closer islands, and 40 at the far islands. I've been sitting at anchor several times at the east end of Santa Cruz, when the wind is predicted to be to be 15 to 25, and we sat there and watched the anemometer clocking gusts of 40. We used to joke that when the forecast said winds from X to Y, you add X plus Y for the actual winds. The weather forecasts were notoriously low. This time of year, the typical day will start out calm, and the wind at the near islands will build to 30 by 1:00 PM. You'll need to leave at first light and get there by noon, otherwise there's a good chance you won't make it. In October, however, the winds are much lighter. We always had the boat reefed in and rail buried on spring and early summer trips, but wound up motoring on fall trips. If you leave from Ventura, the prevailing wind will be a little to the right of head on as you're going out. So will the current, although the current will be even more to the right as you get close. All the more reason to get there early, because you'll be fighting both wind and current. Be sure to have a GPS with you. One of the newbie mistakes on an island trip is to underestimate how far away the island is. You start out, the island is barely visible through the mist, you go for a while, and then there's this big huge island in front of you. You think you're almost there. Nope, you're only half way, and it will be hours before you hit the beach. Be sure to have a GPS so you can determine ETA, and know if you need to abort. Did you notice that the north side of anacapa for the eastern half is a state reserve? I think that means no fishing. You might have a long paddle from the campground to the legal fishing area. Be sure to check that. The web site for anacapa also said you have to carry your own water. That will make an extended stay difficult. They do have water on Santa Cruz. Given the time of year, the no fishing zones, and the lack of water, that's making an island packer trip more appealing. But I'm not positive on all the details. If nobody with more info posts here, do get on one of the sea kyaker forums and get their views. Steve

03-11-2016, 02:59 PM	#1
BigAppa Junior Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 27	Any reason why you're not launching from the children's beach at Channel Island Harbor? I believe that's where many sea kayaking clubs launch from to get to Anacapa. It's an easier launch than Point Mugu and closer than Ventura, I believe. You may want to ask this question at one of their forums as well. Of course, a touring kayak will handle the conditions much differently than a fishing kayak (if that's what you'll be using), but I'm sure they can give you some good information about currents, weather, etc. If you do make the trip, I personally would love to hear about your experiences. I've been seriously thinking about making this trip as well, after I get more experience under my belt.

03-11-2016, 11:17 PM	#3
aren_denman Junior Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 13	Not sure why all the goober responses.......dragging this site down! I have considered Anacapa via Island Packers http://islandpackers.com/anacapa-island/ Thanks for the response Just checked out the Island Packers website, good info and maps. Camping can be pricy especially if you change your dates on them or change between islands. Maybe we can sneak our way onto some grounds for a night or two

03-12-2016, 12:18 AM	#4
2-Stix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 376	http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=28263

03-12-2016, 12:21 AM	#5
2-Stix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 376	Another guy on the site went to Catalina by yak. Freaking stud. Find him on here. He's the guy to listen too.

03-12-2016, 01:05 PM	#7
Socalkayak Junior Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 29	I camped and fished out there via islandpackers on a 3 day trip. Swell will come from your 2 o'clock on way there. But swell is secondary by far. I got in mass trouble at Santa Cruz because of wind. Had to beach and wait for like 8 hours due to wind and current. Scary scary. Horrible time of year to try this. I am not hating but I give you a 15% chance on making it. 85% you will be calling for rescue. Just take islandpackers and go island hoping. Camp at smugglers or scorpions. I would do this first then try the long haul in July or August. Call vessel assist and get info on how many boats they assist every weekend. 3 friends of a friend died on there boat trying to cross a few years ago. It's not like down south (catalina) there are not as many boats crossing so you are all alone except for the cargo boats. Trust me paddling from island to island will be extreme enough. Again camp out there via island packers first. It will be cheaper than paying for the rescue.

03-12-2016, 01:19 PM	#8
Socalkayak Junior Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 29	I camped and fished out there via islandpackers on a 3 day trip. Swell will come from your 2 o'clock on way there. But swell is secondary by far. I got in mass trouble at Santa Cruz because of wind. Had to beach and wait for like 8 hours due to wind and current. Scary scary. Horrible time of year to try this. I am not hating but I give you a 15% chance on making it. 85% you will be calling for rescue. Just take islandpackers and go island hoping. Camp at smugglers or scorpions. I would do this first then try the long haul in July or August. Call vessel assist and get info on how many boats they assist every weekend. 3 friends of a friend died on there boat trying to cross a few years ago. It's not like down south (catalina) there are not as many boats crossing so you are all alone except for the cargo boats. Trust me paddling from island to island will be extreme enough. Again camp out there via island packers first. It will be cheaper than paying for the rescue.

03-12-2016, 01:58 PM	#9
Socalkayak Junior Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 29	Just read Zeds post. I hope you don't think you are going to roll up and camp anywhere. There are a ton of rangers out there and you are not camping unless at a campground. So u need to make reservations as well there are only a few spots that you will be able to land cause it's all cliffs. There is nowhere to camp unless at campgrounds. Good luck getting reservations on the weekend. Weekdays yes weekend nope. You can leave all kayak gear on the rocky beach no problem of getting stolen then it's a 1/4 mile walk to campgrounds. Landing options are very limited when you get out there make sure you are paddling back from fishing with the wind and current. Ya it's 15 miles as the crow Flys but paddling count on a good 18. It's 15 to islands but another 2 or 3 miles to get to a place to pull into. So plan your milage from channel islands harbor to scopions. That will be your true millage. Ok I looked at navionics and from channel islands harbor. ( best place to launch ) to scorpions closes place you can camp is 17.8 miles perfect straight line so you can plan for 20 mile paddle. You can't camp on anacapa and will get emidately popped if you try. It's awsome out there but paddling probably not going to happen. Wish you the best. The current picks way up the closer you get to the islands so you really need to look at the tides at estimated arrival time and get it on a slack tide. Don't mean to be negative but you gave me flash backs of me on a 20 foot rock beach waiting 8 hours for the wind and tide to calm down so I could paddle 3 miles back at night freezing cold while my wife and two kids were freaking out at the campsite and pulling into the cove at 9pm to a wife shaking her head at me as if I didn't know I was a complete fool. That ruined me for at least a year.but good luck.

03-12-2016, 02:07 PM	#10
Socalkayak Junior Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 29	At scorpions it's only like a 1/4 mile paddle and you are out of the MPLA area. Awsome 1/4 mile paddle as well. Caves cliffs mist enjoyable paddle ever. As soon as you get outside of MPLA GPS and a rock out coping daily marks boundary. The fishing is killer about 100-200 yards off of rock outcropping. When I was there there were 3 charters sitting there marking the spot for me. Also fish right along the island. One cool thing I liked was casting into the caves and pulling nice calicos out of caves bring a snorkel as well