SoCal newbie, experienced yak angler.

[goldenglory18]

Hey all, greetings from AZ!

My name is Kenny, and in two weeks I'll be another transplant to the beautiful state of California. I've accepted a job offer in LA and we are looking forward to the change of pace.

<O:p</O:pI've been paddling for over 10 years, and have been fresh water fishing off a plastic vessel for over 5 of those. I've owned three Wildy boats, the most recently being a 2013 Ride 135. It's been a great time, but unfortunately, I've had to sell off just about all of my gear, including my boat to be able to afford the gap until my wife finds work. Oh well, family first.

Just stopping by to introduce myself, and to apologize in advance on my lack of knowledge on California fishing. I know bass and I know paddling, but dont know jack about fishing in the salt or CA Fish and Game R&R's.<O:p></O:p>
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Have a great week everyone!<O:p</O:p
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- Kenny
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[AirborneYak]

Nice to meet you! Let us know when you are ready to hit the salt out here.

[FISH11]

Welcome to our area, expensive as it is. Too bad you had to sell your ride that would have worked here. When you're settled, you should be able to find the gear and Yak you need through this site from BWE members. Also all the info you will need is also here just use the search link to find threads and post all about how to fish in these areas. Tight Lines

[goldenglory18]

Thanks guys!

Yeah, it was a bummer selling everything, but it was a necessary evil. This move wasnt exactly planned, so we needed cash asap. You're right, looking at the classified section, it should be a lot easier to rebuy in the area as opposed to where I'm coming from. Speaking of which....

Is there a contact somwehere around here for HOW? I'm one of the founding members of the AZ chapter and I'd love to be able to volunteer here once I get reestablished. Feel free to PM me if thats preferred.

[momo fish]

I would suggest hitting up Andy at OEX kayak in sunset beach. Goes by Iceman on here. Can go over everything from kayaks to HOW events as he coordinates the local chapters.

Welcome

[svendawg]

Thanks guys!

Yeah, it was a bummer selling everything, but it was a necessary evil. This move wasnt exactly planned, so we needed cash asap. You're right, looking at the classified section, it should be a lot easier to rebuy in the area as opposed to where I'm coming from. Speaking of which....

Is there a contact somwehere around here for HOW? I'm one of the founding members of the AZ chapter and I'd love to be able to volunteer here once I get reestablished. Feel free to PM me if thats preferred.

There's a HOW event this weekend. Here's the link
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=24492
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=24564

[goldenglory18]

There's a HOW event this weekend. Here's the link
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=24492
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=24564


Unfortunately I won't be able to volunteer for a few more weeks, but thanks for the heads up!

You are in Wildomar, Ca? How are the lakes over there? We have a "Canyon Lake" too. Funny, it's right next to a lake that looks EXACTLY like your "Canyon." How's the fishing there (and Lake Elsinore?)

- Kenny

[svendawg]

Unfortunately I won't be able to volunteer for a few more weeks, but thanks for the heads up!

You are in Wildomar, Ca? How are the lakes over there? We have a "Canyon Lake" too. Funny, it's right next to a lake that looks EXACTLY like your "Canyon." How's the fishing there (and Lake Elsinore?)

- Kenny

Canyon Lake is located within a private community, so you need to know somebody that lives there to fish it. You have to live there to put a boat on it but I don't know the regulation about kayaks. As far as fishing I don't know much about it.
Lake Elsinore is a dirty lake with access at several places around the lake. Lots of carp fisherman fish on the North/East side. I used to have pretty good luck fishing for catfish on the North/west side by the launch ramps but that die off when the water level went down over the past year.
There is fish in the lake but it is not a favorite location to fish for most.

If you want current info on lakes in Calif try http://fishingnetwork.net/index.php?pageid=home and pick a lake of your interest. Lots of good lake specific info through the forum on that site

Another thing to watch out for about Calif Lakes is that many of them are owner/managed by the water District and are not Kayak friendly. Check the lake regulations on kayaks before you make a trip to a particular lake

[Hunters Pa]

If you are volunteering for a HOW event and need to borrow a kayak just post it up. I'm sure someone would have a loaner.

[Fish Taco]

Welcome to BWE and California goldenglory18!

What part of Los Angeles will you be settling into, do you know yet? (It's a HUGE place)

I'm in the South Bay in one of the beach cities here... if you end up near me let me know... I'm still getting my feet wet a little bit here myself... relocated from Long Island about 20 months ago (even though I'm a SoCal native, I wasn't a kayak fisherman when I lived here last).

Tight lines...

[goldenglory18]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Once again kayak and motorless anglers are the best around!

If you want current info on lakes in Calif try http://fishingnetwork.net/index.php?pageid=home and pick a lake of your interest. Lots of good lake specific info through the forum on that site

Another thing to watch out for about Calif Lakes is that many of them are owner/managed by the water District and are not Kayak friendly. Check the lake regulations on kayaks before you make a trip to a particular lake

Well thats a bummer about the private lakes, and thanks for the heads up on the anti-yak mentality. Thanks for the information and the heads up!

If you are volunteering for a HOW event and need to borrow a kayak just post it up. I'm sure someone would have a loaner.

I figured as much. Even without any gear, I'd like to be able to help load, setup and that type of stuff. I'm young and have a strong back. I might as well put it to good use. LOL

Welcome to BWE and California goldenglory18!

What part of Los Angeles will you be settling into, do you know yet? (It's a HUGE place)

I'm in the South Bay in one of the beach cities here... if you end up near me let me know...

Thanks Fish!

I'm still trying to decide on where we should rent first, but it's looking like either Southbay, West Hollywood, or Downtown are the best options. The biggest hurdle I'm running into is our family is my wife and I with two dogs and a cat, and me not wanting to spend any more time in the car than I have to (I'm working in Hawthorne.)

You are in Southbay.....where are you fishing the most? Off PV? You ever fished down in Bluff Cove? That little slice of heaven is GORGEOUS!

[EastLosYaker]

Because of the shorter commute to work, better parking (especially if you have a kayak), cheaper rent, and closer proximity to the water, I would recommend getting a place in the south bay. Downtown and West Hollywood are great places to live, but are very expensive (super gentrified). If you can afford it though, and aren't concerned about the other issues i mentioned, Downtown and West Hollywood are super cool places to live. Can you say hipster??? Welcome to socal and keep rockin that Dodger hat...the NY hat you can leave in Arizona.

[goldenglory18]

Can you say hipster??? Welcome to socal and keep rockin that Dodger hat...the NY hat you can leave in Arizona.

LOL, yeah, I fit in with that crowd. Not nearly as douchy though as I've been on both sides of that trend (I'm a life long musician, athlete, and outdoorsman. :cool:)

The Dodger hat was a gift from my brother inlaw. That whole side of the family is from SoCal. The Met's hat is one of many in my hatbox. My mom is a native NY'er and I've spent A LOT of time with family back there. It's kinda in my blood (just like the University of Arizona.)

[tacmik]

Sent you a pm. Welcome to SOCAL.

[Oxbeast1210]

Welcome ! What part of Arizona are you from? I have an extra Yak if you get the itch to fish.

[Fishin' Magician]

Welcome to California where the sun shines most of the time and salt water fishing is awesome. You'll have no trouble finding a new yak once you get here, there are always some for sale either on this site (new and used) as well as on Craig's List. Try OEX in Sunset Beach, they'll get you all set up and will treat you right. That being said, hope to see you out there on the water. Get ready for salt water fishing...., the fun is just beginning!

[goldenglory18]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

I'm coming from Tucson, but have fished all the big lakes in AZ, and most from a yak. Big water still kinda freakes me out, so I'll probably stick to the bays and beaches to start. But once I get comfortable, I'll be out there as much as possible FOR SURE!

Oh yeah, I better make sure I have room for a boat at my new place! I'd LOVE to upgrade to a hobie PA, but the new offerings from Wildy have been very nice. That new ATAK looks amazing.

[Fishwhisperer619]

Welcome to Cali! I have a PA14 that you are more than welcome to try out if we ever hit the water together.

[Fish Taco]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

I'm coming from Tucson, but have fished all the big lakes in AZ, and most from a yak. Big water still kinda freakes me out, so I'll probably stick to the bays and beaches to start. But once I get comfortable, I'll be out there as much as possible FOR SURE!

Oh yeah, I better make sure I have room for a boat at my new place! I'd LOVE to upgrade to a hobie PA, but the new offerings from Wildy have been very nice. That new ATAK looks amazing.

Just curious if you rec'd my PM I sent you or not... tried to answer your Qs, didn't want to clog up the board here. :)

ATAK looks BaddAss by the way... :iagree: