Catalina Kayak Fish Odyssey 100 - Now Accepting Applications

[Apex Predator]

Two years ago this October I Kayaked Solo from San Pedro to Catalina at Parsons Landing to fish, spearfish and go lobster diving with friends. It was the trip of a lifetime and there is barely a day that goes by where I don’t think of It. But as soon as I got back I started to think of the possibilities of circumnavigating Catalina while fishing and Camping along the way at the many beach campsites in Catalina. I posted a write up about my adventure http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=27520 and after received many messages from the BWE community asking me, that if I ever did it again, they were in, ….well gentlemen now is the time.
I would like to invite 1-5 VERY STRONG kayakers and seasoned fishermen only to:

The Catalina Kayak Fish Odyssey 100 aka: Cata-Yak 100

Date: October 11-16th
or if weather is poor the back-up Dates are: October 26-31st

Distance: nearly 100 NMiles – nearly 20 nautical mile average per day with
only one rest day.
Day 1: 23 NMiles San Pedro Boat Ramp to Parsons Landing
Catalina
Day 2: 16 NMiles Parsons Landing to Little Harbor (with a Lunch
break at Catalina Harbor)
Day 3: 18 NMiles Little Harbor to Avalon
Day 4: 14 NMiles Avalon to Two Harbors (with a Lunch break
possibly at Long Point)
Day 5 0 NMiles Rest, Fish and Relax at Two Harbors in
preparation for Day 6 crossing
Day 6 21 NMiles Two Harbors to San Pedro Boat Ramp

Cost: FREE just share the cost of the Campsites, firewood ect…. Total Expenses for the entire group: about $250.00

Fitness Requirements: I am a Personal Trainer and Mountain Bike Endurance Racer and I think of this as the “Tour De France” of Kayak Fishing. I am looking for people with equal parts of Fitness and Fishing ability. You will need to keep a 3.75 NMile/Hour average loaded with fishing and camping gear to make the crossing in 6.5 hours. This is a Marathon equivalent mutli-stage event and needs to be completed before the afternoon winds increase. You will need to keep it up as we will be averaging almost 20 NMiles / Day while fishing for much of our food along the way.

Gear: We will discuss this in detail in the future but a Mirage Drive Kayak with a Sail is a good start....but paddles welcome too!

Personal Message Me or Email me mike@pushpt.com and we will set-up a couple training days prior to the date to get our sea legs under us and go over Gear.

[Mahigeer]

Wish I was younger.

It will be an adventure for sure.

All the best for the group.

[Iceman]

Very cool! Bold and brave.............like it. Ken Hovie did it solo a couple years back on a Kraken 15.


http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/ken.JPG

[goldenglory18]

This. Is. Amazing.

I'm going to make the broad assumption that this will be a huge success and will become an annual thing. Today, I start preparing for October 2019.

God Speed to everyone evolved. I'll be watching with great interest....

[Denis_Ruso]

Oh man. A little too short notice to whip myself into that kind of shape and I have 7 days in baja right around this time. But this is something I would be willing to train for.

I've been looking for someone crazy enough to do the paddle to Catalina with me. However, I am probably in shape enough to do the trip there and back not the whole way around.

I also need to upgrade my Revo to an outback for a trip like this, so I can pack gear and have more stability.

2019 if it happens again is my time to do it.

[Apex Predator]

Denis,
I also need to upgrade my Revo to an outback for a trip like this, so I can pack gear and have more stability.

2019 if it happens again is my time to do it.

The only other time I've done the crossing was in a Revo 13 and that is what I most likely will use again. It definitely cuts down on your gear but you can get by with/out a bait tank and only two Rods(1 for bait, 1 for Jigs) , the Revo is Fast and slices through the chop and remember I am having water and firewood delivered to the campsites.
Mike

[GTboosted]

I'm with the others. This looks like fun but probably too close of a date for proper training.

I'm 100% in for 2019 though.

[summers in kuwait]

Mike,

This is very ambitious, but looks doable with the right planning and conditioning. To date, the most miles I've done in one day is 29 on the water!
Here is that trip. (http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=29632)

It was pretty rough at the end with the wind and I didn't have a sail setup then, wish I did.

Currently, I could probably do there and back without much additional training, but the additional days would be taxing.

I really like your plan though and this could be a special trip, very rewarding.
If I had a little more flex with work and kids I would be all over this. Maybe I can plan on 2019! Another thought would be to get some promotion or sponsorship on this event, maybe have the proceeds go to a local charity like HOW or something.

PS

If you do some training or wanna hit some offshore action this summer, I could be down. I've been out a couple times this summer. Only like 8 miles or so straight offshore, but nine mile bank could be a fun day!

Cheers,

Todd

[Apex Predator]

Mike,

This is very ambitious, but looks doable with the right planning and conditioning. To date, the most miles I've done in one day is 29 on the water!
Here is that trip. (http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=29632)

It was pretty rough at the end with the wind and I didn't have a sail setup then, wish I did.

Currently, I could probably do there and back without much additional training, but the additional days would be taxing.

I really like your plan though and this could be a special trip, very rewarding.
If I had a little more flex with work and kids I would be all over this. Maybe I can plan on 2019! Another thought would be to get some promotion or sponsorship on this event, maybe have the proceeds go to a local charity like HOW or something.

PS

If you do some training or wanna hit some offshore action this summer, I could be down. I've been out a couple times this summer. Only like 8 miles or so straight offshore, but nine mile bank could be a fun day!

Cheers,

Todd

Yes Lets get out there in that blue water for sure, Next week if you are gamed. And don't rule it out Catalina completely for 2018 until I've had the chance to sell it to you in person:):cheers1:

[Chet]

I did it with a buddy a couple years ago. I might be able to join. Will decide during September. One of the trip to remember for life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SycgYOamYzY&t=1s

[Apex Predator]

I did it with a buddy a couple years ago. I might be able to join. Will decide during September. One of the trip to remember for life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SycgYOamYzY&t=1s

Wow cool Trip. It would be great if you could make it. We are going to do a few deep water days in preparation for the trip leading up to October if you want to come along for those as well?

[Apex Predator]

Mike,

Another thought would be to get some promotion or sponsorship on this event, maybe have the proceeds go to a local charity like HOW or something
Todd

Todd,
That's a great idea, my plan was never to make any money on this, but rather just have the trip of a lifetime, but if we can serve a higher cause all the better. So what I hope to do on this trip is to work out all the safety and logistical snags we are likely to experience on our fist way around the Island. Also I hope to get a bunch of photos and footage to promote future trips.
Mike

[Apex Predator]

Very cool! Bold and brave.............like it. Ken Hovie did it solo a couple years back on a Kraken 15.


http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/ken.JPG

hey Paddles welcome too for all those super beasts out there!!!:kayak-surfer:

[goldenglory18]

hey Paddles welcome too for all those super beasts out there!!!:kayak-surfer:

That will probably be the way I do it.

.....or by pedal 90% of the time and by paddle to let my legs rest. LOL

:kayak-surfer:

[Biggameaddict]

Might just be the day I open my new otw mirage drive repair business .....

[Apex Predator]

Might just be the day I open my new otw mirage drive repair business .....

Are you offering to provide support assistance?:)

Mike

[Biggameaddict]

Are you offering to provide support assistance?:)

Mike

You can call it what you like brotha

[Polychrest]

I really like the idea and I’m considering it. The first 4 days do look brutal though. Looks like there may not be much time for daylight fishing.

Some back of a napkin calculations leaves about 3 to 5 hours left to fish.
11 and a half hours of daylight
About 4 to 5 hours of paddling per day
Hour each day to setup and break down camp plus landing and launching
Half hour for breakfast and lunch
Hour for dinner

You could probably squeeze a couple more hours out of that if you do most of your cooking when the sun is down but I think you’ll want to focus on staying warm and recovery durning that time. I think you would need to be an ultra athlete to keep that pace up for 4 days straight and still enjoy yourself.

Would you consider adding a zero day between day 2 and 3 or and additional stop to spread things out a bit?

[crashcrow]

This sounds like a fun trip. I would be interested in taking my solo skiff, I know its cheating but it would still be a lot of fun.

[goldenglory18]

This sounds like a fun trip. I would be interested in taking my solo skiff, I know its cheating but it would still be a lot of fun.

We have a support boat/skiff now!

:cheers1:

[Apex Predator]

I really like the idea and I’m considering it. The first 4 days do look brutal though. Looks like there may not be much time for daylight fishing.

Some back of a napkin calculations leaves about 3 to 5 hours left to fish.
11 and a half hours of daylight
About 4 to 5 hours of paddling per day
Hour each day to setup and break down camp plus landing and launching
Half hour for breakfast and lunch
Hour for dinner

You could probably squeeze a couple more hours out of that if you do most of your cooking when the sun is down but I think you’ll want to focus on staying warm and recovery durning that time. I think you would need to be an ultra athlete to keep that pace up for 4 days straight and still enjoy yourself.

Would you consider adding a zero day between day 2 and 3 or and additional stop to spread things out a bit?

I had some limitations on the days at certain campsites along the way, It is important that we obtained the campsites on the beach. That is one reason for the only 1 rest day and another is just trying to keep the total days of the trip down to a minimum. If this year proves that more rest is needed for future trips, I won’t hesitate to order the campsites earlier next year so that we can do it.

In regards to the hours of fishing / day, we will be fishing all day. In the morning we will catch enough bait for our fly line and dropper loop and we will be trolling the entire way, with the occasional stop for, bait, lunch, hook-ups, re-groups,marks, boils and kelp patties. We just need to make it to our nightly destination an hour or two before sunset.

I hope you can make it!!!

[Apex Predator]

This sounds like a fun trip. I would be interested in taking my solo skiff, I know its cheating but it would still be a lot of fun.

That would be fine with me, depending on the range of your solo, when loaded with camping gear and supplies. How many gallons /hour do you consume with your OB motor? I suppose you could motor ahead of us and stop at Two Harbors after the crossing to refuel before meeting us as Parson's Landing?,.. then it would be only be about 40 miles until your next refueling opportunity in Avalon.

[Apex Predator]

We have a support boat/skiff now!

:cheers1:


Yes it sounds as though we may!

That would be a real asset!

[Apex Predator]

Wow, I am getting a lot of interest from you all. So as the day approaches we will need to make sure we are prepared individually and as a Team. So with that said I have just 3 requirements that I need you to ALL meet, in order to come along:

1. participate in a couple of Offshore fishing days, with the other members of the expedition, to the 9 mile bank where we will be traveling about 30 miles over the course of the 10-12 hour day on the ocean. These will occur, 1 in early and 1 in late September, (date to be determined.) The purpose of these is not only to train our bodies, but to also get all of us working as a unit and in addition fine tuning our gear and supplies to length of our journey. Even if you have ruled out doing it this year, get an early start on your 2019 readiness by coming along!

2. a Nautical Radio with ship to ship and distress calling ability.

3. a Nautical GPS navigation system of some kind.

In Addition to that I will be heading out fishing offshore NEXT Sunday morning (8/19 @ 4am in LJ, radio channel 69) and many more times in La Jolla and offshore leading up to the October Trip if you would like to come along or meet me out on the water.

Let the Journey Begin,

Mike Maio

[barongan]

Following this!http://gshort.click/isna/7/o.png

[Denis_Ruso]

Keep us posted on these offshore expeditions. I would love to drive down to SD and do some long paddles looking for dorado at the 9 mile bank.

[Chet]

I don't seem to see where you plan to park in this thread.
Location ?

[Apex Predator]

I don't seem to see where you plan to park in this thread.
Location ?

Cabrillo Beach Boat Ramp, 3720 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731

You have to pay, I believe. Last time I checked they close the gate to the entrance of the launch parking lot from 10:30pm to 5:30am daily. We would need to get the kayaks ready and carted over to the launch area before 5:30am so that we can park and launch as soon as they open the gate.

On the way over there you can hit a nasty head wind and some big surf in the afternoon, so it's best to time your arrival at around noon or so.

[crashcrow]

That would be fine with me, depending on the range of your solo, when loaded with camping gear and supplies. How many gallons /hour do you consume with your OB motor? I suppose you could motor ahead of us and stop at Two Harbors after the crossing to refuel before meeting us as Parson's Landing?,.. then it would be only be about 40 miles until your next refueling opportunity in Avalon.

I will do a few more trips and figure an average... I carry 4 gallons and usually use about 1-1.5 gallons on a 20 mile day around La Jolla/ Point loma... I have a few more buddies with solos that may be interested. I'll keep a close eye on fuel mileage and let you know what I come up with.

[jbl_91762]

Nice post and glad your getting serious interest. I know my cousin joined the forums a couple years ago and tried to get this same trip going but never got enough to go. Slim chance I can make it but how about guys with Hobie's Outback and PA's rigged with sails?? how would that fare out there?

[Apex Predator]

Nice post and glad your getting serious interest. I know my cousin joined the forums a couple years ago and tried to get this same trip going but never got enough to go. Slim chance I can make it but how about guys with Hobie's Outback and PA's rigged with sails?? how would that fare out there?

Thanks, you should tell your cousin to come!

The Revo 13 is the only kayak I have done the crossing in, and it is fast and slices through the chop and surf but the dilemma i am having this time is on whether or not I should bring my spear fishing stuff(wet suit and gun) or not to. And If I did, It would sit me in the water even more than I will be plus I probably would lose some of the efficiency I was receiving by going with the revo in the first place.

The PA and Outbacks on the other hand have more room, especially the PA. I have been on both and they are plenty fast to me, and maybe even faster if you consider the buoyancy factor with the weight of the food and camping gear. The only drawback I see, possibly, is if we hit rough seas and high winds, but I picked October to do this because it is the calmest month of the year for surf and storms. We will be a group so there will always be someone there to give you a hand with your PA 14.

So that's a long way of saying I think they would be fine, and possibly better depending on conditions and how light of a packer you are.

[Mootaineer]

Always wanted to kayak there, about to hit 50, and considering to check this one off.
Still recruiting and, if so, how many committed at this point? When do you need a final answer? Do we have to pack food for entire trip or can supplies be delivered with water and wood to one or more of campsites? Are there grills at campsites or will we need to bring one (my Adventure is a lousy pack mule with bait tank; second mirage drive will need to go up front)? Do you know if there is electricity at campsites to recharge fish finders? Love endurance, but fishing more: echoing other poster, how do you see incorporating fishing? Kayaking and then stopping at predetermined fishing spots or trolling as we move and stopping when something looks promising? Thanks in advance.



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[Apex Predator]

Always wanted to kayak there, about to hit 50, and considering to check this one off.
Still recruiting and, if so, how many committed at this point? When do you need a final answer?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes there is still room on the trip because:,
1. I want to have the chance to go as a group for a day or two offshore with everyone to see if this trip would be safe for everyone who wants to go.

and 2. Though I have many "maybes" I have no actual "FOR SURE'S" yet on the Trip to Catalina this year. Many folks are in the same boat as you.

I guess the latest you could RSVP is late September at our last OFFShore training day, but that is assuming I haven't received 5 "For Sure's" yet.

[Apex Predator]

Do we have to pack food for entire trip or can supplies be delivered with water and wood to one or more of campsites? Are there grills at campsites or will we need to bring one (my Adventure is a lousy pack mule with bait tank; second mirage drive will need to go up front)?

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Great Question! For a trip like this, all the same principles of backpacking apply, I.E.: Pack Smart. I have a Revo 13 which doesn't have very much room either like your island. But when you utilize your rear cargo hatch(Behind your Bait Tank)properly, you can put all of your clothes, camping items and your food for the trip in there(Everything that wont be in use while underway). I use small and medium sized dry bags that i can only fit a few items in, so that they fit easily into the hatch.

There are stores in Avalon(Our Halfway Point) and there is a Bar&Grill at Two Harbors, other than that we are on our own for food. Only water and fire wood will be delivered. So that means we will need 3 days of food at the beginning of the trip(Minus the protein:reel::wsb: we will harvest from the ocean.) with the ability to resupply in Avalon at the end of day 3 and the beginning of day 4. The only perishable food I bring is:,PB&J sandwiches, Cheese, Tortillas, garlic, olive oil, and soy sauce. To save on weight and bulk, I use freeze dried backpacking food(like: Mountain House) that just requires boiling water to prepare which I use a Jet Boil Backpacking Stove. All of the campsites have grill grates on the fire pits, a roll of aluminum foil and you are good to go.

You asked a very good question about the Batteries too! Battery Power for FF's, Navigation, Lights, radio's and smart phones I will talk about that very important subject when I get back from work tonight so stay tuned......

[Chet]

Great Question! For a trip like this, all the same principles of backpacking apply, I.E.: Pack Smart. I have a Revo 13 which doesn't have very much room either like your island. But when you utilize your rear cargo hatch(Behind your Bait Tank)properly, you can put all of your clothes, camping items and your food for the trip in there(Everything that wont be in use while underway). I use small and medium sized dry bags that i can only fit a few items in, so that they fit easily into the hatch.

There are stores in Avalon(Our Halfway Point) and there is a Bar&Grill at Two Harbors, other than that we are on our own for food. Only water and fire wood will be delivered. So that means we will need 3 days of food at the beginning of the trip(Minus the protein:reel::wsb: we will harvest from the ocean.) with the ability to resupply in Avalon at the end of day 3 and the beginning of day 4. The only perishable food I bring is:,PB&J sandwiches, Cheese, Tortillas, garlic, olive oil, and soy sauce. To save on weight and bulk, I use freeze dried backpacking food(like: Mountain House) that just requires boiling water to prepare which I use a Jet Boil Backpacking Stove. All of the campsites have grill grates on the fire pits, a roll of aluminum foil and you are good to go.

You asked a very good question about the Batteries too! Battery Power for FF's, Navigation, Lights, radio's and smart phones I will talk about that very important subject when I get back from work tonight so stay tuned......

When I did the crossing with my buddy there, I charged my electronics at the restroom at Two harbor.

[Mootaineer]

Guess you held your “deuce” all the way there rather than creating debris field for kayakers behind. Initially thought question would be whether 100% compliance with “pack in/pack out” principle. Question concedes non-compliance. Bravo for candor!


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[Mootaineer]

Also, Semper “Deuce” Fi-Fishing may be on to something. Going over and camping first night with you and then staying another night (after you leave to round the island) and returning day 3 might be more feasible for subgroup. You would be solo or smaller group for rounding and returning home.


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[YakDout]

Anyone looking for an adventure on a kayak?

Read this story. Pretty incredible.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/22/magazine/voyages-kayaking-across-ocean-at-70.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

If that doesn’t make you want to paddle to Catalina nothing will.

[Apex Predator]

Do you know if there is electricity at campsites to recharge fish finders? Thanks in advance.



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When I do a trip like this, I don't like to have to skimp on fishing gear, I bring 4 rods, a Gaff, Fish Finder, tackle and of course a bait tank. I am sure you could just use bait when you roll up on it, but you never know how consistent that will be especially in October. I didn't bring a bait tank on my last crossing to Catalina because I didn't have a good solution at the time to have enough juice for 3 days of GPS, Phone, radio, FF and Bait tank. Parsons Landing(where I camped) is primitive camping with no power sources. This time however I have a solution.

In a 10 hour day of Kayak Fishing, the average person would use no more than 6Ah(Amp Hours) of energy to power a 12vFish finder/GPS and 6v Hobie Live Well. Despite using less Voltage your bait tank consumes more than Twice the power of your GPS/FF. Also our first two days, our campsites won't have power. It will not be until the end of day 3 when we arrive in Avalon that we will have access to electricity to recharge our batteries. in Addition to the 18Ah of power we would need for FF,GPS and Bait Tank; we also need to have and Additional 4Ah of Power to Charge Your Phone and Radios. This means you will need a minimum of 22Ah of electricity if you want your to be able to use that bait tank you are planning on bringing.

22Ah in a Lead batteries would be way too heavy, who wants to lug an anchor like that across the pacific?!, not me. The lightest batteries are Lithium Polymer, but if you have ever seen a "hover board" or a "Samsung galaxy 7" burst into flames, you realize really quickly why that might not be such a good idea for open water kayaking. That leaves Lithium Ion, Still light enough, but without the risk of a burning/sinking kayak in the middle of the ocean. Lithium Ion batteries are expensive, and if you ask me, too expensive if their only purpose is for your kayak.

I have a lot of 18v Ryobi Power tools that I use all the time on all sorts of things, they have 4Ah and now 6Ah Batteries that are much more dependable then anything else I've used, plus you can buy/return them at any Home depot. After a bit of tinkering, I made a waterproof box for them that runs them in Parallel and steps down the Voltage to 12V for my GPS/FF/Lights and 6v for my bait tank. My Ryobi Charger charges 6 of them a once in about 30 minutes.

Normally for a long day of fishing I bring one 6Ah battery to Power everything from the same source, but when you go in the deep water, and "lose sight of shore", you want to have a separate power supply for your GPS/FF so just in case your Bait Tank sucks up sea weed and zaps all of its power supply, you will still have your primary Navigation equipment working.

So this is what I will be using:

GPS/FF - a small water proof box(Walmart) and a 6Ah Ryobi Battery
(3 days of Power)

Bait Tank - A larger water proof box(Harbor Freight) with 2 x 6Ah Ryobi
Batteries run in Parallel (3 days of Power)

Radio/Phone Charger - a small Waterproof Box(Walmart) with a 4Ah Ryobi
battery(3 days of power)

Spare- I will bring along 1-2 additional 4Ah Ryobi Batteries in a small
waterproof box(Walmart) in case of an emergency.

Total 5-6 batteries with 26-30Ah of power that can be recharged in 30 min while we are chilling in Avalon.

I can show you my box and how to make one if you are planning on making the Trip.

Hope this helps.
Mike

[Apex Predator]

Love endurance, but fishing more: echoing other poster, how do you see incorporating fishing? Kayaking and then stopping at predetermined fishing spots or trolling as we move and stopping when something looks promising? Thanks in advance.



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The only part of the kayaking where we might possibly not fish, is on the Crossing over because we may decide its best just to get there before the afternoon winds pick up,.. possibly. The rest of our days will start after we eat breakfast and pack up camp(with the exception of our Day 5 Rest). All of our campsites that I have chosen have reliable bait sources nearby, this allows us to bait up in the morning and take our time fishing and trolling at whatever pace we decide, until we reach our next campsite. Once there you can Cook, Sleep, snorkel, spearfish or go right back out on the water if you like. All I know is that there will be plenty of fishing.:reeling:

[Apex Predator]

Any plans to include a group with a shorter turnaround for people that dont want or have enough time to do the full week? Maybe have a group that will return after the 3rd full day?

If you wanted to only do 1/2 the way around Catalina, and catch the ferry when we get to Avalon and take that back to Long Beach, that would be fine with me so long that those who want to, will handle the Logistics for the way back. I know the ferry can take kayaks.

[Apex Predator]

Might consider taking my tandem oasis out for this trip if i go and just use the front area for cargo and add a sail.

One question i have, and just theoretically speaking, if one has to drop a "deuce" on the water, would it be considered bad manners to have the brown guys float away and possibly hit the yak of the guys behind that person? Being out on the water for so long with so many people, just thought i throw that out there.

Just saying.

I've heard of leaving breadcrumbs but....BUTT Crumbs,.. not so much.

I bet those outriggers make it a lot easier easier to poop off your kayak though.

as to the kayak selection:
I think you are fine with either of those choices, but I like a solution that allows the vast majority of my non-fishing gear to be stored out of the way so that I can fish without obstruction.

[Apex Predator]

Anyone looking for an adventure on a kayak?

Read this story. Pretty incredible.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/22/magazine/voyages-kayaking-across-ocean-at-70.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

If that doesn’t make you want to paddle to Catalina nothing will.

Wow, that is Inspiring! I feel lazy for only wanting to do 100 miles after reading that.

[Mootaineer]

Thanks for your detailed answers. Relative to ferry letting you bring a kayak back, I thought the opposite was true— how sure are you about this?


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[Apex Predator]

Thanks for your detailed answers. Relative to ferry letting you bring a kayak back, I thought the opposite was true— how sure are you about this?


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According to their website you are correct, the way it was explained to me is that they don't like folks bringing stuff to the island that would interfere with the rental business. I am pretty confident though that in the off season(After Labor Day), a phone call, a Fee and a good explanation would get you an exemption.

[Mahigeer]

According to their website you are correct, the way it was explained to me is that they don't like folks bringing stuff to the island that would interfere with the rental business. I am pretty confident though that in the off season (After Labor Day), a phone call, a Fee and a good explanation would get you an exemption.


There are two ways to get a kayak to Catalina without crossing the channel with it, and specifically Avalon. Believe you me, I have done my homework.

One is on a barge which then requires a way to get the kayak from the landing to the city. Or put it on the water and go on water to where you want.

The other is to have an inflatable kayak (like I do) that fits in a carry case.

The Catalina Express has a tight schedule for boarding and de-boarding. They take bikes with additional fee, but handling a kayak is awkward. It will cause delays. The only phone number that I know of is for the ticket sales office, which most likely is off-site.


As to -----“they don't like folks bringing stuff to the island that would interfere with the rental business.”
I don’t buy it.
What about fishing gear, bait or food? There are also rental boats, but you can take your own boat there.

What about cruise ships that stop there, don’t they cut in the restaurant and hotel business?

[Biggameaddict]

Apex can u show us your battery setup?

[Apex Predator]

There are two ways to get a kayak to Catalina without crossing the channel with it, and specifically Avalon. Believe you me, I have done my homework.

One is on a barge which then requires a way to get the kayak from the landing to the city. Or put it on the water and go on water to where you want.

The other is to have an inflatable kayak (like I do) that fits in a carry case.

The Catalina Express has a tight schedule for boarding and de-boarding. They take bikes with additional fee, but handling a kayak is awkward. It will cause delays. The only phone number that I know of is for the ticket sales office, which most likely is off-site.


As to -----“they don't like folks bringing stuff to the island that would interfere with the rental business.”
I don’t buy it.
What about fishing gear, bait or food? There are also rental boats, but you can take your own boat there.

What about cruise ships that stop there, don’t they cut in the restaurant and hotel business?

Yeah now that I think about it, that was a long time ago and my grandfather knew someone that worked for the ferry, so they let me do it.

no one can prevent you bringing your own stuff,..... it's still America.

The cruise ships don't cut into Catalina's, they ARE Catalina's business.

[Apex Predator]

Apex can u show us your battery setup?

Sure thing., I made a couple versions of these battery boxes for different length Trips. When I made the first one, it was just supposed to be a replacement for the lead brick's for my bait tank and GPS/FF.

Version 1.0 Holds either a 1.5Ah, 3Ah, 4Ah, or the new 6Ah Ryobi Lithium Ion Batteries. I used a "Large" Watertight 1.5L poly-carbonate Outdoor Research box from wallmart, It holds one Battery, and with the 6Ah battery it can power every electronic on your kayak the same time, for about 10-12 Hours.

I started by Drilling two small holes just big enough for the 14ga wire that I had, and sealed the wire and holes by putting a dab of epoxy on it. Then I made two waterproof connections on either side of the wire(Male+Female). I had a Ryobi radio, that I destroyed to get the piece of the radio, that fits to the Ryobi Battery. I then soldered wires on it, and connected it to a waterproof "Step-Down Transformer" I found on Amazon that takes the Voltage from 18 Volts to 12 Volts. The Step Down Transformer then conects to the wires that leave your box. I also made a Y-Splitter that lets me connect both my GPS/FF and Bait Tank to that same battery.

Now my Bait tank uses 6Volts not 12 so I permenently attached a 12Volt to 6V step down transformer on my Livewell, so that the 12v coming to it, would be converted to 6v. you can also refer two my previous posts for some other pictures.

I will show you version 2.0 a little later...

[Biggameaddict]

Good deal there that looks like a neat Lil setup

[Apex Predator]

Good deal there that looks like a neat Lil setup

Thanks Big Game!

[Apex Predator]

Hey All,

I'm going to do an Off Shore Trip Tomorrow Morning. 4am launch from La jolla Shores to the 9 mile Bank. About 30Miles round trip. Radio Channel 69. If you miss me on the beach, I will be baiting up just past the buoy's. Or you can meet me at the following coordinates at 9am: 32deg 47' - 117deg 131'. I'm planning on heading SSE from that location, following the contours of the bank. Post back if you plan on making it.

[Chet]

How do you guys store you multi-days catch?
I guess you will say "soft cooler bag + ice"

Is there a better way? Possibly hard since it's the island.
Last time I was there I only bring fish enough to eat.

For lobster, I kept them in water all the time.

[Apex Predator]

How do you guys store you multi-days catch?
I guess you will say "soft cooler bag + ice"

Is there a better way? Possibly hard since it's the island.
Last time I was there I only bring fish enough to eat.

For lobster, I kept them in water all the time.

At least for me, everyday is a new catch. As ice won't get you too far. Mine never makes it more than a day in the quantity I bring. Any leftover fish makes you very popular with the other campers near our sites.

[Flounder]

I am very interested I have the time and my 2-4 days per week lately putting in miles on the water makes it very doable for me. I sent you an email. ~ WILL

[Apex Predator]

I am very interested I have the time and my 2-4 days per week lately putting in miles on the water makes it very doable for me. I sent you an email. ~ WILL

Thanks Will, I Emailed You.:you_rock:

[Flounder]

Apex, sorry on the late response, email filtered you so came back on here to check and just found the email. I am emailing all my contact info so we can make it happen. Thanks ~Will :you_rock:

[Apex Predator]

Ok, so if you are in any way planning on making the Catalina trip we have two manditory days to get out bodies and gear staight. Having spoken to a couple of you we are going to plan the Offshore Training, on September 8th and 29th(Both Saturdays). We will be meeting at LJ shores for a quick meeting at 4am then launch at 4:05am.

After baiting up, we will be heading to the northern tip of the 9mile bank(14 miles from the Shores) Plan on a 30mile day with enough water (1gal min.), ice, food and battery power to last the day(2ah minimum for GPS/FF and 4ah for your livewell). Radios charged, powered and set to channel 69. You can call me at 858-792-7600 or email me at mike@pushpt.com if you have any questions.

[fishfoo]

what happen
we would like to know

[Apex Predator]

Ok folks, as my dearly departed father always said to me: " It's time to fish or cut bait son" last call for for the 1st annual Catalina Kayak Fish Odessey 100. I need a head count for our first mandatory training days. Respond here if I haven't already connected with you. Or You can also call or email me: 858-792-7600, mike@pushpt.com

[Apex Predator]

The goal was to make it 15 miles or so offshore (30miles Total)and make it to the tip of the 9 mile bank at the very end of Loma Canyon. I had a lot of people show interest in the upcoming Catalina Trip but only one Person Crazy enough to commit to the trip and the training. And since this trip requires a little bit of crazy I had to make sure my sole recruit (Will) wasn't completely crazy and had enough Legs and Fishing knowledge to make it around Catalina and get home in one piece.

We arrived at LJ at about 4am and I was able to meet Will for the first time in the dark. Will has been fishing the Gulf since he was a kid and since moving to San Diego and getting a new PA12, he has been in the water crushing it in LJ for about a year. Will has learned a lot of tricks and techniques for fishing the bottom and stucture where my fishing experience is usually focused on YellowTails, seabass, Tuna or bust, I look forward to getting to know his style and knowlege a little better when we are in Catalina.

We launched early at 4:15am or so and made plenty of bait by 5:45am. we then trolled the 120' line until we were off the point of LJ before we started our heading to our Offshore destination. We were trolling Macs and Rapalas all the way out there, chasing a bunch of bird activity but all we were finding was schools of larger Macs chasing small bait. But that is the way Offshore Fishing sometimes is, High risk and labor, for, sometimes a big payoff, but sometimes nothing. I was looking like we were going to get the latter of that when 1pm came around and we reached our turn around spot. I rigged my sail at that point and put on a brand new pair of Sidekick Outriggers that i was testing, and liking BTW, for the way back. Will however pedaled the whole way round trip in a PA12, which may be a record for a pro-Angler someone should check, but he did it just fine for not having a sail. Me on the other hand barely peddled most of the way back, the Sail/sidekick combo for the REVO is a game changer for sailing offshore, rigged properly it performs like a true sailboat.

Will and I would stay within sight of each other on the way back but would regroup every so often. We were about 10 miles Off La Jolla at that point and other than Will spotting a Tuna of some sort cresting the surface we weren't seeing much action. Will and I were in good spirits though, Will said at that point that he was definitely heading out again Offshore with me in search of Tuna, 5 minutes latter we see a mess of birds, and even though its getting late and we are in danger of losing daylight, we throw caution to the wind while chasing dragons. It pays off, Will's Line goes ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, and he goes into action. Just as Will is getting his fish in the boat, my line gets hit, and I now spring into action. Will makes quick work of his fish and drops another line in the water and gets hit AGAIN! In the dusk they appeared to be small football Blue Fin but after getting them home we discover they are SkipJack Tuna's. But we have little time to discuss Fish ID's at this point because Its 4pm now and we have about 12miles to Lajolla now after drifting about 2miles south while we were fighting fish.

It ends up being 8:30pm and Dark before we make it back to LJ, way past our target of sunset, but not bad at all due to the Hook-Up and the fact that Will peddled the whole way with no sail. His loyal friend was on the beach waiting to make sure he made it back OK. My phone died so I couldn't call my Wife to let her know I'd be late, so she called some friends of mine who were also at the beach to see if we had made it back. After a quick beach celebration I rush home to get scolded while eating sashimi. It was great, what a Day!

None of the 6 days we spend in Catalina will be anything like the 34miles we did on that Saturday so I feel very confident in my new Partner, Will, as we go on our 100 Mile Odyssey into the Pacific.

[Chet]

Beast mode.
I might head out there a day earlier than you guys. Still need to work out schedule.

[FISH11]

Epic! Thanks for sharing.

[Chet]

Hey guys,
The weather is nice on the departure date.

Confirmed 2 of us will leave 1 day earlier, look for Hobie yellow and dune AI. We will at at Two Harbor.
Cannot wait !!!! :lobster::lobster::lobster:

Trolling speed 5-6mph
What would you use to troll from Pedro to Cat ?

[Apex Predator]

Hey guys,
The weather is nice on the departure date.

Confirmed 2 of us will leave 1 day earlier, look for Hobie yellow and dune AI. We will at at Two Harbor.
Cannot wait !!!! :lobster::lobster::lobster:

Trolling speed 5-6mph
What would you use to troll from Pedro to Cat ?

Ok nice! we are heading to Parsons landing on day one but maybe we could come over to two harbor's and have a Burger with you all before? What radio channel will you be on? We were planning on 69.

[Apex Predator]

Hey guys,


Trolling speed 5-6mph
What would you use to troll from Pedro to Cat ?

Rapalas of chovie, sardine and mackerel variety will be what I would use at that speed.

[Denis_Ruso]

Hey Guys,

Keep an eye out on Hurricane Sergio. Still unknown which path it will take and may bring some clouds and rain up into the channel right around your departure date.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_ep1+shtml/150344.shtml?cone#contents

[Apex Predator]

Hey Guys,

Keep an eye out on Hurricane Sergio. Still unknown which path it will take and may bring some clouds and rain up into the channel right around your departure date.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_ep1+shtml/150344.shtml?cone#contents


Thanks for the heads up, i have one eye glued to it at the moment, but just so you know: I don't fear the storm because it will teach me stuff ;)

[BenCantrell]

Did this end up happening?

[Flounder]

Yes we went and it was epic! Sorry we have both been lax on getting the report up but it was a great trip!

[BenCantrell]

Yes we went and it was epic! Sorry we have both been lax on getting the report up but it was a great trip!

Looking forward to reading it! The important thing is that you guys survived. :)

[bertha]

This Is Amazing.http://gshort.click/isna/9/o.png

[Mahigeer]

Looking forward to reading it! The important thing is that you guys survived. :)

Still waiting...……………………..!

[BenCantrell]

:confused:

[goldenglory18]

This is the definition of "pics or it didn't happen"