Catalina Crossing -SUMMER 2014

[87yota4runner]

I really need to get some salt/trolling gear. I only have my freshwater spin-casters, a cheapo walmart ocean spin-caster, and a really old sportfisher ocean side 5'1 medium with a penn 350 levelwind. I just pulled the levelwind apart and cleaned it up(and lost and replaced the springs for the reverse lock and levelwind clicker) but once i started spooling it up i realized that the drag washers are shot(or so i think), if enough tension is put on the line, the drag loosens up enough to basically let the line free spool, doubt it could even bring in a crappie:


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[lowprofile]

I did a 17 mile group trip from Pensacola pier to Navarre pier while in Florida. We had 8 yaks and went out about 2.5 miles at the most which added a little more distance to the 17mile straight line course. We traveled at a constant 2.5 nauts and with the wind and swell to our backs were able to get up to 6nmph for about half an hour. The faster trolling speed really set off the bite. Anyways, we launched at 6 am, had to make rudder repairs to one yak mid trip, which cost us an hour, and landed at our destination after 5pm. It should have only took Us 7 hours, but between landing fish and keeping the group together and operational, it took almost 12hours.

Just something to consider.

[87yota4runner]

Oh wow the whole ridder thing didnt cross my mind, is that kinda needed to make the crossing? Also my explorer is only 11'3", does that pose a problem? If theres anyone out there who does the crossing in something smaller like a minix or play please let me know so i can feel a little more comfortable haha
And it sounds like its at least a 12 hour trip? So do you leave ant like 5-6 in the morning or is there certain times that you can let the current and wind help push you along?


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[cabojohn]

This paddle is ONLY for those who have experience and the right tools for the job!!
You must be in top physical condition to even consider this type of paddle.

**WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANYONE.

*If you are asking if you / your kayak can make the paddle, what gear you need, how long will the paddle take etc...THIS trip IS NOT for YOU.


__________________________________________________ ____

*We will host some other shorter / local one way Paddle~N~Fish this spring/ summer with possible bail out points along the way. Stay tuned.

[Fishwhisperer619]

No not really. It does help but as long as the people leading the way keep a steady course all you have to do is follow. You're pretty much dependent on the line they make

[87yota4runner]

The right to refuse anyone? So say you deemed me unfit for the trip, but I showed at the same time as you guys to do my own paddle to Catalina camping trip, would you just refuse to speak to me the whole trip? Haha

[Squid Vicious]

Originally Posted by 87yota4runner

The right to refuse anyone? So say you deemed me unfit for the trip, but I showed at the same time as you guys to do my own paddle to Catalina camping trip, would you just refuse to speak to me the whole trip? Haha

.....I think you will do good trolling to catalina....your a good troller...now see if he bites

[Fishwhisperer619]

Originally Posted by 87yota4runner

The right to refuse anyone? So say you deemed me unfit for the trip, but I showed at the same time as you guys to do my own paddle to Catalina camping trip, would you just refuse to speak to me the whole trip? Haha

Not only that, but questions like gear and time of travel aren't reasons to tell someone they can't go. I'm a college athlete and in better shape than most and those are questions I also asked. Little harsh to me but I agree that someone unprepared will only ruin it for others. But that can't be determind now, more like the month of the trip. Either way I'm ready

[87yota4runner]

Haha I'm the best. Done it sooooo many times and rather than catching anything, I lost gear lol
So how do you guys set up the smaller one way trips? As in how do you get back to your car?

[alanw]

I'm in no shape to make this paddle, but for the rest of you this site says there's Yellowtail, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Marlin, and Rockfish along the way at the "Avalon Bank" and the "14 Mile Bank"

[87yota4runner]

Originally Posted by alanw

I'm in no shape to make this paddle, but for the rest of you this site says there's Yellowtail, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Marlin, and Rockfish along the way at the "Avalon Bank" and the "14 Mile Bank"

That is an awesome site, thank you for the link.


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[Big T]

While I agree with Cabojohn about one thing, as you "probably" aren't mentally or physically (Endurance paddling-wise) if you're asking said questions, I'm assuming if you want to show up and paddle with everyone, you will be acknowledged, but probably told that you're making a dumb and boneheaded decision by someone... Guaranteed.

I've crossed the channel many times (but never on a yak) on small craft and even with the aid of a motor and lack of physical effort on my part, the catalina channel has given me my share of challenges. Some of which would have eaten my lunch on an ill prepared kayak trip. Some of which were NOWHERE in the weather/noaa forecast.

My .02

[Fishwhisperer619]

I don't think anyone expects to just show up and paddle out there. But questions need to be asked by some people, better than not asking and just showing up thinking its gonna be a piece of cake. Can people become a liability if they aren't in shape? Yes, no one wants a trip to fall apart because someone couldn't do it.

But if my calendar is right, which it is, its march 3rd and this trip isn't projected to go until atleast June, which is atleast 3 months away. Decisions of who doesn't get to go (even though no one has that power, even cabojohn) can't really be assessed until atleast the month of the trip, or atleast seeing the person on the water.

MY $0.02

[Big T]

A qualification run two weeks out? Dana Point to somewhere in Newport harbor? Not the same thing and about 7 miles shorter, but if you start later in the morning, the wind can offer more of a challenge. Just a thought.

[Fishwhisperer619]

I would if I lived remotely close but I'm in chula vista. You can do something up there for those in that area. I can try and organize one for down here that goes from mission bay to sd bay? Anyone in the sd area wanting to do this trip and wants to prep for it pm me and we can organize some trips.

[Big T]

Originally Posted by Fishwhisperer619

I would if I lived remotely close but I'm in chula vista. You can do something up there for those in that area. I can try and organize one for down here that goes from mission bay to sd bay? Anyone in the sd area wanting to do this trip and wants to prep for it pm me and we can organize some trips.

Nah!! Just paddle here from SD... then join em for the rest! Hardcore!

[Fishwhisperer619]

Originally Posted by Big T

Nah!! Just paddle here from SD... then join em for the rest! Hardcore!

I'm not a badass like you hahahahaha I saw your hooping post and people hating on you

[Big T]

Originally Posted by Fishwhisperer619

I'm not a badass like you hahahahaha I saw your hooping post and people hating on you

Apparently it's a curse now.

I seriously WISH I could do this trip... would be such a neat bucket list sort of thing! I know I'm a strong paddler for the most part, but I've never paddled for THAT long... I could only imagine the cramps I'd get.

This sort of thing does give me some possible incentive to go out and do some extended paddling to see if I'm even close. I was chasing whales in Dana Point a couple of weeks ago and cramped up after being out there for a few hours straight paddling non stop... but maybe my arms and back recovered stronger so i could do it just 30 mins longer this week.... hmmmmmm The possibilities.

[Fishwhisperer619]

You could always rent a hobie from oex sunset beach and make the trip that much easier with a mirage drive. I just got a PA 14 and will be making the voyage with that. I had planned on doing it with my wilderness systems ride 120 but sold it and got this. Ready to rock! Mine is caguama, just waiting on my elite-4 hdi to come in now

[alanw]

Originally Posted by Fishwhisperer619

You could always rent a hobie from oex sunset beach and make the trip that much easier with a mirage drive. I just got a PA 14 and will be making the voyage with that. I had planned on doing it with my wilderness systems ride 120 but sold it and got this. Ready to rock! Mine is caguama, just waiting on my elite-4 hdi to come in now

Dude that might be a tough peddle on a wide barge like the PA. Go with the Adventure Island