What goodies sit in the Carlsbad Canyon?

[LawDog]

Originally Posted by surfisher

Honestly, I fish there at least 2-3 times a week and it's ok at best. Even with all the YT around this summer, I've noticed they come and go through this area. It has it's days when the fishing can be good, but a majority of the time it is slow. It definitely gets hammered by it's share of PB'ers (mostly in the afternoon after they come in offshore), and more recently, kayakers. The kind of structure near that kelp is nothing close to LJ, as it's sand bottom all the way out (besides the reef on the inside). Most fishfinder's will show you the contour lines your looking for.

I'm not trying to shoot down your idea of paddling out but just go out with lower expectations and you will have a great day ... and like you have learned, keep an eye on that surf.

You sure do fish this mediocre spot quite a bit.

[kareem korn]

I know the area really well. I fish it from longboard, sup and kayak. It's not the best fishery and reminds me of lake fishing. You can go a long time between catching. But every now and than you get surprised. the kelp has been healthy and thick for the last five years, but with the hot water for long periods of time it's dying off again. That will probably slow the fishing even more.
As far as the canyon, I don't have much luck there. mostly hit the high spots around it for the occasional rockfish.

[spicolly]

Originally Posted by surfisher

If your looking for halibut, I have seen some nice ones pulled up on the north end of the kelp, also by the artificial reef in front of tamarack jetties. I also need to try army navy kelp, as every time I surf state I see birds working off that kelp line. Tamarack kelp also can have it's day, but what I have noticed is water color plays a huge role in this area for what will bite and what won't. Also lately, it seems like the lagoon has purged itself of all the eel grass and there is a ton of it floating around by the kelp which makes trolling a bitch.

Originally Posted by kareem korn

I know the area really well. I fish it from longboard, sup and kayak. It's not the best fishery and reminds me of lake fishing. You can go a long time between catching. But every now and than you get surprised. the kelp has been healthy and thick for the last five years, but with the hot water for long periods of time it's dying off again. That will probably slow the fishing even more.
As far as the canyon, I don't have much luck there. mostly hit the high spots around it for the occasional rockfish.

Thanks y'all - this is good info. My expectations are low for fishing. While catching is fun, I really enjoy being on the water. The exercise and solitude in nature on a glassy morning is worth it. If I can paddle out and explore a "new-to-me" area that's less crowded than La Jolla's busy summertime weekend beach crowd, I'm all in. It's still sketchy for me to leave my yak unattended on the beach at LJ after landing while I'm getting my car. Cheers!

[surfisher]

Originally Posted by LawDog

You sure do fish this mediocre spot quite a bit.

Ha, it's more or less laziness. I hit it after work for a few hours. I'd rather not sit in traffic for LJ.


Spicolly, if you see me out there .... let me know! Olive hobie revo ...

[spicolly]

Originally Posted by surfisher

Ha, it's more or less laziness. I hit it after work for a few hours. I'd rather not sit in traffic for LJ.


Spicolly, if you see me out there .... let me know! Olive hobie revo ...

Will do...blue Outback.