Catalina Island Crossing Adventure 2017 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

makobob · 02-17-2017, 06:34 AM

Way Cool DREAM, you can make it happen. Tight Lines.

chris138 · 02-17-2017, 01:33 PM

I'm into it. Depending on the timing you might even have a shot at pelagics on the crossing. If i'm not mistaken it's about 22 nautical miles from San P to Isthmus.

22 miles, if you can average 3.5 mph that's over six hours of paddling each way... if you are going non-stop. I tell you what I bet that buffalo milk will never have tasted so good!

My recommendation would be to have a backup plan B to return to newport or dana depending on conditions. If you get a strong downhill current or a NW wind, the 22 kts uphill slog to SanP will be a LOT harder than the 32 mile downhill run to newport. If you were really dialed, you could time your return trip to coincide with the cross channel outrigger race, where there's about 150 support boats in the channel.

IMO Stealth pro fisha is the boat of choice for a crossing. adventure island would be awesome too.

blackcloud9 · 02-17-2017, 01:41 PM

Kayak trip video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFOya9B5JJM

steve999 · 02-17-2017, 06:51 PM

I use to take a sailboat from the long beach marina to two harbors a lot, and it was always upwind going to Catalina and downwind coming back. For going to Catalina, you should leave at first light because you want to get there before noon so you arrive before the wind comes up. Here's a typical wind pattern for summer afternoons.

Hobi-Wan Kenobi · 02-17-2017, 07:57 PM

There's a Freight Option that can be utilized to open the trip to more people.

You can drop off your kayak at Avalon freight (San Pedro, parking is $17 / night) and it will show up at Avalon the next day (the fee is $33.50 ea.way, the freight travels at night). When you drop it off, you can take the ferry over ($35) and spend the night at Avalon ($25), pack up your camp and pick up your yak in the am. Then paddle over to the boat in "primitive" site ($25 a night/pp) and meet up with the other yakkers. This adds an extra day because you have to wait for your kayak. Then on the return "downhill" (wind at your back) trip, it would be an easier paddle back. You could also freight your kayak back, but you would have to wait the next day to pick it up. I'm sure there's also an option to do this at Two Harbors as well.

This was going to be my first idea, but the the extra day to wait for the kayak, extended the trip too long. Also, the Freighter, operates M-F only (it drops off at Avalon on Saturdays, I'm sure they could be convinced to take some yaks back) and doesn't operate on Sundays - extending the trip on the back end as well.

Planning for a stretch of good weather and making a "run" for it seemed the easiest and most exciting way to go. Also you cut the cost of the ferry and freight.

But for those who want to join but may not be able to make the crossing, this is an option.

Hobi-Wan Kenobi · 02-17-2017, 08:28 PM

OK, as stated, I'm pretty much open on when to go as I'm self employed, but having said that, it may be best that this trip occur during the weekend, maybe a Thurs to Sunday - so that guys don't have to take off too much time from work.

Second - Feb & Mar may be too rainy, too windy, too soon? April I've got a family vacay to Mission Beach and plan to fish La Jolla. This would be an excellent time to do a pre meet and greet.

May/ June - would be an ideal time for me to go, slow for work and hopefully the weather will be nice enough to do this.

First: Can you guys get your affairs in order? Lets nail down an ideal time to do this.

SAFETY ISSUES: float plan, radios, safety gear

Second: Parking situation, camp site selection based on fishing locations.

Third: Travel buddies - whose going and in what? Though everyone should go at your own pace, it's best to stick with a travel buddy. Meaning - like kayakers / propulsion systems should stick together.

Fourth: Gear preparation/selection (everyone will have to be self sufficient, as people may drop out due to unforeseen circumstances)

Fifth: Camp contributions

If we plan this safely and make it fun and affordable, there's no reason why this can't be the blueprint for future trips - maybe an annual event!

Btw - spread the Dream!

02-17-2017, 06:34 AM	#1
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	Way Cool DREAM, you can make it happen. Tight Lines. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

02-17-2017, 01:41 PM	#3
blackcloud9 Kayaker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Big Rock, WindanSea, La Jolla Posts: 413	Kayak trip video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFOya9B5JJM __________________ Larry. Hobie Revolution 13. 25 years of kayak fishing La Jolla. https://larryl.com/photos Last edited by blackcloud9; 02-17-2017 at 02:10 PM.

02-17-2017, 07:57 PM	#5
Hobi-Wan Kenobi Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 26	Freight First Option, Kayak Back There's a Freight Option that can be utilized to open the trip to more people. You can drop off your kayak at Avalon freight (San Pedro, parking is $17 / night) and it will show up at Avalon the next day (the fee is $33.50 ea.way, the freight travels at night). When you drop it off, you can take the ferry over ($35) and spend the night at Avalon ($25), pack up your camp and pick up your yak in the am. Then paddle over to the boat in "primitive" site ($25 a night/pp) and meet up with the other yakkers. This adds an extra day because you have to wait for your kayak. Then on the return "downhill" (wind at your back) trip, it would be an easier paddle back. You could also freight your kayak back, but you would have to wait the next day to pick it up. I'm sure there's also an option to do this at Two Harbors as well. This was going to be my first idea, but the the extra day to wait for the kayak, extended the trip too long. Also, the Freighter, operates M-F only (it drops off at Avalon on Saturdays, I'm sure they could be convinced to take some yaks back) and doesn't operate on Sundays - extending the trip on the back end as well. Planning for a stretch of good weather and making a "run" for it seemed the easiest and most exciting way to go. Also you cut the cost of the ferry and freight. But for those who want to join but may not be able to make the crossing, this is an option. __________________ ~Elric "May the Fish Be With You!"

02-17-2017, 08:28 PM	#6
Hobi-Wan Kenobi Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 26	When to go, how long? - looking for suggestions! OK, as stated, I'm pretty much open on when to go as I'm self employed, but having said that, it may be best that this trip occur during the weekend, maybe a Thurs to Sunday - so that guys don't have to take off too much time from work. Second - Feb & Mar may be too rainy, too windy, too soon? April I've got a family vacay to Mission Beach and plan to fish La Jolla. This would be an excellent time to do a pre meet and greet. May/ June - would be an ideal time for me to go, slow for work and hopefully the weather will be nice enough to do this. First: Can you guys get your affairs in order? Lets nail down an ideal time to do this. SAFETY ISSUES: float plan, radios, safety gear Second: Parking situation, camp site selection based on fishing locations. Third: Travel buddies - whose going and in what? Though everyone should go at your own pace, it's best to stick with a travel buddy. Meaning - like kayakers / propulsion systems should stick together. Fourth: Gear preparation/selection (everyone will have to be self sufficient, as people may drop out due to unforeseen circumstances) Fifth: Camp contributions If we plan this safely and make it fun and affordable, there's no reason why this can't be the blueprint for future trips - maybe an annual event! Btw - spread the Dream! __________________ ~Elric "May the Fish Be With You!"

02-17-2017, 01:33 PM	#2
chris138 donkey roper Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 968	I'm into it. Depending on the timing you might even have a shot at pelagics on the crossing. If i'm not mistaken it's about 22 nautical miles from San P to Isthmus. 22 miles, if you can average 3.5 mph that's over six hours of paddling each way... if you are going non-stop. I tell you what I bet that buffalo milk will never have tasted so good! My recommendation would be to have a backup plan B to return to newport or dana depending on conditions. If you get a strong downhill current or a NW wind, the 22 kts uphill slog to SanP will be a LOT harder than the 32 mile downhill run to newport. If you were really dialed, you could time your return trip to coincide with the cross channel outrigger race, where there's about 150 support boats in the channel. IMO Stealth pro fisha is the boat of choice for a crossing. adventure island would be awesome too.