So I ve been doing lots of fishing in the flats/canals/bays lately, and been having pretty consistent luck. Who goes nearshore/offshore? This is something Ive never done, but reallly want to try. I even bought some lures and wire leaders etc to go out there, but I dont know where to begin lol. Does anyone have a clue where to start? Id really like to catch a king before the summer is over. If someone doesnt mind a tag along, or could point me in the right direction id be grateful!

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TARPON 140

Hello OMC and Welcome to JKF!!

If you look at the top of this page, you will see ARTICLES, and here is an easy link to it:

http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/articles.html

Scroll down and KayakMike has authored and listed several very good articles, and first check out the one on fishing the ocean and getting out thru the surf and then re-entry.
Then, check out the articles specific to kingfish and tarpon and you will be well on your way to learning how to fish out on the Big Water!! Good Luck!!
JohnYaksJax

PS: There are actually many threads about surf launching in here to, and if you click on "Search" under the JKF logo above you and search literally thousands of posts!!

Here is one that you should SERIOUSLY pay attention to, and hopefully Flip Fishman and I and others provided some helpful info:

topic22327.html?hilit=launching

Follow the advice in the articles and what JYJ has to say. It's a different ball game when your out there. Do a couple of trial runs WITHOUT gear so you get the feel for launch and reentry without having to worry about losing gear.

I just found out last weekend that I can fit two 7foot combos in my front hatch while I'm on the water. This is the best news I could get because now I'm not worried about them breaking when (not if) I flip during reentry. A waterproof VHF would be a smart investment and also go with a buddy if you can.

When the kings show up in numbers, you can probably count on me being out there every afternoon that I can.

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OK Trident 13
OK Drifter 12
Northeast Outfitters Canoe 14

Awesome! Thanks for the welcome and the tips. Flipping my kayaking and breaking/losing my gear are my big concerns. I plan on doing all the reading/research I can practice entering and exiting the surf then... just go for it i suppose!

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TARPON 140

I'm gonna fish Guana this weekend and I though that since I'll be right there I might go down to the picninc tables and try a couple of beach launches without any gear. I don't think the wind is going to cooperate but I'm going to check it out.

What is the best wind... offshore cleans up the waves so a west wind would be best. East would be choppy right? What about speed... under 10 mph... 15? I know a west wind will make it harder to get back to shore so would a south or north wind be better?

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-Jon
GOGITUSOMEGROCERIES.com founder and CEO

I usually don't go out unless there is a west wind. Of course, the winds can always change on you once you get out there. Seems like I remember something like that happening to me the last time I went out with Wali and Ken. Turned out to be a rather expensive trip for me.

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Hobie Pro Angler 12

I've been out in some 3-4' seas and it's a roller coaster ride, let me tell you! Never had any trouble in the surf though. West winds are great unless it picks up to 20-25 mph when you are 3 miles offshore. This is where a dedicated "offshore" boat shines. The 14' Malibu Stealth I was in that day had a tough time. Last trip out of S Fla we were 3+ miles north of the launch, and were battling a 15 mph south wind and a 3+ mph current. It was a 3 hour hard paddle to make it back. The guy next to me was struggling in his Ultra 4.7, my Tarpon 160 was doing ok, and the Kaskazi behind me was having an easy time of it.

If you are in a boat not specifically designed for this game, you need to really pick your days carefully.

These are just my observations after my first year. I've got lots more to learn. I recommend you tag along with some experienced offshore kayakers to start with. It really shortens the learning curve!

The suggestion to take a few trips without your gear is gold. Get out there, flip over, figure out how to re-enter your kayak (without the worry of where your gear is floating to...) Practice returning to shore - you'll see several comments on here about backing in. It makes a lot of sense. Get comfortable with all that, then go fishing.

Knowing from experience that you can get back in your kayak unassisted is very comforting. And it will happen.

Be safe, and enjoy.

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Tadpole
Tarpon 160
Hobie Quest

Remember - every second counts towards your life total, including these right now.