Intro and request for kelp bed help

[schwatk]

Hello everyone,

My name is Joe. I'm 53 years old and live in the San Diego area.
I'm rather new to kayak fishing. I've been fishing San Diego bay from my Hobie Outback and would like to start fishing the kelp beds. Currently I have Curado and Citica 100 reels on Clarus rods. I would imagine these setups are to light for the kelp beds. What rod and reel setups (including line) would you recommend for fishing the kelp beds? I'm especially interested in targeting bass, yellowtails and white seabass.

As I said I've never fished the kelp beds before. Is there anyone out there who wouldn't mind taking a newbie under their wings and showing them how it's done? If not can anyone recommend a good guide who could teach me the ropes?

Thanks for any and all help!

Joe

[kayaker]

Hello Joe.

ah, moving on to the Fields of Dreams...

You've done the right thing, got comfortable in the bay.
Now you're ready to head out to the big waters.

There is nothing wrong with your gear for bass, calico and sandies.
It is summer, checkers should be hugging the stringers.
15# mono and a juicy swim-bait ought to keep you busy pulling on them.
Sand bass is at the canyon edge as you pass the reserve in 100ish ft.
Not thick, but there are some picking off that squid on the north side...
Hey, if you really want sandie, I'd look there.

For THE bass and YT, you'll need to have something stronger on board.
20-50 medium action 6.5' / 7' rod, and something spooled with 30# or higher (some folks do 70# test).
I would recommend spectra. Mono will do OK away from the kelp, but you're fishing close to the forest.
8' stick if you want to throw iron.
Daiwa Sealines are good reals, cheap and sturdy, praised over the years by many

http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/produ...:referralID=NA

You will need a smooth drag and flawlesly working rig.
If you got $$ to spend, invest in reel.
There are descent rods that you can pick up on sale in places like Big 5,
that may serve you well for a few seasons or more, depending on how often you fish.

When you make it to La Jolla, look at what other folks are doing, pay attention.
This time of the year, on any given day or night there will be at least a couple of boats and yaks fishing.
Talk to other people, majority are friendly.
Put your game plan together and stick to it.

Stay safe, it's big water out there.