[ob_kook]

I'm not a newbie to fishing, just to saltwater fishing. I grew up in MN with a cottage on a lake and have fished Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Bass (LM/SM), Crappie, Sunnies, Catfish, Trout, and whatever else was biting. I've jigged, lindy rigged, trolled rapalas at moonlight, drifted worm rigs, bait-casted, bobbered, fly fished, heck, I've dug more holes through 3 ft. of ice to haul slabs in -10 degree weather than I'd care to remember!

But I don't know much about saltwater fishing, and since it is now in my back yard, I'd better learn quick.

SO...I've picked up some basic gear. Decent Penn 9 ft. rod with a nice backbone and sensitive tip paired with a so-so spinning reel with 15 lb. mono line. I've got some terminal tackle to tie up some live bait snells, some 3/4 oz jigs and I'm ready to go.

Since I live near the Sunset area of SF, I figure that Fort Point, Fort Baker, and Pacifica are the places I'll start going to figure it out.

The question I have is, given the season, tha areas, and the level of expertise, do you have any general tips I can use as guidance? I'd really like to get into some halibut and stripers, but I am not sure if these places mentioned produce those fish, or if I'd be better off trying for perch...

It sure is frustrating not knowing anything again (but is fun having everything open to exploration again). Thanks in advance for any help!

Kook

[ob_kook]

By the way, props to you all for this great board, and this great site!

Without a doubt it was finding this resource that kickstarted me into getting edumacated in this "new" hobby!

[geekster]

[Del]

great advice... I've been fishing for 50 years, tried everything you can imagine and still learn something new every time I pick up ken's book. It is the authority on pier fishing. You can pick up a copy from Barnes and Noble..Good luck and welcome to California.

[ob_kook]

LOL, thanks guys!

After Geekster's post, I placed an order on Amazon for the book. After Del's I changed it from SuperSaver Shipping to 2 Day...

[illcatchanything2]

Welcome to the area!! Your gear sounds fine for Halis & Stripers & the places that you are going to fish may get you into some, although you would probably have a better shot at Berkeley Pier. A couple of tips:

1) you might want to pick up a 2nd rod with some heavier gear for sharks and/or rays if that interests you

2)DO NOT target perch @ Ft. Baker or Ft. Point until August 1st (I think) as they are closed inside the bay. It is ok to target them at Pacifica as that is an Ocean pier.

3) Have fun and enjoy. Once the old board comes back online, search the archives along with reading Kens book. Both are invaluable resources.

[piemel]

Buy Ken's book.... simply the best resource out there.

[ob_kook]

The book arrived. I'm psyched. Hit Hi's Tackle Box to pick up some basics, and might play hooky tomorrow afternoon (Friday) to hit Pacifica. I'm not expecting too much, but I'd just like to get a line wet!

Thanks for the recommendation on the book.

Kook

[gordo grande]

I'm glad you bought the book. You won't be sorry. Another suggestion: As soon as the old board gets back online, make use of the search function. There is a wealth of knowledge over there.

One other suggestion: Go to the PFIC get-togethers, e.g. the Mud Marlin Derby, the Catalina GT, the mid-state GT coming up in August. Get to know some of your fellow PFICers.

[northern boy]

Try and come to the Mud Marlin Derby on June 14th at Berkeley Pier. You'll meet a whole bunch of local fishing folk; it's much better to get advice in person. Plus you might get to catch a batray, which is a lot of fun if you never have before. It sounds like your setup could handle a batray with a bit of care but if not I'm sure someone can lend you one. Or else you can fish for halibut/stripers while we batray!

http://www.pierfishing.com/pfevents/

[norcalkat]

ill try to make that event!! looks like good times

[ob_kook]

[illcatchanything2]