View from the Cockpit, April 28, 2008

A 'YAKKER TAKES HUGE POWER BOAT FIELD TO THE BRINK - Wilderness Systems pro staffer Mark Pierpont made kayak fishing history earlier this month at the huge Marina del Rey Halibut Derby. His 35-lb flatty was just a couple pounds shy of first place and missed second by mere ounces. Scroll down or click over to Hot Bites for a look at his magnificent flatfish.

The fantastic floating kayak fishing home base Islander is up and running for 2008. The first trip ran to San Clemente Island's crystal clear waters. The pelagics didn't show, but a trio of worthy halibut made the count. Calico fishing was slower than usual for the legendary island, but the quality was there. Several more trips are on the books and the fishing should only improve. Secure your spot! islander-charters.com

On the subject of kayak halibut fishing, let's dive in a little deeper and see how one of SoCal's hottest sticks racks up the numbers. Talk about methodical. Learn how to Scratch for Flat Ones. Click here.

In other news, Plastic Navy's first 2008 Tournament Trail contest is in the books. Tough tides made for scratchy fishing at Mission Bay, but Brian Sanner solved the puzzle and notched his first PN victory. Read the rest. Click here.

The Eastern Sierra trout season is finally underway. The range of light holds more first rate trout fishing than a kayak angler can shake a stick at. Check it out, kayak style. Click here.

Hot Bites:

A bass man scores big at the Marina del Rey Halibut Derby, besting hundreds of power boaters. What does 35-lbs of flat one get you? Click Here to Find Out

What's your take? Feedback is welcome. Click here for email

On the Horizon:

May 1, 15, and 30 / May 2 and 16: Mothership may I? With spring in full swing the Qualifier 105 and Islander will head over the horizon on multiple dates. Go long! www.qualifier105.com / islander-charters.com
May 3-4: Come on out for the Kayak Festival at Irvine's Southwind Kayak Center. The free seminar day and parking lot party will feature manufacturer booths, a full slate of seminars, a kayak fishing outfitting contest, and more. www.southwindkayaks.com
May 17: Kayak bass fishing tournament pioneer Rick Hoolko and his San Diego Kayak Center shop are gearing up for the latest in their long series of events. Like all the rest, this one will be for the heaviest 5-saltwater bass stringer. Entry only $15. Fish 8 am to 1 pm. More at 858-488-0651.
June 21: Plastic Navy's Tournament Trail paddles into Newport Bay for their next installment of bass-catching action. Can Mission Bay winner Brian Sanner stave off the hungry field on his home turf? Come find out! www.kayakfishnation.com

Stop by again soon. Kayak Fishing Zone is updated roughly every two to four weeks. For Looking Astern, the View Archive, Click Here