By Paul Lebowitz

October 2007

LA JOLLA SHORES - Ah, La Jolla. That golden patch of sand in the shadow of the Beach and Tennis Club has no rival when it comes to big game via kayak.

At times, ghostly white seabass haunt the kelp. There are calicos too, on the boiler rocks and among the submerged strands. Thresher sharks come through in spurts, and halibut are hunted north of the pier. But if this place has an icon, it’s the sleek yellowtail. For kayak anglers, La Jolla is synonymous with the powerful jack.  

This year, ‘LJ’ snoozed through the heat of summer, unless you count the tourist hordes that crammed the beach. Oh, there were some good catches. There are always a few worthy fish for the anglers who put in the time.

EVEN A SLOW LA JOLLA IS STILL PLENTY GOOD – A La Jolla regular steps out through the typically small surf. ‘LJ’ was been stingier than usual in 2007, but it is still the best bet for kayak big game in Southern California.

Take a couple tournaments for example. Larry Laumann scared up a 31-lb yellowtail to win the 2007 Moyer Memorial. Later in September, Brad Messmer’s Big Water’s Edge tournament winning ‘YT’ was smaller at 18-lbs but nearly as lucrative. Even on a slow day during a slow year, La Jolla constantly threatens drag-ripping action. 

Hopes are always high for a fall and winter bite of the so-called homeguards. The cooler months traditionally surrender the heaviest yellowtail of the year.

Local Knowledge: The kayak launch site at La Jolla Shores sits at the end of Avenida de la Playa. Here’s a premium perk: this is one of the few beaches it’s legal to drive onto to pick up and drop-off your ‘yak. Beware of loose sand, winter storm drain runoff, and don’t block the driveway unless your aim is to irritate the locals.

The surf is usually a small and crumbly beach break, but at times has bite. Premium perk #2: the Big Water’s Edge website hosts a new webcam pointed at the launch. Now you can scope the shore before making the drive. One more caution; the area up to a half mile out is a marine reserve. It’s legal to pass through, but please paddle past the yellow buoys before wetting a line.

Check out the beach yourself on a new webcam hosted by www.bigwatersedge.com. A road map and directions are available on the La Jolla Kayak Fishing Adventures webpage. Click here.