By Paul Lebowitz

Just starting out? Wondering if kayak fishing is for you? Heading out with a guide is a great way to find out. For those who’ve already caught the kayak fishing bug, a guided trip can shortcut the learning curve on those tougher skills such as surviving the surf or battling the big ones. Consider it a clinic with the added bonus of catching fish!

Kayak fishing continues to grow wildly, and new guides are hanging out their shingles all the time. If your service is not listed here, drop a line to Paul@KayakFishingZone.com. We’ll include you the next time we run this list.

Coastal Kayak Fishing: Fish Wine Country with Dennis Spike, the west’s first kayak fishing guide. Or get salty at Ocean Cove or with a CKF SoCal affiliate. www.kayakfishing.com, 818-970-2392

Great White Kayak Company: Ukiah’s Sean White doubles up, expert covering NorCal freshwater and salt. www.gwkc.com, 707-535-9170

A SHORTCUT TO KAYAK FISHING SUCCESS – A trip with one of the Golden State’s growing roster of kayak fishing guides is a fine way to learn the ropes. What looks simple – the intersection of the sports of paddling and fishing – actually has a lot of moving parts. Here a pair of novices gets schooled on the surf zone.

Humboats Kayak Adventures: Stalk streams and hunt Humboldt’s north coast waters with John Martin. www.humboats.com, 707-443-5157  

Kayak Sportfishing: Fishing gorgeous Malibu for flatties, calicos, and movie stars. www.kayaksportfishing.com, 818-521-1289

La Jolla Kayak Fishing: Jim Sammons’ San Diego original patrols La Jolla and the big bay. Don’t skip the excellent surf skills clinic. kayak4fish.com, 619-461-7172

OEX Kayak Fishing Classes: Get bit in San Diego, Oceanside, or the OC’s Sunset Beach. Seminar session followed by a day on the water. www.oeexpress.com, 619-758-9531 / 760-721-6195 / 562-592-0800 

Pablo Joe Kayak Fishing: Beginner-oriented fishing in LA / OC bays via pedal-powered Hobie Mirage ‘yaks. www.pablojoe.com, 562-322-8014

Paddle and Flies: Discover inland adventures on the Delta, lakes and rivers with Rickey Noel Mitchell. www.paddleandflies.com, 559-360-4151.

Rhynobar Guide Service: T-shark technician Jeff Krieger covers all the beginner basics too. LA / Ventura areas. www.rhynobar.com, 805-520-9713

Saba Slayer Kayak Fishing: Lobster guru Jim Salazar shows how to bag bugs and other goodies. www.sabaslayer.com, 310-901-4616

Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing: Central coaster Allen Bushnell shows the way to saltwater success. www.santacruzkayakfishing.com, 831-251-9732.

Southwind Kayak Center: First strokes seminar gets new anglers off to a good start. Save the rods for next time. www.southwindkayaks.com, 1-800-SOUTHWIND.