Fishing advice (2014, restaurant, safety)

[bbronston]

A few years ago when was an active diver, we met some friends at Crescent Beach and I decided to bring my mask, fins, and snorkel just for grins. I had heard of Point of Rocks from my charts but had no familiarity with it. I was very surprised to find sponges and tropical fish similar to what I've seen in the keys--not as many or as diverse--but still there. I have to think that bigger fish hang there too but in the deeper water.

[zmgriffith]

Originally Posted by bbronston

There are plenty of places that you can park and put in a kayak for either the beach or the bay but, if you really want to fish the beach, you'll probably find snook swimming very close to the water's edge up and down the beach. They actually swim in the first trough along the beach. The best time to go out is just before dawn for about an hour or so. If you go with live bait, I'd use circle hooks.

Total agreement with our good friend BBRONSTON - Circle hooks 100% of the time - so much better for catching fish and for releasing them alive. No gut hooks, no gill hooks, almost no foul hooks.

MathGuy - You'll see sight-fishermen with fly rods hustling up and down the beach from April to August looking for snook. They'll be in so close and so shallow that you won't believe it. Sight-fishing for them is almost more than my heart can take - so unbelievably exciting.

You'll have to hoof it up and down the beach to spot them, but it's worth it.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by zmgriffith

Total agreement with our good friend BBRONSTON - Circle hooks 100% of the time - so much better for catching fish and for releasing them alive. No gut hooks, no gill hooks, almost no foul hooks.

MathGuy - You'll see sight-fishermen with fly rods hustling up and down the beach from April to August looking for snook. They'll be in so close and so shallow that you won't believe it. Sight-fishing for them is almost more than my heart can take - so unbelievably exciting.

You'll have to hoof it up and down the beach to spot them, but it's worth it.

I've actually seen them sight fishing for snook. I've fished down there before, just trying to improve my chances.

I'm a big fan of the circle hooks as well.

[Mathguy]

What is the best way to get to point of rocks and fish?

Park at the main beach parking lot and walk? Or is there a better option.

[zmgriffith]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

What is the best way to get to point of rocks and fish?

Park at the main beach parking lot and walk? Or is there a better option.

Parking down that way is extremely rough. If you're not staying at a hotel or resort, I wouldn't risk trying to park in their lot - not even for an hour. They'll tow a car without any hesitation, whatsoever. There are signs everywhere and the resorts ask for make, model, and plate numbers for guests to prohibit beachgoers from using their lots.

The public beach parking isn't a terrible walk from there, and your car would be safe. If you see a bait ball getting busted up on your way down the beach, you can stop and try some casts.

BBRONSTON may know of a different parking lot - I'm new to town, so I'm still learning.

[bbronston]

What I remember is that you head west on Stickney Point, cross Midnight Pass Rd. and there is a deep, narrow parking lot right there. Now, while I am a by-the-book-goody-two-shoes-type who won't park where I am not allowed, my wife has a....ummm....more 'adaptable' point of view on parking regulations. She drove there the times I've been there and it could be that the place I recall is not a public parking area. I'm not really sure but I think it was legit.

Anyway, you walk out to the beach and follow the beach to the south (or left if you prefer) until it abruptly stops at the rocks.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

I have hated fishing since childhood imprisonment on family fishing trips (yawn--die of boredom as only an adolescent can) but you guys are making kayak fishing sound really fun. I can't believe I am following with great interest a thread about fishing.

[bbronston]

It's only boring if you actually expect to catch something but don't. So, you should go fishing and either expect to catch nothing (in which case you will have a fulfilled time on the water and in the sun) or you should go and actually catch fish (in which case you will be excited and be eager to go again.) See? It's all about managing your attitude.

But, mostly you are right...it's boring. Unless you are catching fish.

[bbronston]

Oh my gosh, I just had a revelation! Since nothing is real anymore (ie. non-alcoholic beer, electric cigarettes, Coke Zero, etc.) we can invent a robotic fish that you attach to a line, throw in the water, and (at some arbitrary point in the next 15 minutes) it swims and pulls like the strongest jack or king until you land it. All the excitement of fishing, all the certainty that one might attribute to seeing the world at Epcot, and none of the mess! So, who wants to get in on the ground floor? Anyone? Anyone?

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Originally Posted by bbronston

Oh my gosh, I just had a revelation! Since nothing is real anymore (ie. non-alcoholic beer, electric cigarettes, Coke Zero, etc.) we can invent a robotic fish that you attach to a line, throw in the water, and (at some arbitrary point in the next 15 minutes) it swims and pulls like the strongest jack or king until you land it. All the excitement of fishing, all the certainty that one might attribute to seeing the world at Epcot, and none of the mess! So, who wants to get in on the ground floor? Anyone? Anyone?

Wasn't that what Vladimir Putin's pike was?