Island Time
T
he rocky islands off San Diego, California, are famous for cold water and hot fishing. But
getting to these isolated rock outcroppings can take hours or even days. The long-range fishing boat, Islander, is bringing the most prolific islands closer to kayak anglers. Load your kayak on the custom kayak rack, kick back in the salon, enjoy a five-star meal and fish around the clock.
www.islander-charters.com.
Mothership
Islander is 85 feet long and 24 feet wide with 11 double- occupancy rooms and a full- service kitchen. Large swim step, custom kayak rack and a tender skiff are kayak-fishing friendly.
Captain
John Conniff has led more than 10,000 anglers, divers, paddlers and adventurers to the islands around San Diego.
Target species Plan of Attack
Halibut, white sea bass, calico and yellowtail.
Trips range from one-and-a- half days to two-and-a-half-day overnighters. Leave at 8 p.m. and load up on bait and then run through the night. Arrive at 6 a.m. unload kayaks, fish all morning. Tender brings fresh bait and picks up catch. Mid-morning the boat repositions and anglers meet for lunch. Continue fishing down the island and meet the boat late in the afternoon.
Best Kayak
Rent a kayak or bring your own. Coastal kayaks from 12 to 15 feet handle open water and ocean swells.
Tackle Box
Light-action casting rods spooled with 12-pound braided line and three- to six-inch swimbaits. Heavy action casting rod with 30- to 50-pound braided line to fish bait for white sea bass and halibut or throw jigs to yellowtail. Bring a gaff to land larger fish.
Recommended Gear
Leave at home Required Skills 54…KAYAK ANGLER
Gaff, live well and bait bucket, as well as cold-water outerwear.
Food! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by a professional chef.
Cold water paddling, gaffing large fish, jigging and casting.
PHOTOS: WILL RICHARDSON
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