Fishing in the Bay (first time)

Good morning everyone,

I've been float tubing lakes for the last 3-4 years never any issues love my Cumberland.. I've got some buddies that want to go out and float tube around balboa island in newport. I see a lot of you guys fish the bay I've always been weery of it just because i feel its more dangerous with there being bigger animals and fish being more spikey and I always think a shark or sea lion is going to bite my foot lol the odds of that happening i guess are very rare but does anyone have any tips or recommendations on gear for a first timer going to the bay

Hi ya rayprado714,

My first bit of advice would be ..... always fish with an experienced FT fishing buddy if possible
2nd ... Always wear your PFD and have a emergency whistle on you
3rd ... Strategize your fishing route according to the tides and the winds
4th ... CPR (capture, photograph & release) you catches, don't give the seals a reason
And lastly ... many of us FT fish in all of the harbors and I've never heard of any life endangering incidents occurring.

Oh ... and most importantly [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] ... have lots of fun and catch lots of fish. Don't forget to take pic's!

SP Dan     <"))><

Very NICE there is some body to go with just ask

Hi Ray. I think your concerns are normal. Virtually everyone I know aside from people on this forum feels the same way, so you're in good company.

Everyone always asks about sharks. But you're right, the odds aren't just in your favor, there are no odds. No California float tuber has ever been bitten by a shark. In fact, no California swimmers have ever been bitten inside a harbor or bay in all the time records have been kept. Take from that what you like, but for me, it's a non-issue.

I've encountered seals many times. They rarely show any interest in me at all. I had one once that was passing by and he came within a couple of feet of me and gave me a look over and then swam on. He was big and had a presence and I was intimidated a bit, but it was more of a quick thrill than anything else. I had one show up on my underwater cam once on a day that I never saw any seals. Ive never personally had one steal a fish, but it wouldn't surprise me, or even really alarm me. I think you'd have to work pretty hard to piss off a seal enough for him to mess with you at all.

As for spiky fish, I personally use a net to get the fish under control quickly and safely. I've been poked by a dorsal spine, but it's a rare occurrence and while not fun, it wasn't a big deal either.

I hope that helps with your concerns, because once you try it, I think you will like the salt. It's a little like river fishing where the tidal flow acts like the river current.

Good luck and let's us know how it goes!

shark or sea lion???

Hell, this is summer.  You ought to be more worried about the idiot behind the wheel with  the throttle in one hand and a Corona in the other!