Top Five Launch Spots for Kayak Fishing Southern California

This launch is located on Avenida De La Playa at La Jolla Shores. The best part of this launch is you can drive right on the beach and unload your gear. The parking lot is only a couple hundred yards away and this spot lends access to some of the finest fishing Southern California has to offer. Although your car is not too far from the water, the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Kart or Pelican Deluxe Cart would help make the trip from the parking lot to the launch a breeze.

If you are wanting to take your fishing kayak out, what’s more iconic than heading out on the San Diego Bay? There are multiple spots to launch and enjoy a great day of fishing, but a personal favorite is the Shelter Island Boat Launch. To the east of Shelter Island, there is a large beach that many kayakers launch off of year-round.

Dana Point is a good location for fishing, but during the warmer months, it can be outstanding! Near the Ocean Institute, Baby Beach is a great launch spot for your kayak. There is a short paddle through a quaint harbor where spotted bay bass and halibut often hang around. On the way out of the harbor, you can find a bait barge to load up on fresh bait 24/7. Past the harbor, you will run into some kelp and have the chance to catch some bass or drift the sandy bottom for some halibut. We recommend having reliable fishing gear like the Wilderness Systems Kayak Krate or a paddle and rod leash to ensure you are prepared and organized on the water.

The Coast Guard Station is an awesome spot to launch. There is a small parking lot that provides access to the beach which is roughly 100 yards away from the water. Once you get to the water, there is a nice protected launch inside the harbor. You could fish in the harbor or you could head outside and fish along the beautiful Californian coast.

Cabrillo Beach has a nice launch ramp, but it can get very busy during the summer months. Although there is a parking fee, this location is worth it because of what the launch gives you access to. You can use the beach and launch straight out into the open ocean. The famous Long Beach break wall is a short paddle away with great bass fishing or nice flat sandy areas for some excellent halibut fishing.