How Do I Fish Inshore from Personal Watercraft: Approach Explained

Inshore fly fishing and personal watercraft are two things that create an amazing experience when they are brought together. Most people already own both fishing equipment and some type of personal watercraft. Here are the basic ingredients to a recipe for fun on the water:

What is Inshore Fishing?

Inshore fishing is an often-overlooked angling opportunity that is available to anyone who is willing to venture out in the many bay, harbors and calm near-shore waters that are located along the California coastline. Here you can find a variety of species including several types of bass, halibut, corvina, bonito, bonefish, barracuda, and even pelagic fish such as bonito and yellowtail. These waters are commonly fished with a variety of angling methods including both fly fishing equipment and conventional tackle with artificial lures, live or frozen baits. Although inshore fishing can easily be enjoyed from beaches, piers and jetties, the real fun starts when you venture out onto the water.

Getting Beyond the Beach

Personal watercraft such as Float Tubes, Pontoon Boats, SUP’s Kayaks, or inflatable boats allow access to water where large populations of gamefish live. This water receives much less fishing pressure than spots fished from the waterline. Even venturing 20 or 30 feet off the shoreline gives you access to different habitats and larger fish populations that avoid the noise and vibrations and pollution that they and their food sources avoid. Depending on your boating experience and the type of equipment you may have at your access, you can venture much further away from the shoreline and into clean and calm water that is rich with life and the opportunity to experience that tug that we as anglers are addicted to.

Where to Go

Although the California Coastline offers limitless possibilities, I recommend starting off where your equipment and your comfort level leads you. If you are just starting out or if you have no equipment, it may be wise to consider investing in a day on the water with an experienced guide who has all the equipment and the knowledge that it takes to make the most of your time on the water. You can gain valuable experience and have a great time while trying something new. If you are the type of person that lives in the spirit of DIY, I would recommend starting where your equipment will take you. A Float tube is probably not the best way to fish the La Jolla Kelp.

When to Go

One of the most amazing things about inshore fishing from personal watercraft is that it is something you can do all year long. No need to wait for the lakes to De-Ice or the snow to melt. The mild and favorable climate in Southern California is fishable more days than it isn’t. You still must take wind, swells, tides, and precipitation into consideration but more often than not, you can find a time to go. If you are like me and live within an hour’s drive of the water, you can extract a lot of value out of a single morning, afternoon, or evening almost any day of the week during any month of the year.

Where Experience and Local Knowledge Count

Following basic marine safety practices in not only crucial, but it is also the law. These basic practices including the required gear that you must have on board keeps you safe. Common sense practices like keeping your craft organized and knowing when to be on the water helps you get into the mental space that helps you make the most of your time on the water. If you are a first timer doing it yourself this may feel intimidating. However, the more you go and the more you understand your equipment, the more you’re experience, and your confidence will grow. With confidence built, you will be set to do some of the best fishing you have ever done.

Outfitting and Guidance

If you are interested in optimizing your setup or just spending a day on the water chasing inshore species, I encourage you to watch my presentation and then try it for yourself. If you want to go fishing or if you are interested in learning more about my Scout Inflatables please contact me about booking a day on the water. I am passionate about angling and I love to share what I have learned. Let’s make the most out of your time on the water.