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Top 5 Kayak Fishing Launch Spots in Southern California
by Josh Brightman

La Jolla Shores

The 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. 

San Diego Bay

There are multiple spots to launch and enjoy a great day of fishing in the massive San Diego bay. My personal favorite is the shelter island launch. Although it is currently under construction to make it better then ever there is a large beach just to the east that many kayakers launch off of year round. 

Dana Point

Dana point has some good fishing and during the warmer months it can be outstanding! Baby beach at the back of the harbor near the Ocean Institute is a great launch spot. There is a short paddle through a nice little harbor where some spotted bay bass and halibut often hang around. On the way out of the harbor is the bait barge to load up in fresh bait 24/7. One your out past the harbor find some kelp and get some bass or drift the sandy bottom for a chance at some halibut. 

Newport Beach 

The coast guard station is a great spot to launch. There’s a small parking lot that has access to the beach. The beach is roughly 100 yards from the water, once you get to the water it’s a nice protected launch inside the harbor. You could fish the harbor or you could head outside and fish along the beautiful California coast. 

Cabrillo Beach 

Cabrillo Beach has a nice launch ramp, but can get very busy during the summer months. There is a parking fee but totally worth it for what the launch gives you access to. Or 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.