Trip to the Farallon Islands - Pictures

Arnold

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Joined
Oct 14, 2003
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12330
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Last Thursday we decided to try to do some rock fishing. We left at about six in the morning from Alameda for a run to the Farallon Islands, which are about 26 miles from the Golden Gate. It was still dark in the estuary and slowly we left the dock and proceeded toward the bay at about 8 knots. The Bay was calm with some high fog but as soon as we got outside the Gate, the fog became very dense with visibility no more than one hundred yards. Since the ocean was also calm as a pond, we decided to stay outside the shipping channel to avoid the big cargo ships. Unfortunately we were soon surrounded by literally hundreds of crab pots and to increase the visibility we decided, in spite of the light rain, to drive the boat from the flybridge at about 13 knots.
We finally got to the main islands and the sun came out. It was beautiful with the temperature in the mid sixties, dolphins all around and even a couple of whales.
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After trying for one hour and not catching anything, we saw a couple of party boats heading to the small islands five miles on the north side. We followed them but even there we were not catching anything.
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After lunch we started back and headed toward Point Reyes and then follow the coast to the Gate. Even if the water was still unusually calm, we did not crossed the potato patch but we stayed on the deeper Bonita Channel
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We got back to Alameda by four. Even if we did not catch anything, we were not disappointed because we enjoyed the view of the islands and any day on the water is a great day.
 
You've got some cool looking coastline going on there! Thanks for sharing!
 
Riverbed, we are so spoiled in the SF Bay Area! The coastline is amazing, even by car/truck. Inside the bay is totally different but also fantastic with several islands scattered around. Then you can head upstream to the Delta and enjoy the totally different scene there! Bring a boat [or rent one] and come to play for a couple of weeks or more. It is worth every penny you will spend!!!! And then spend a few days in San Francisco and another few days in Sacramento and the Gold Country. It is an amazing area to live and play.

Arnold, thanks so much for the wonderful pictures! I haven't been out the gate for a few years.....
 
Looks like a nice area to boat.

The rocks would have been a challenge back in the day. Looks like many are cover with water depending
on the tide?
 
quote:

Originally posted by Arnold




Great pics. I have a 2855 Bayliner 01 and dont quite have the guts to go outside the Golden Gate. What kind of boat do you own?
 
Thanks for posting! I have a question that I am unclear on that you brought to mind. I thought that the Farallon's are a marine sanctuary and with that it means no fishing, is this true or can you legally fish out there?
 
The Farallon Islands can still be fished to a certain extent. You are only allowed to fish in depths from 60-120 feet and you must remain 100 yards offshore(I think). This may change as a part of the MLPA process; they are trying to extend the distance to 300 yards which will push many areas out of the legal depth range. The rockfishing out there is generally very good with lots of Ling Cod and other assorted rockfish. You better go soon though as the season closes on Saturday.
 
Thanks for posting. I am thinking about heading out there on Thanksgiving day. Hopefully the weather will be as nice as it was for you (minus the fog).

Kris
 
Wayne:
I went with a friend on a Carver 60. When the weather is good, I have seen people going to the Farallon Islands with boats as small as 20 feet and with single engine. You should do OK with your 28 as long as the water is calm, you have a reliable engine, radar and GPS for safety in the case of fog.
Before you leave for the islands, check the weather conditions at buoy #46026 at the following web site.
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46026
Or call 888-701-8992 and enter buoy # 46026.

More photos:

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