Kayak Carlsbad lagoon

[kmooresd85]

I want to do more yak fishing at Carlsbad lagoon. There is a free beach launch at the very east side of the lagoon. Seems like most people go all the way toward the bridge by the 5 to fish. Out of curiosity, how good is the fishing closer to the beach launch? It’s pretty shallow all over but wanted to know how far down the lagoon I need to go for any actual fishing. I’m in north county so it would be awesome for short trips. Thanks

[Gotfish?]

Never fished it although I see some reports for it. Supposed to have a permit, I don't know how vigorously this is enforced. I would probably have fished it if wasn't for that. More out of the way for me though.

https://ca-carlsbad.civicrec.com/CA/car ... xhZ29vbg==

[kmooresd85]

I got the permit and fished it once briefly. Fish finder picked up fish all over but didn’t catch anything that day. Have no feel for the place which is why I ask. I fished it closer to the launch beach at the very inner lagoon. Went out by the bridge a bit but was limited on time so didn’t fish long since it’s a bit of a paddle all the way back to the beach launch. Was hoping for some success closer to that beach to make the trips short when I’m limited on time

[Osidecoffee]

I launch in the back there at the beach, and I can’t say I’ve gotten anything east of the little marina. I rarely spend time actually fishing back there though. I always start moving towards the main channel by the 5. I’ve gotten some good spotties by the houses just past the marina though, so if anything I’d recommend paddling past the marina and fishing that stretch of beach below the houses if you’re limited on time.

Like I said though, I’ve never really put any time in the back on the several times I’ve fished there since getting my float tube.

[kmooresd85]

Went today and got a spotty closer to the paid launch/rental place. Seemed like I got a few bites in that area but only one committed. Didn’t really fish toward the free launch beach though so may need to pick a day to commit and find that out. I thought the little marina looked fishy but by the time I started there it was getting to later part of the morning and there was a bunch of paddle boarders and was getting hard to cast around.

[Osidecoffee]

Went today and got a spotty closer to the paid launch/rental place. Seemed like I got a few bites in that area but only one committed. Didn’t really fish toward the free launch beach though so may need to pick a day to commit and find that out. I thought the little marina looked fishy but by the time I started there it was getting to later part of the morning and there was a bunch of paddle boarders and was getting hard to cast around.

I honestly don’t think we’re missing too much when it comes to the very back of the lagoon. But I’d be happy to be proven wrong haha

[Socalspartan]

Launch at the beach and spend the time you’re kicking rigging your gear. I always fish near the 5 bridge. Will venture over near the Y camp if the tide is in my favor for trip home (my kayak doesn’t like the outgoing tide under the bridge. Will list to starboard pretty heavy). Plastics will produce, but we’ve found a bag of shrimp from Vons works best.

[Bendo]

In the big water on the inland side of the “Bay” there are fast swimming schools of Corvina. They can often be located by the rippling they cause on the surface of the water. Some are over 28 inches. It is more looking than casting. They fight hard and have big teeth. Very early and very late are best. Swimbaits, JerkBaits and Spoons can get them. Summer months only. Good luck out there, post some pics if you get on them.

[Carpkiller]

Has the permit always been required? I was in the area about a year ago, and drove back and checked out the launch spots. None of the signs said anything about a permit......

[Osidecoffee]

Has the permit always been required? I was in the area about a year ago, and drove back and checked out the launch spots. None of the signs said anything about a permit......

I honestly assume the permits are more for boaters launching at the launch ramp by the jet ski and kayak rental place.

[Socalspartan]

Has the permit always been required? I was in the area about a year ago, and drove back and checked out the launch spots. None of the signs said anything about a permit......

I honestly assume the permits are more for boaters launching at the launch ramp by the jet ski and kayak rental place.

I've seen them at the beach launch a bunch. But they don't set up till business hours. And they're only checking as people are coming down the launch. If you're there before they set up, you're golden. They don't say anything to anyone coming out of the water.

[Osidecoffee]

Has the permit always been required? I was in the area about a year ago, and drove back and checked out the launch spots. None of the signs said anything about a permit......

I honestly assume the permits are more for boaters launching at the launch ramp by the jet ski and kayak rental place.

I've seen them at the beach launch a bunch. But they don't set up till business hours. And they're only checking as people are coming down the launch. If you're there before they set up, you're golden. They don't say anything to anyone coming out of the water.

Ahh got it, that’s at the beach by the rentals? I always launch at the public beach in the very back of the lagoon.

[Socalspartan]

Has the permit always been required? I was in the area about a year ago, and drove back and checked out the launch spots. None of the signs said anything about a permit......

I honestly assume the permits are more for boaters launching at the launch ramp by the jet ski and kayak rental place.

I've seen them at the beach launch a bunch. But they don't set up till business hours. And they're only checking as people are coming down the launch. If you're there before they set up, you're golden. They don't say anything to anyone coming out of the water.

Ahh got it, that’s at the beach by the rentals? I always launch at the public beach in the very back of the lagoon.

The beach on Bayshore Drive is the spot i’m talking about. I think the rental area wants a fee to launch or park. Plus I wouldn’t launch from there because of the jet ski rentals.

[Osidecoffee]

I honestly assume the permits are more for boaters launching at the launch ramp by the jet ski and kayak rental place.

I've seen them at the beach launch a bunch. But they don't set up till business hours. And they're only checking as people are coming down the launch. If you're there before they set up, you're golden. They don't say anything to anyone coming out of the water.

Ahh got it, that’s at the beach by the rentals? I always launch at the public beach in the very back of the lagoon.

The beach on Bayshore Drive is the spot i’m talking about. I think the rental area wants a fee to launch or park. Plus I wouldn’t launch from there because of the jet ski rentals.

Good to know, thanks for the info!