I've never been a huge fan of shore fishing. When I started fishing a few years back it felt as if I was stranded on land soaking night crawlers and powerbait. I didn't have a lot of money to pour into rental boats at the lakes, and I was nowhere near ready or equipped to go sportfishing on the ocean. I didn't know much about fishing, gear, baits, techniques, or even what to do if I caught a fish. After a few painful months of donating money to permits with no reward I talked a buddy into renting a boat with me and putting around Lake Poway. We were there from sun up to sun down. Unfortunately he did not catch anything, but I caught my first fish! A random bluegill decided to eat my soaked night crawler near the log boom. My mind immediately associated boat with catching fish. At that moment I knew that I needed to start saving money and getting off the shore and onto the water.

Flash forward a few months of learning more technique, associating with anglers, and fishing from boats, and you have a young man who has been severely bitten by the infamous fishing bug. My interest in freshwater depleted as my interest in saltwater fishing increased. No permits, no extra pole stamps, and it was easy to get bit! After doing some research I decided that Kayak fishing was the direction that best suited my interests. So I did some more research, dipped a little into savings, and purchased my first kayak. Now I was able to fish the bays and local kelp. This new found freedom got me out on the water at least once a week and definitely intensified my passion for fishing.

Fast forward about a year and I had rigged my kayak up with a small trolling motor. This opened up more distance for me via the kayak. I transformed into thinking kayak = fish into motor = getting to fish faster...and the progression continues. Then Fred Hall show comes and I set my eyes on the infamous Porta-Bote. Not quite a real boat, no need for trailer, no need for lots of space, yet paired with a 6HP motor, I would be able to get from A to B much faster then with the yak/trolling motor combo...Needless to say I sold my yak and purchased the Porta-Bote.

I thoroughly enjoyed fishing from the Porta-Bote for over a year, refined techniques using plastic and crank baits, but developed a hunger for fishing live bait and going for larger game not only in the bay but offshore...ventured out of the bay a few times via the Porta-Bote, but didn't feel too safe. Definitely felt like I was outgrowing the Porta-Bote... Started checking craigslist nightly before bed and shopping real boat prices. Decided that it was time for another upgrade...This time I wanted to do some research and really figure out what I wanted to do while on the water. What type of vessel could I realistically afford to run on a weekly basis and maintain? What type of vessel would best suit me? I decided on going aluminum. So for a few months I checked craigslist and other classifieds for aluminum boats. After much thought and my initial instinct I ended up narrowing down to the Baja Runner deep V style aluminum boat. Fast forward a few months and the right boat finally found me. She's a 15' Gregor Aluminum Baja Runner with a 20hp electric start 4 stroke engine and a 16 gallon bait tank. The seller had her priced to sell and was willing to bargain. I didn't know how I was going to come up with the money, but I adjusted some finances, tapped into my fishing fund (that I created a few years back and kept putting money into for this type of acquisition) and was able to pay cash for a killer boat that perfectly fits my current fishing needs and is currently parked in my driveway.

I'm sure I'll end up out growing her, but for this stage of my life she's absolutely perfect. I'm writing this blog with aspirations of encouraging those who take the time to read it. 3 years ago I almost gave up fishing because I didn't understand what I was doing. I felt trapped on shore, and I did not have much direction. If you've ever felt that way, take the time to associate yourself with people who do somewhat know what they're doing. There are plenty of guys on SDFish who are willing to share information and fishing techniques with you that work for them. Set some money aside from each paycheck into a fishing fund and don't touch it for 6 months...a year...2 years, and watch it add up. You'll be off the shore in no time. Start small with a float tube...graduate to a kayak...an inflatable boat...a porta-bote...a small skiff...etc. Get off the shore and go find fish! You'll be surprised about how much you learn while you're actually on the water. Be safe and keep fishing!