Why kayak fishing got going in La Jolla

The La Jolla submarine canyon runs east to west, beginning a few hundred yards off the sandstone bluffs that feature the caves and the La Jolla Cove. From the La Jolla Shores side, the ocean bottom slopes gently out to sea where the reefs keep the waves minimal, making this an ideal entry point for divers and kayakers. Not far offshore, the bottom takes a sudden plunge over 400 feet deep into the east end of the canyon. The canyon then stretches out to sea west-northwest and reaches depths of 600 feet within the reserve boundary at a half mile off the beach.

About a mile offshore along the north edge of the canyon, Scripps Canyon joins La Jolla Canyon and extends almost due north to 200 yards past the pier and ends less than 100 yards offshore. The abrupt drop and abundance of marine life in and around the canyons help to explain why La Jolla is such a popular fishing and diving spot.

As the sport of modern-day kayak fishing aboard sit-on-top vessels was in its infancy, La Jolla was the best place to launch. The first La Jolla kayak-fishing tournament was organized late summer of 2002.

The tournament ran through 2011 and ceased in 2012 due to time and commitment restraints of the organizers. This year, it is on again and will take place on Sunday, September 12, at La Jolla Shores.

Anglers may launch anytime after midnight on September 12th from La Jolla Shores, and the final weigh-in will be 1 p.m. at Standley Park, 3585 Governor Drive in University City.