Freaking beautiful state you guys have....

glad you had a nice trip Aaron...didja get wet at all?

edit*
in the ocean you pervert <img src= " height="23" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x">

I have never been in the ocean up there .... but the mom of my child did lots of ab rock picking at Fort Brag. Her best was a 8.25 after I met her. <img src= " class="smiley" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x" height="23" width="23" loading="eager" data-tooltip="biggrin" aria-label="biggrin">

Cheers, Don

theres some beautiful country around fort bragg. all them ferns and redwoods

Dam...how did you know my EX is a Red head ?

Cheers, Don

Any pictures to share

Quote from Aaron Proffitt

HA....a little. Did a little surfing but that was it....my suit wasn't designed for Nor-Cal waters . So it was an in-and-out affair.
Did buy me a new Euro gun while I was there though...to take with me to Cuba.

Which gun did you end up getting?

I am heading to SF in 2 weeks; so I should bring the thicker wetsuit hu? Only ever been in the waters out there around LA/Malibu and that was in July and August when I could escape from Ft Erwin for the weekend. I was considering doing some surfing, how are the waves up there this time of year? Also, while there I am Hoping to hit up wine country with the lady friend (if anyone has a suggestion I am all ears).

I was unaware that there was a Ft Bragg in Cali, that confused me until I looked it up, . I spent 4 years at Bragg in NC.

Quote from shallow runner

I am heading to SF in 2 weeks; so I should bring the thicker wetsuit hu? Only ever been in the waters out there around LA/Malibu and that was in July and August when I could escape from Ft Erwin for the weekend. I was considering doing some surfing, how are the waves up there this time of year? Also, while there I am Hoping to hit up wine country with the lady friend (if anyone has a suggestion I am all ears).

I was unaware that there was a Ft Bragg in Cali, that confused me until I looked it up, . I spent 4 years at Bragg in NC.

From a guy who has spent a lot of time in the Northern California waters, the temps range between 56 and 61. The swell at this time is 6-8ft. I use a 3/8" seal in/seal out custom suit and have no problem with these temps particularly when working from 1 to 3 hours hunting for a preferred abalone (greater than 10in) or fish.
Yes, there are two Fort Braggs. One on each coast. I think that was what you said.
I live in San Luis Obispo and am not directly familiar with the wineries in Sonoma County/Napa but the internet is loaded with sites when you Google (Sonoma or Napa) Wineries.
If you would like to travel less and still deliver a fine experience to your lady friend, you may wish to visit the wineries within the Paso Robles area. Wineries are prevalent between Buelton, CA and Willits. I have worked with vintners in this area and have found the wines produced in this area are reputable. If you have seen the movie Sideways, it takes place in the Santa Ynez/Solvang valley, which is next door to Buelton, CA.

Quote from shallow runner

I am heading to SF in 2 weeks; so I should bring the thicker wetsuit hu? Only ever been in the waters out there around LA/Malibu and that was in July and August when I could escape from Ft Erwin for the weekend. I was considering doing some surfing, how are the waves up there this time of year? Also, while there I am Hoping to hit up wine country with the lady friend (if anyone has a suggestion I am all ears).

I was unaware that there was a Ft Bragg in Cali, that confused me until I looked it up, . I spent 4 years at Bragg in NC.

7 mil suit for diving and a 4/3 for surf the swell the last couple days has been 20' to 30' at 17sec but its dropping now ,average surf in winter is head to double overhead with exposed spots much larger . right now the water temp north of sf is in the low 50s to mid 40s
phil

damn...sounds like the waves are kicking...you animals can launch your kayaks in that :@

Quote from LunkerBuster

damn...sounds like the waves are kicking...you animals can launch your kayaks in that :@

Some days are spectacular and provide a venue to produce memorable catches.
On other days, we stand on the shore/cliffs, overlooking the shore break and mumble about how truly insignificant we mortals are compared to the power of the seas. Makes me wonder, "where are those guys who wear "No Fear" shirts"?

Thanks for the feedback guys. Looks like I will have to rent a suit if I hit the surf then, only have a 3mil. Not sure if I am up to a 20' session, haven't seen a wave over 7' in years (Florida ripple rider).
I will certainly check out the winery locations suggested though.

Thanks again. Looking forward to the trip.