Finally, after 3 yrs! LJ 6/9

[TXyakker]

So i was planning to hit the Bay after work to try and get some butts, but forgot my wet shoes when i went to work so i had to come home first. While at home, i check the surf cam here and said man, that looks like a pretty awesome little surf. Then i read Darkhorse's report about Sunday afternoon and had a little change of heart. LJ sounded like a good shot to try yet again for that coveted yellow. I changed the rigging on my rods real quick and headed up to the cove. The surf was real little just like the cam showed, and i made it out no problem. The bait was hard to come by, but two other guys launched a little before me so i kept following them out, and out, and out. Eventually found a group of Spanish macks on the surface, probably chasing little sardines or something. Turns out they were a little big for bait, but i did manage one "jumbo" bait sized mack. Pinned him on and kept paddling out, away from the beach. I was thinking it was going to be a long paddle back in, but hopefully it would be worth it. I had put the paddle down for a little, just kind of drifting when all of a sudden i see these boils that were pretty big. I had seen a seal swimming around, so i kind of figured they were seals chasing bait, but i grabbed my iron rod and slung the blue/white sumo over in that direction and started cranking away. About 10 cranks in, my line goes tight and I'm BENDOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I had a good feeling about this one because i was in 120 feet of water, no kelp anywhere in sight. While i was fighting her, the pack i pulled her from started boiling again around me. Even saw a seal pop his ugly head up while i was fighting her. Kind of freaked out and said some choice words to the seal praying he wouldnt find my fish. She put up a good fight, but in the end I won and brought my first yellow to the boat. I put her in my lap, and a PB, the "Lil Playa" was near by so, even though i felt guilty, i asked for a picture. They were great about it and helped me out getting a good shot! Thanks to those two guys, and hopefully the fish gods smiled on them too. After the picture i pulled some gill rakers to bleed her out but she didnt seem to bleed much. Tied a rope through her mouth since i dont have one of those handy giant fish clips, and put her in the water for a bit. I wasnt leaving her there long, so after a little i put her in my lap and headed back to shore. Sure enough, it was a long paddle but well worth it. Had a couple on the beach help me out with another photo shoot so i got some more good pictures. Taped the fish out at about 37", dont know the weight but it didnt matter. My first Yellow after 3 years and it came on an iron, so i'm super stoked!!

Thanks again Darkhorse for convincing me to head for the cove rather than the bay, and thanks to the 2 guys for my on the water photos. And now, for the pictures:

[yakrider]

That is so cool...
congrats on that yeller...
she's a beaut!!!

I'm still waiting to check that one off my
"never caught off the yak yet" list...

[THE DARKHORSE]

It's good to know that my "first true fish report" (on time) helped a brother out. The bay isn't going anywhere and as you saw the conditions weren't half bad. Small surf, light wind, plenty of bait, and oh yeah, those pesky Yellowtail. All that time it took for your first Yellowtail will simply add to your appreciation for all the rest. Good going on the iron (my favorite), as it pays to keep your eyes open. I was in the distance and saw you catch your fish, so thank you for locating the school.






Well, the fish gods didn't smile on the two guys in the PB, but as soon as that noisy boat left I found a school to myself.
One piece of advice would be "never leave fish when they are biting", unless you're late for work. It may have taken you three
years to land your first Yellowtail, but it would of taken you ten minutes to catch your second if you stayed out.

[bajadog]

Hamachi looks good! Congrats!

[Handymansd]

Great story, thanks! And congrats on the tail, it is a great feeling of accomplishment when you do it all yourself and it works out!

[OEX]

Congrats on your first kayak yellow. Here's to the first of many

[Aaron&Julie]

Congratulations on your first kayak yellow

Very nice story and yellowtail.

It's a great feeling, getting those firsts. Keep 'em coming.

[Willy]

TXyakker,
When you threw your iron into the boil, how much did you let it sink before you started cranking?

Nice yellow. Good work man,

Willy

[h2ofishfo]

congrats broke the yt cherry

[TXyakker]

Willy,
i started cranking as soon as it hit the water. When they're boiling like that they're right on the surface so the weight of the iron will sink it enough even if you start winding when it hits the water.