LJ 9/20: First YT on the yak! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Salty · 09-21-2020, 09:35 PM

Finally landed my first yellowtail on the kayak at La Jolla this Sunday. Pretty awesome experience and not one I'll be quick to forget. Definitely nothing like landing one on a boat, that's for sure!

Thanks again to everyone here that provided tips for how to safely launch/land through the surf. Launched around first light and the waves were significantly larger and more consistent this time. So even though there was a little adrenaline going after punching through a few sets, kayak stayed upright, all gear stayed secure and all reels and electronics stayed dry(even if I didn't...). Again, really appreciate everyone here that's allowed me to learn from their knowledge and experience. Can't wait to get back out there!

soyaky · 09-21-2020, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty

Finally landed my first yellowtail on the kayak at La Jolla this Sunday. Pretty awesome experience and not one I'll be quick to forget. Definitely nothing like landing one on a boat, that's for sure!

Thanks again to everyone here that provided tips for how to safely launch/land through the surf. Launched around first light and the waves were significantly larger and more consistent this time. So even though there was a little adrenaline going after punching through a few sets, kayak stayed upright, all gear stayed secure and all reels and electronics stayed dry(even if I didn't...). Again, really appreciate everyone here that's allowed me to learn from their knowledge and experience. Can't wait to get back out there!

That’s so awesome! One day I’ll get out there.

YakDout · 09-22-2020, 05:04 AM

Right in front of the 1/2 day boat. Love when that happens

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

the dude · 09-22-2020, 07:12 AM

that's a legit 1st, congrats!

Sully1 · 09-22-2020, 07:20 AM

Great bendo shot. That's how its done. How about that fight on your talica, must have been a reel treat!

ProfessorLongArms · 09-22-2020, 07:57 AM

DUUUUDE. Nice catch!!!

Way to share the stoke. Awesome photos and write up

Also I’ve kind of come to love having a wave completely take the bow and cover me head to toe on launch...
Better than coffee some days.

I’ve found the more you do it, the more confidence you get, the less stressful it is. Always a little “pucker factor” but less dread more excitement

govomit · 09-22-2020, 08:37 AM

LJ waters were full of boats Sunday late afternoon. 'New Seaforth' reported 10 YT in the morning. Wonder whether there were more unreported YT catches that day...

Salty · 09-22-2020, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorLongArms

DUUUUDE. Nice catch!!!

Way to share the stoke. Awesome photos and write up

Also I’ve kind of come to love having a wave completely take the bow and cover me head to toe on launch...
Better than coffee some days.

I’ve found the more you do it, the more confidence you get, the less stressful it is. Always a little “pucker factor” but less dread more excitement

Happy to share the stoke! It's the least I can do for you guys

And it's funny; I've surfed my whole life in a range of conditions and sizes. As we were getting ready to launch that morning watching how much bigger the waves were than last time and making ourselves more nervous, I looked at my buddy and said, "Dude, wtf! I've never been so sketched out by 2-3' surf in my life!" So we just laughed and went for it. The "pucker factor" is definitely real though... I had coffee in my dry bag too, so I was definitely awake!

Salty · 09-22-2020, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sully1

Great bendo shot. That's how its done. How about that fight on your talica, must have been a reel treat!

Thanks! Talica is a hell of a reel. In all honesty, I got this way before I got my kayak and it's been my go-to SCI/paddy hopping setup for a while. Never intended it to be a kayak reel initially, but it's a perfect little YT setup, so I take it every time! And I'm especially glad I had it this time too

Salty · 09-22-2020, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the dude

that's a legit 1st, congrats!

Thanks dude! Was super stoked on it. Who am I kidding, I'm still stoked on it haha

Salty · 09-22-2020, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakDout

Right in front of the 1/2 day boat. Love when that happens

LOL yeah it pulled me in closer to the cattle boat and I got a couple hoots when I brought it up. That was pretty awesome

NiksYak · 09-22-2020, 10:52 AM

Great. Congratulations. Hope you get many more. I'll be trying my luck there in a few weeks.

09-21-2020, 09:35 PM	#1
Salty Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 433	LJ 9/20: First YT on the yak! Finally landed my first yellowtail on the kayak at La Jolla this Sunday. Pretty awesome experience and not one I'll be quick to forget. Definitely nothing like landing one on a boat, that's for sure! Thanks again to everyone here that provided tips for how to safely launch/land through the surf. Launched around first light and the waves were significantly larger and more consistent this time. So even though there was a little adrenaline going after punching through a few sets, kayak stayed upright, all gear stayed secure and all reels and electronics stayed dry(even if I didn't...). Again, really appreciate everyone here that's allowed me to learn from their knowledge and experience. Can't wait to get back out there! Attached Images

09-22-2020, 07:12 AM	#4
the dude Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Valley Center Posts: 271	that's a legit 1st, congrats! __________________ The dude abides.

09-22-2020, 07:20 AM	#5
Sully1 Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: The Beach Posts: 288	Great bendo shot. That's how its done. How about that fight on your talica, must have been a reel treat! __________________

09-22-2020, 05:04 AM	#3
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Right in front of the 1/2 day boat. Love when that happens Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-22-2020, 07:57 AM	#6
ProfessorLongArms Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 401	DUUUUDE. Nice catch!!! Way to share the stoke. Awesome photos and write up Also I’ve kind of come to love having a wave completely take the bow and cover me head to toe on launch... Better than coffee some days. I’ve found the more you do it, the more confidence you get, the less stressful it is. Always a little “pucker factor” but less dread more excitement

09-22-2020, 08:37 AM	#7
govomit Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 77	LJ waters were full of boats Sunday late afternoon. 'New Seaforth' reported 10 YT in the morning. Wonder whether there were more unreported YT catches that day...

09-22-2020, 10:52 AM	#12
NiksYak Junior Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona, relocated from N. CA Posts: 16	Great. Congratulations. Hope you get many more. I'll be trying my luck there in a few weeks.