LJ 7/27. First YT.

[Widgeon]

Fourth consecutive Sunday ( my only chance to fish) at LJ. The alarm went off, shortly after 4am. For the first time in a month, I actually considered going back to sleep. " No, this is the day I get my YT." I said " and the yak is already on top of the truck".
Splashed in about 5:45. Got out to the far corner where I generally make bait and begin my troll. Took a little longer than usual, but I got 5 fat greenies and a Spanish. Good to go. Rigged up one rod for iron and one for bait. I decided to try some Owner, 3/0 ringed gorillas. Fly line on a 5 ', 30# fluoro leader. Figured I'd do my usual alternating between trolling and throwing iron.

I hooked a fat greenie and began the slow troll as I rounded the corner. After about 5 minutes, the clicker started working, then stopped. I felt the line and my bait was still there. I figured it must have gotten scarred and was running from something. Oh well, carry on. A few more strokes of the paddle and it starts going off again. I grabbed the rod and started cranking. I was a little disappointed at first. Didn't feel like much. Thought maybe a big calico or bonito.
When I had about 1/3-1/2 of my line back, it was suddenly like a switch had flipped. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Pulling drag, head shaking. Fought it for a good five minutes before I saw color and knew for sure. Then I tightened up the drag a little in an effort to get it on board before it became dog food. I finally got him boat side and having zero experience with a gaff, missed about 4-5 times before I stuck him. He was nicely lip hooked.
Got him tied up and bleeding out. I trolled my way back to the corner, more or less in shock and then said F- it, I'm not greedy, I'm going home.
Back on the beach by 9am.

[battleborn]

Congrats. Sometimes its good to get your meal and get back to bed early. Way to be persistent.

[alanw]

Nice first YT.

["jjcawjj"]

WTG!!! Congrats to you! Great read too!

[ful-rac]

Zzzzz zuh zzzzzuh zzzzzz zzuh zzzzzz zzzzzzz zzzzuh!

Love it when they do that!

[Widgeon]

Thanks guys.
It was a definite rush and fun fight.

[SLYACKER]

Nice!! Well done man congrats! Still waiting on my LJ YT


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[tamddo714]

Way to go!


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[skrilla]

Way to go and congrats. On the gaff technique... underhand it. Hook pointing away from you, get it between you and the fish, that way if you miss you don't puncture your yak or wrap up your line. Then as the fish gets into position just firmly pull up and impale the fish.

[momo fish]

Great effort and Congrads on your cherry

[FISH11]

Crongrats on your first Yellowtail.

[TCS]

Great job.
Your hooks my a little big. I use a 1/O ringed gorilla.
Seems pretty reliable and more stealthy.

[JeffB]

Nice! Congrats on first YT on your yak!

[dmrides]

Originally Posted by skrilla

On the gaff technique... underhand it. Hook pointing away from you, get it between you and the fish, that way if you miss you don't puncture your yak or wrap up your line. Then as the fish gets into position just firmly pull up and impale the fish.

Great advice. Congrats on your first! Nothing like seeing that first one come to color!!

[sdmosch]

Congrats!

[Widgeon]

I appreciate all advice.
Just had some excellent tacos.

[Cbad Mike]

Congratulations on getting that first one!

[Bert Vega]

Awesome job! Putting the time in and getting the payoff!

[467echo]

Congrats! Way to stick it out

[baerclaws]

WTG with that YT.
And great timing getting out of La Jolla before all hell broke loose at the shores.
FYI, the new Storm Drain System was overwhelmed big time.