Just like The Great Bambino

Calling his shot.

Today was kind of a special day for me. Today marks the one year anniversary of me moving to California.

Up until today, I have caught pretty much every species of fish that La Jolla has to spit out. Ling, Rock, Tshark, WSB, Hali, Goats ect. Everything except the one that counts.

I have made many many fishless trips looking for YT, and to be honest I was getting pretty discouraged. Early July I went on a 12 day straight kayak fishing binge, some days lasting 15+ hours. It was painful leaving empty handed every day yet watching everyone around me hooking up, even though I was doing the same thing, the same way.

Well it got discouraging enough that I took a 4 week hiatus and recharged my batteries. I ducked some invites for a while, found some other stuff to keep me busy and kept my brain off fishing. I knew my 1 year mark was coming up and promised myself I wasn't going to go a year without a

Yesterday I sent Rob this text.



And this is how it went.

Launched at 5am, bait was scarce. I happened to make one piece, but since cuda were in the area I didn't put it down yet.

BAM, guy hooks up next to me then BAM guy next to him hooks up. Put my bait down and before I can get it in my rod holder BAM I'm on.

I fished him for a good 10 minutes until he got to color. I reached for the gaff and down he goes. I let him go for a run and said "Good, I didn't want you to make it this easy." Well, he turned to the boat and spit the hook.

THIS IS NOT HOW THIS DAY WAS SUPPOSED TO GO!

Pretty pissed, but it's still early. I got another piece of bait from a fellow yakker and drop it down. a few minutes later, I'm on. I'm cranking this sucker. He feels much heavier than the first. Solid run over and over and finally get to vertical. He seems tired so I tighten the drag a little more and start winching. He runs, I can't loosen the drag fast enough and
The knot breaks at the swivel from the leader. A knot I've never had snap, a knot I've pulled on 40lb class WSB with with 27#drag on a thumbed spool. A knot that bends hooks on dogs before it breaks.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????

Thats it, I quit. La Jolla, you win. All I can think about it roughly how much I can get for my kayak with everything as a package deal. I hate you La Jolla and never want to play with you again.

The first time I get to pull on some Yellows is on my day and you can't even cut me a break? How much bait do I have left? Two pieces? Ok, thats it and I'm outta here.

Drop the last ones down. I'm RAGING inside.
an hour goes by. No one around me has hooked up in a while, and I couldn't make any bait.

Tap Tap. Line bumps and I'm thinking "Douche bag cudas"

Take the rod holder out, let him play with the bait and BAM he's on. Seriously? A third chance at this?

I didn't let this guy get any slack and I didn't crank down on the drag at all, I'm not letting this one get away. 15 minutes in a my blood is raging. All I can think about is how good did I tie my knots... then I see him on the FF. 50 feet. Ok, I can do this. 50, 40, 30, 20, 30 40, 50....

Get him to color. He's wiped, and so am I. He's a good one! Reach for the gaff and he goes under the boat and tangles in my pedals. Of course he did, why wouldn't he? I pull the drives, free the line and steak his ass like Buffy the Vampire slayer and get him into the boat. Game clip on. Game over.

You put up a good fight La Jolla, but I got this one. Today is my day.


It really has been an incredible year living here. I've met some great people in this fishing community and I'm looking foward to another great year. Hopefully I don't need to wait a year to bag another one


And thanks Rob for the Celbratory Yellow Tail Pale Ale and the trick photography

[Ddwineguy]

Great job! Way to go!

[Cbad Mike]

Nicely done! Congratulations!

[min-va]

Great story, good job!!

[wade]

YIP YIPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!
WTG!!!!!!!!

[Gigafish]

Down with the Sickness, this is in the bag. Congrats. One would think it's over but the madness has just begun.

[DarthFisherman]

Way to stay at it man! Glad to see that it paid off big time.

[blitzburgh]

F-N-A!!!!

[dwntwnall4u]

Awsome story. Congrats to you.

[mtnbykr2]

Kendall says, she knew Rob was involved, by the Balast sticking out of that sashimi's mouth...

[seriola_killer]

Atta boy, Mr. Drake! Great job hanging in there after all the ass-whuppin's. I gotta get me a rack for my toaster so that I don't have to rely on the Father in law's truck to go fishing. Supposed to be there tomorrow but he backed out cuz it might be too hot.

[wiredantz]

Bravo!






This here gentleman, is the man that did not give up.



(claps hands for you)

[Vikingj]

Great story! Thanks for the post.
Wayne

[StinkyMatt]

Way to stick it out Drake


You are now able to apply for your ELITE fishing status.


Great write up and I wish you many more big catches.

[skrilla]

So, roughly about how much for all your stuff as a package deal... oh wait nevermind.

[lbsurf2ca]

Congrats you'll always remember your first Lj yellow

[GregAndrew]

Only a year? Damn, that sounds kinda lucky to me lol. Way to keep at it till it's done.

[silverbullet]

Good looking fish....I'm headed out tomorrow evening for PM... hit me up.

[RobFish]

Raise your glasses for the Great Mr. Bambino!
Now you have officially been greeted by the Pacific.
Congrats on your first YT. Well done sir, well done.
The Ballast Point was just an impromptu addition. Very fitting, no?

[Jonesyak]

I think I am in the same boat you were just before you got that YT. I am ready to give up, LJ has kick my ass from one side to the next, Tshark took my 800$ rod and reel... YET, your story gives me hope!!! thank you!!