Fish-Porn-Friday.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by VINNYC

Great report good pics making me want to drive down and go bendo!!!!!

Well, sometimes it is just that easy. Here's hoping your long drive ends up with the results you're after. Funny enough, I thought of you guys here recently. When asked to go and target rock-fish. My client wanted to go, North, to target Ling.

Finally had a client who actually wanted to target deep structure and rock-fish. My first time dropping on the rocks since the opener. Being that this gentlemen and I had already caught, White Sea Bass and Yellowtail, on previous trips. Rock-fish died.

A nineteen pound Lingcod made it aboard. Followed by two other legal Lings and topped it off with some Reds (Vermilion).

Right up there with any fish in the Pacific Ocean. Fight similar to a Halibut and rank just as high on the taste meter, too.

After seeing his photos in this very thread. I got a call to meet up on the water this week again. He came prepared with all sorts of new man-toys. Namely a new boat and sonar. A very, cool-Cat, if you ever have the pleasure to fish with 'em.

Anyway, fish died. As in plural. After we did so well last time the pressure was definitely on. Hard to tell in the photos, but this day had 15 mph South wind. A gross muggy, humidity filled, feeling in the air. And very few on the water -- for good reason.

Not to mention, the dreaded uphill current to go along with it, heavy overcast skies and looked like it was going to rain. Actually felt a couple drops here and there. A far cry from the beautiful weather our last time out. Honestly, couldn't have looked much worse for targeting, Yellowtail. The fish had moved from where they'd been for weeks. Just adding to the pressure. And this particular day, quite frankly, completely sucked for the most part.

Until I ran over this beautiful sight on the meter. I get hundreds of e-mails each year regarding which sonar to purchase.

From boat and kayak owners alike. I'm often asked what's the price of a good unit and how much should they plan on spending. My answer to that question, while I absolutely can't stand people who answer a question with a question: "Well, how much is your time worth?" After that question is answered the real discussion can begin.

On, Wednesday, I came across what looked like a free-swimming Halibut over the canyon.

Turned out to be a, Turtle. I took it as a good sign, though, and went on about my business after he came over to say hello.

The beneficiary of said, good luck, Turtle.

Also, if you're ever lucky enough to meet this guy? Make sure and buy him a beer -- he's got some amazing stories to tell.

Seriously. A great American and outstanding angler in the making. He did rescue efforts during Hurricane Katrina. And, easily, one of the coolest guys I've ever met. Could probably snap your arm like a twig. Yet, one of the nicest guys on the planet.

You want to hear something crazy, though. I met this gentlemen and he wanted nothing to do with Yellowtail. Nor, White Sea Bass. I told him exactly what I've been catching and he wanted no part of it. Just a relaxing day on the water was all.

So, yours truly actually got to pay a visit to Mission Bay. Been way, way, way too long for me. But, had a blast!

On his first ever trip to, San Diego, on the last day before boarding a plane? He nails a ten pound class, Halibut, for his first fish. His grandson caught a couple nice, Spotted Bay Bass. I ended up with a nice Halibut myself and had a blast with the spotties, too. For the first time in months actually got home early and didn't end up at the ice-house by day's end.

Then, of course, the very next day I'm right back grinding away on a pick-bite in pursuit of larger game. Fun, yes, but very hard work at the same time. A very successful week, no doubt. But, a lot of hard work in heavy winds to go along with it. Anyway, only two weeks in and I'm already slipping on my Fish-Porn-Friday updates. I just got back from the Coronado Islands and am about to get on another boat, headed up North, to target more White Sea Bass. I'll do my best to update this thread on time in the future. Here's wishing a happy father's day to all; maybe a couple photos of fish will brighten your day that much more. Or not. Until next time...

[momo fish]

Well written as always. Thanks for the inspirations and good reading.

[CaliShark]

I'm really enjoying this thread, thanks for the inspiration.

I'm second guessing buying a paddle kayak instead of a peddle kayak. I've notice you guys on the hobie's are way faster, and can still move around with a pole in your hand...not to mention paddling is very tiring.

[blitzburgh]

Great read and photos, man

[Sully1]

That ling looks pretty tasty, nice one!

[Ramos23]

Great report!

Awesome photos!

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by Ramos23

Great report!

Awesome photos!

My pleasure, Ramos. Likewise. I'm sure we all appreciate when someone like yourself shares their captures. Whether it's from down the street. Or, in your case, a world a way. Any idea how far you're located from, Peniche? Portugal is somewhere I'd love to visit. Maybe even relocate all together.

Thanks for your patience there, folks. I have been known to be, I don't know, fashionably late? And whether we're talking about updating a weekly thread -- or catching trophy fish for that matter -- it's all about one thing. Consistency. For some, it's all about being early to bed. For others, who may choose late to rise. Whatever routine you find yourself in? While I may not be your first choice for advice. Just make the most of it...

Right about the time I put up my last update. Computer-time was at an all time low. For you guys who follow the moon rise times, tides, currents, etc.

Well, you're not alone. Bar graphs and weather predictions aside, though, there's many pieces to that puzzle. Or else it would be easy...

Said, relatively spectacular, moon rise -- alright already, it's June for crying out loud -- a La Jolla, White Sea Bass.

They're not always this cool, fish or no fish. Some are better than others, though, and in years past I wouldn't have even snapped a pic.

As is often the case. Quickly the colors completely changed. Making the first photo that much more special to me.

Also notice the bright hue of the sunlight setting behind me. Throwing hot pink rays and reflecting off the moon. 'Twas magic for a moment.

If you were on the water this week, you might have heard some guy, screaming bloody-murder. I was currently with a client at the time. And leaned over to ask him if he heard the screaming, too. We discussed if it was someone in distress, perhaps they saw a Great White Shark, were sinking, or worse? We quickly realized it was the screams of joy from a mile away, though -- and I then told my client it must be none other than, Bert Vega. A no-nonsense, hardcore angler, who's not too proud to celebrate. A man's man who will catch fish until he's sore this season.

I was just lucky in this case to have an opportunity to capture, pure unadulterated joy. You can fake a lot of things -- stoke isn't one of them.

One of the longest, leanest, Yellowtail that I've ever seen. Definitely not a local fish. Could have easily been over forty pounds had she been eating right. Regardless, a beautiful trophy fish that any man alive would be proud to catch. And no doubt put up an incredible fight.

This was a special fish for both of us. Since I've had an opportunity to start mentoring, Bert, lately -- enter proud Papa moment indeed. That said, we've had no problems getting on the fish when our schedules aligned. Here he is going toe-to-toe on an absolute giant of a, White Sea Bass. Estimated somewhere between sixty and eighty pounds. Yes, we saw her, and she flicked us our hook back right at the boat. I'm pretty sure that both of us cried after a few choice words were screamed to the heavens.

What's that saying: a day on the water is better than any day at work -- I gonna have to call bullshit. This was a sad trip back to the launch.

Somewhat similar, our most recent trip didn't exactly have a happy ending. The analogy I often use, especially if the client is in the construction industry? Imagine if you spent an incredible amount of time building this amazing, stunning even, beautiful house made of glass -- then a piece of $h!t, five hundred pound Sea Lion, comes flying out of the elevator you built and lands on it!

That's my job in a nutshell. As if getting each client on fish isn't hard enough. Our hopes and dreams are attached to a tiny piece of thread. Between guys who simply refuse to turn the handle, to spastically winding all the line onto the spool (on one side) until it comes to a grinding halt -- and snaps -- to trophy fish that smoke you into structure for a living themselves. Or, just filthy, thieving, overpopulated Sea Lions. My next job? Will have absolutely nothing to do with building beautiful glass houses. Guaranteed.

Here's another repeat client from over the years who recently made it back in the pipeline. Like many, he's since moved on to smaller boats and wanted a refresher course. Yes, for me anyway, I approach each target species differently from apposing vessels. A boat is not a kayak and vice versa.

This lucky angler had already got smoked by a large, White Sea Bass, one day with me prior. Caught a very large, Yellowtail,
off a kayak our last trip out. And on this day? We left them biting full speed...

After that trip, I had another opportunity to put an angler on his first ever Yellowtail. No sport boat background and no big water experience to speak of.
Anyway, after lots of instruction starting from the beginning, eventually we ended up here. The fun/not sofun part of the trip.

Not to be confused with work or anything. But rest assured, Mike, here is certainly doin' work!

What's that saying: "big boat equals big fish"? Something like that anyway. My third client in a row, on a tandem, to bring home the bacon.

Just look at all the fish storage possibilities...

At least on the ride back that pounding hull quiets down, right?

Bacon. It's what's for dinner. Complimentary, happy-ending, by trophy fish who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Alright, I suppose that's enough for now. Most guys penis is longer than their attention span. So, regardless of how well endowed, one's focus tends to wander after a certain allotment of time. Myself included. Whether you're a thrill seeking junkie. Or, easily bored?

Might I suggest diving in terrifying conditions to begin with. Getting buzzed by some absolutely, ginormous, dark figure from below -- that I know was not a Sea Lion. Then, beyond what every pore in your body is telling you to do? Keep making drops to the bottom until you find the dark figure you came for.

[467echo]

Nice! Didn't even see you in that pic at first

[Tandem Assassin]

Josh - Really have to thank you for the pics. I haven't fished the jewel for 2 years and if this doesn't get me to reach out to you soon I don't know what will. Thank you my friend..

[rrocco]

Great photos and writing!
Truly inspiring.
Thank you.

[Smthtnnr]

Josh! Caught slipping again! What is this Saturday night bullshit.. It's fish porn FRIDAY. Haha all joking aside, really cool post.

[Sully1]

I'm loving it Josh, Thanks for sharing the stoke and providing a glimpse of what a day at the office is like for you.

[Bert Vega]

Every time I close my eyes. I see that tail swimming down. That memory will be with me till the day I die.

[THE DARKHORSE]

.
.
.
In lieu of the, Bloodydecks Yellowtail Shoot out, where many fuel crazed pedal-to-the-metal enthusiasts would gladly run each and everyone of you (kayak anglers) down -- if a bird so much as flaps his wing. Or farts? This week will be dedicated to the sometimes elusive/really not so elusive trophy fish: the ghost. Which to many is appropriately named. To others though, White Sea Bass, are just another fish. If when this weekly update finds you in the former category? Just know that one day, when you find yourself in the latter group, you'll look back at this part-time infatuation with an overgrown silver fish and laugh. Hopefully.

Regardless, until then, just know that there's no shortage of them these days. And as long as you continue to look both ways before crossing the street -- you'll have the rest of your life to catch them. Unless, of course, my prediction rings true. And they shut down the entire California Coast to recreational fishing. Making a huge marine-park, if you will, and selling the aqua-farmed resource back to us all at a premium. At which point I'll be living off some tropical island with many reef break options. And looking back at all these photos with a grin.

When I took this photo I certainly had a smile from ear to ear. Fish were all over the place on this occasion. Making my job a hell of a lot easier.

Quite the luxury to just be able to take a photo instead of freaking out about having to get lines down. Fish on deck already? Helps.

Let's see. Hammering them off of Dana Point. Hammering them off of La Jolla. Hammering them South of there as well (pictured here).

Bringing me to my original point in the second paragraph. They're not as elusive as many make them out to be. Also, check the wave height in this photo. This day was huge! When the Pacific Ocean gives you lemons -- make lemonade.

To this day, one of the scariest things to ever happen to me? Was being buzzed in deep water (well outside the kelp) by a, White Sea Bass. Not just any fish, though. I'm talking about what could have been a hundred pounder! Just diving some birds in open water. Looked like a school of, Yellowtail, was breezing through or something. Birds on Sardines. Sardines on Krill with millions of, Pacific Greenback Mackerel, thrown in for good measure. Then, up from the depths shoots the largest ghost I've ever seen that hammers a Sardine. I know, I know, who cares? It was a couple feet from my face...

No picture of the, White Sea Bass, but I got a pretty cool image of the Krill.

Said frightened diver. What a kook. Another photo that I'll probably look back on (years from now) with a smile, though.

Especially, if and when I do the unthinkable -- and get a real job.

Diving is very similar to hook and line angling. In many ways, actually. Case in point: Sometimes you target say, Halibut?

And get a big surprise. Honestly, I really don't know who was more taken aback on this day. Scouring the bottom looking for eyes and chins. Then out of absolutely nowhere, holy $hit! Check out the filthy visibility and sandy bottom here.

More deep water schools on the fin-bait. Don't get it twisted a trophy, White Sea Bass, will kick your ass.

If and when the damn things aren't in the kelp? Music to my ears and all. But the damn things will put up a tussle.

On one of my last updates I mentioned heading out on a boat for more, elusive fish, action. Eight boats, all five hundred yards apart -- unheard of in this day and age.

Proving yet again that ice can indeed get expensive. And, White Sea Bass, are only elusive if you let them be.

What's that saying: Find the bait. Find the fish? Something like that anyway. I heard, Yellowtail, eat these things as well. No?

And just another reason to not fish in La Jolla this weekend. Bloodydecks,Yellowtail shoot-out, aside.

Lastly, to make this a hot off the press report. Might as well put up a photo taken in the last few days.

By all means get out there and try to tangle with one. Just not this one specifically -- unless you plan on fishing in my ice-chest.

My suggestion would be to consider giving those poor, Yellowtail, a rest. Go poke around a few new-to-you places. Anyway, that's probably enough for now in regards to this weekly update. For more inspiration-in-a-can? You might consider stopping on by this thread for a sip next week. Or not.

I'll be on a couple boats the next few days. And in saying that. If a Bird so much as flaps his wing -- or farts? Don't say I didn't warn you...

[Sully1]

Great shots, keep 'em coming! Those murky dive conditions would spook me out! Once California Marine Park TM takes over, they'll probably going to try to get you to become Park general manager Socal sector.

[Tandem Assassin]

In total harmony..

[blitzburgh]

DOOOD

[sharonkayak]

Nice posts. Keep them coming, some great photos in there.

That lingcod is huge and the plate of it looks tastey with the big pieces of garlic in it.

I also think those dive shots with the wsb are nuts. Retreiving a wsb after it's shot I'm sure is not an easy task.

[Tandem Assassin]

Josh did mention he may not be timely with his Friday contributions but I sure missed last weeks "Fish Porn Friday". Must be field research..

[Sin Coast]

Originally Posted by THE DARKHORSE

You can fake a lot of things -- stoke isn't one of them.

I love this quote!
And thanks for the excellent documentation of your adventures.