Moyer Tournament yellowtail

[Sherm]

I fished the Steve Moyer Memorial Kayak Tournament this weekend. Launched with my wingman Spyder at the shotgun start at 5;30. Off we went in the dark to get bait. I couldn't see squat and got hit by a wave across the bow that got me pretty wet. I remember thinking to myself......I sure hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

Jim and I went and made the right kind of bait pretty easily. We hung around that area and then decided it was time to make a move. Jim hung around for a bit and I started the LONG paddle to the spot I wanted to try. I waited for Jim to paddle in behind me but I didn't see him and he wasn't answering his phone. I kept going and finally arrived at the spot.

I had a couple baits get messed up on the paddle over and had one bait stolen by a sea lion so I was down to two. The first of the two got crushed and released by a nice fish. The next bait........ and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ the clicker is screaming. I pop the reel in gear and the sleigh ride is on. I lost a couple fish in this same area a few days back and was very greatful that this fish made a long first run straight out to open water. The fish towed me a couple hundred yards and then sounded looking for cover. Too late amigo ......you belong to me. Several more runs later a very tired Yellowtail comes to yak side. I sunk the gaff and slid the fish onto my lap. Victory was mine. Game clip on and secured. The winning fish just came into my yak.

I tried calling Jim again to let him know what was happening. I still couldn't reach him. I finally made the decision to go for the launch and some ice instead of trying to find JIm. SORRY BRO!!!

The paddle back to the launch took an hour and a half. Thank god I hooked up early at the spot or I would not have made the weigh in. It took an hour to make it to the spot....20 minutes to boat the fish....and then another hour and a half to make it back.

5th time was the charm for this tourney. I try and learn new stuff all the time about fishing and some techniques I found out just recently sure seemed to make the day for me this time.

The fish took 1st place Yellowtail division and biggest fish of the Tournament. A great day on the water.

Attached Thumbnails

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[Matt]

A great win by a great guy CONGRATS SHERM!!!

[sdfisher]

congratulations! nice looking fish

[dorf]

That has got to be the best trophy EVER!
Nice fish.

congrats on the win and nice

[Sherm]

Originally Posted by dorf

That has got to be the best trophy EVER!
Nice fish.

Agreed. All my beer will be consumed through that mug or its sister I am going to try and win next year. That's if LJ is still open.

[Fiskadoro]

Congrats on that one!!!

You put in the effort, made the right calls, and decked the fish....

Jim

[yakrider]

always good when a plan comes together...
congratulations!!!!

[robmandel]

nice job on the win. it was my first time in LJ chasing the yellows. sure learned alot. but, still lots more to learn!!

the amount of paddling!!! that was the thing that was the biggest surprise. I'm a malibu guy mostly, and we don't put the miles in like y'all do. really a awesome fishery and location.

i'll be back for sure.

[Whizz Bang]

Congratulations. Nice fish and a nice payout....double whammy. As far as the yellows are concerned, if your hour and a half paddle is where I think it is, they are still there, just brought one in today off a greeny. Had another one get crushed and dropped. It got nasty on the way in crazy swells/wind.....looking at the condo not moving...you know the drill.

[nunyabizness1]

Great job Scott! Congratulations on your win!

[aftahour]

great pics.. and awsome tropy.

[Sarcastic Fringehead]

Nice fish! Does anyone know where the trophy was made? Would like to get one made for a fantasy football league trophy. Thanks.

Dan

[DESTROYER]

Hey Dan, I have those made by a company called Reel Graphics. I will give you the number tomorrow.

[Spyder]

Many congrats wingman! I kinda wondered where you paddled off to. I realized too late that my phone was set on vibrate.

You deserve the win bro. You have been putting both time and effort into finding the biggins. My turn soon............................

[Darrin]

Congrats! I like the trophy oh and the YT too.... boy do I miss SoCal!

[joyjiggin']

An hour and a half paddle out??? But it was worth it! Congratulations!
Eric and I were wondering who won since we couldn't make it to the weigh in!

[peguinpower]

saweeet! love the beer mug. /bing

[Sherm]

Originally Posted by Spyder

Many congrats wingman! I kinda wondered where you paddled off to. I realized too late that my phone was set on vibrate.

You deserve the win bro. You have been putting both time and effort into finding the biggins. My turn soon............................

Sunday bro if you can make it.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by Sherm

I figured those fish had to be there for the tourney. My wingman Spyder was behind me on the paddle over to the spot. I tried to call him on his cell phone but got no answer. I was bummed he could not get in on the action. Let's get out soon Jim before the conditions change.

Oh ya.......a huge thanks to Josh for showing me a couple of his secrets. However, I don't know if I want to fish with him anymore. I think I get performance anxiety around him and farm fish. Thanks again Josh for some of the tips. It sure seemed to pay off.

5th time was the charm for this tourney. See you all at the next one.

Congrats on the big win, Sherm!

But, remember the confidentiality agreement you signed before we launched?

The last thing I need is guys trolling around live bait with ringed hooks...the secrets out ....