LJ 10/26PM & 10/27AM

[madscientist]

What's this....



Read on.8)

Got a late start last night after picking up some hoop nets for my first bug run after some fishing. Surf was pumping pretty well and I got drenched getting out. Got out to find bait all over, mix of spanish and greenies. Headed out to a ling spot and passed Ken on his way in for buggin. Told him I'd join up shortly but I wanted to try some bottom action. Couple of drifts for nothing and I figured I better get my hoops ready before I lost all the light. Went over to the area where Ken was working, and together we had a fun evening of bug huntin. Half the pulls came up with something and I had a total of about 10, almost all close to the limit but only 2 were over. Ken did better. They will become bisque tonight. That was a lot more fun than I expected and I'll definitely be out there many more evenings. Thanks again for all the tips, Ken.

10/27
Got up a little later than I wanted and got down tot he shores as Andy paddled out through some ocassionally nasty surf. Timed it better this morning and only took a couple to the chest. A little past the reserve line I made a half dozen small spanish, then no more bait. Andy reminded me it was slack high, and I figured it might end up being a wasted morning. Little baits crackling all over, but nothing that would take the sabiki. Mosied around a little unsure of what to do since it was dead calm. Tried a little power drifting by some buoys but only managed to get snagged on the bottom. Resigned myself to an early end and started trolling for home.

Around 8:30 the sun starts to burn through and it looks kind of fishy. I feel a vibration and look back to see the deep rod take a hard bounce. Bring in a crushed bait, surprising since I even had a trap hook. Still not really sure if I wasn't just delusional, I replace the bait and continue. Then i hear a commotion behind me and turn to see....full out YT blitz! :shock:

Its about 400yds away so I do an about face and take off. As I get to the edge of iron range I figure to gamble and hope they come to me as I prepare to throw. They do the opposite and move off and by the time I get there, it's over except for a big bait slick. Darn. Decide to take a big loop before returning to the homeward course. As I get to the deeper part of it, I see bait bubbling so I throw the iron. Half way through the retrieve the flyline goes off. Throw the iron rod in the holder and grab the singing stick, remembering to let it turn the boat before I start fighting for a change. Fish peels off 100yds of spectra straight at a buoy, but we still have some distance. Gain back 200 ft quickly then it takes off again, this time perpendicular, that run seems to take something out him because now we are into the vertical game, with no pots or kelp. Nice to get these guys out deep. First YT I've had on in a while, and I show it because my first gaff swing misses completely, the second barely sticks, so I reset and finally get a half ass one through the spot between the gills. Fortunately the fish is done and it's bloody deck time (se above)! No photobeyatches around so I do myself.



Tell Andy that I think its over 20 and head in. No more sign of tail on the way in. At the shore the surf had settled a bit . Long chunky fish went 29lb .



Very thick and absolutely stuffed with squid. Maybe one of those Catalina fish.

Better watch your ass Andy. Last two times I've crept up on Arne he's gone on a tear. I predict some more beaver shots shortly. :lol:

Neptune has been very kind of late.