Late Post Arco Island 3/29/14

[WildernessWanker]

Was originally going to head down to Newport or Redondo but was asked by a buddy to join him at Arco Island just outside Ventura. Got to the launch around 6:30 to a text stating I would be alone since my friend had to work. Since the last time I've been there the ramp to the beach has lost all the sand between the rocks so it took me a while to work my loaded kayak down to the water. When I showed up there were a few guys fishing the surf and they were all constantly pulling in BSP, one of the guys even said they've pulled a decent butt from there as well. Launched to surf 1' to 2' and quickly made my way over to the bridge to make bait. Bounced a Paddlerz on the bottom at the small artificial reef for almost an hour for nothing and started to make bait. Caught about a dozen smelt in the 6-8" range and trekked over to the island. At the island I ran into 2 other yakkers, one on an old white ocean kayak and the other in a blue cobra I believe. They were both in beater yaks, no seats, no bait tanks, one rod each, and the ocean kayak had a black end from a patch job where apparently the whole rear end was either cracked or just caved in. It showed me that people are doing whatever they can to get out there and fish, even if it means a beater ride without some of the essentials (although a PFD would have been on my list even without a seat). I started on the opposite side of the island working my bait about 10 yards off the island in about 30' of water. Within minutes I was hooked up to a feisty 17" calico followed immediately by an 18" copy. About 30 minutes later I pulled in a 19" cab then....nothing. Drifted around with the bait I had while also throwing some plastics and working them away from the island. I had planned on drifting a little off shore for some butts, but was enjoying drifting around out by the island. Great day on the water to sun and clear skies, but not much to report as catch. I did keep the cab which made for a nice dinner, but never got my OTW pic.