First time out of La Jolla

[Sheephead]

Arrived at La jolla at 7:00am yesterday planning to practice surf launching/ landing. Unfortunately the waves were too small so I brought a small rod to the kelp bed to see if I could land my first ocean fish(calico). They were too busy devouring the tuna crabs so I sent one to the bottom curious of what might eat it. As soon as it hit, wham! Once I got the fish to the surface I paused in astonishment. I got a Sheephead! My dream fish! I've spent over 40 half day boat trips deliberately trying to catch this fish. Dumb Luck? Saw lots of yellows cruising in the kelp along with a few schooling greenies mixed with smelt in between pockets in the middle of the kelp beds. Heading in, the waves looked 2 maybe 3ft bigger. On the last wave of the set my Hobie spinned and fucking slammed into my face. OUCH!
Heading out tomorrow with hopes of landing or hooking my first Yellow.