First YT in a Looong Time

[Pescavore1]

I’ve been kayak fishing in La Jolla for just over three years but very infrequently. As much as I love fishing, I can count the number of times I went out last year on one hand, and even less yellowtail caught during the entire 3 years from a kayak. This year I am determined to improve my fishing skills with some professional assistance, spend more time on the water, and catch a few trophy YT.

With the incredible weather we’ve been having and reports of occasional wintertime YT caught, I made my second trip of the year on 1/21 (sorry for the late report). It’s been many months since I pulled on a fish and even longer since I brought one on board. After a couple of hours of yo-yoing, I dropped a Tady 9 a few feet off the bottom, took a brief pause to enjoy the spouting whales, then gave the handle a couple of cranks and bam! I’m on and the fight begins!



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I could tell immediately this one was going to be bigger than my previous yellowtails. I’m excited with anticipation but immediately begin to doubt. Is my line in good condition? Is my knot strong enough? Is my drag set properly? Yes, yes, and yes. Finally, the fish comes to the surface but disappears quickly. Few more cranks of my reel brings it to within gaffing distance but it does not give up easily so I’m really getting nervous again. This YT was clearly going to be the largest one for me and I just want it on board. With a little help, a personal best yellowtail is finally on deck. One that is long overdue.




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Not bad for slow wintertime fishing. Thanks Josh for the pictures, assistance, and putting me on the fish.