DP to SAN-O

[easyday]

The morning started out a little rough me being late and all...(sorry guys). We got situated and drug the yaks down to the ramp. There was a few boats launching put had plenty of room on the ramps. We launched at 1st light, then made our way to the bait barge. They had perfectly sized very lively sardines so we all lined up and began getting our scoops and there was one boat that was loading up as well and when they heard our plans they called us crazy and wished us luck.



We headed out of the harbor and then realized just how thick the fog was. We could hear boats moving about but couldn't see any of them, but the question weather or not to continue was not even brought up. We made sure radios were on and we had the right channels and whistles were out in case we lost sight of one another.



We began fishing immediately after leaving the mouth of the harbor. One of us pulled up a small sandy then I landed a nicely colored small calico off of a ZMAN paddler.


We fished for a while and just drifting with the current the fog was still really think and it lifted momentarily and as soon as it lifted, I heard Justin (10mmyaker) yell woooooowww and I look over and he is off balance and his pole is completely bendo.and hes cranking away. We were both hoping it was big one of the flat kind but it was taking long solid runs. ended up being a decent size leopard shark. I helped him land it we cut the gills and gutted it right there on the spot because it was so early and we had no idea how long we would be on the water.


We had to contact the others by radio and whistle blows. Once we met up with the other 2 the brews were brought out and we paddled down a little bit and found a nice little kelp paddy and we found a couple small calicos and sandys. this guy was brought up it came in at around 17 inches.


We kept drifting wit the current and fished the whole way the fog was still thick and the bite was slow so we made the decision to b line it for the san Clemente pier. We paddled towards it and it popped up nowhere out of the fog and we could just see shadows of people fishing from the pier. I heard a kid yell to his mom how did a kayak get out there. We fished the kelp and on my fist drop I was nailed by a calico and he had me all tangled up in the kelp bit I managed to bring it in. right at 14 inches (CPR). We all caught our fair share of bass and then drifted out to the san mateo rocks and the fog had finally cleared



Fished the rocks for a while and a nice sculpin and more bass were caught. We continued drifting wit the current and wind to our backs and a small sheephead was caught. Very brilliant colors( sorry no photo) it was getting late and the decision was made to head around the point and chose our spot for landing we all hung back and watched the surf and we packed up and got ready to make our landing. Landing was a little rough and only one of the 4 of us rolled, it wasn't bad just got caught by the wash, ended up with a broken paddle but spirits were high and he had made his 1st beach landing ever. we got organized and the beachgoers oooeeed and awwweed at the leopard shark and took pics with it.



All in all it was an awesome day with awesome weather. We all believe the fog played into our advantage with keeping the majority of people off the water and opening it up for us. We all had an awesome time and it was a trip to remember. Kayaking is all about the adventure and the seemingly unknown. I plan on doing more trips like this in the future. and for you that participated thank you im glad there is a group of people like I find on this site some that share in my sense of adventure. It was a pleasure spending time on the water with you, I look forward to doing more trips, and to the rest TIGHT LINES