LJ 11-11-06 Late report - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

baerclaws · 11-13-2006, 05:32 PM

I launched Saturday just after 6:00 A.M.. Thankfully the surf had backed down a bit, launching and landing was not a problem. I headed to the pier where bait seemed hard to find, so I went into the shallows for smelt, it took me about an hour to get 4. I trolled around for several hours bouncing bait on the bottom, when I noticed a drop off, decided to check my line and thought it was snagged, so I gave a big swing and the fight began. I was spun around and she ran a bit, so I wasn't thinking Halibut, until the heavy, dead weight lifting began. First gaff shot in the head didn't stick and she got off as I had my game clip half way in. Next pass I simply stuck the gaff in one gill opening, lifted her head just out of the water and put the clip through the other, glad she cooperated. I bled her in the water, which helped limit the thrashing on deck, and enjoyed a quiet paddle back.
I appreciated the DFG survey guy on the beach giving me her length and weight and therefore keeping me an honest fisherman.

Thanks to C-Level for being so open, over the years, with sound and proven Halibut techniques.
Ed

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11-13-2006, 05:32 PM	#1
baerclaws Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 72	LJ 11-11-06 Late report I launched Saturday just after 6:00 A.M.. Thankfully the surf had backed down a bit, launching and landing was not a problem. I headed to the pier where bait seemed hard to find, so I went into the shallows for smelt, it took me about an hour to get 4. I trolled around for several hours bouncing bait on the bottom, when I noticed a drop off, decided to check my line and thought it was snagged, so I gave a big swing and the fight began. I was spun around and she ran a bit, so I wasn't thinking Halibut, until the heavy, dead weight lifting began. First gaff shot in the head didn't stick and she got off as I had my game clip half way in. Next pass I simply stuck the gaff in one gill opening, lifted her head just out of the water and put the clip through the other, glad she cooperated. I bled her in the water, which helped limit the thrashing on deck, and enjoyed a quiet paddle back. I appreciated the DFG survey guy on the beach giving me her length and weight and therefore keeping me an honest fisherman. Thanks to C-Level for being so open, over the years, with sound and proven Halibut techniques. Ed [img][/img] [img][/img]