In Praise of YT

[taggermike]

I caught exactly 1 YT last year and that one wieghed in at about 3lbs. Kinda sad fact right there. On an up note I have managed to land 2 so far this year. I had forgotten how powerful, crafty, beautiful, and worthy of respect these fish are. Both fish had me on the ropes even using 40lb leader over 65 braid on a 5 1/2 foot 30-80lb rated kencor baby boomer rod. To keep a bend in that rod requires some serious and sustained pulling. I had also forgotten what a treat fresh YT is raw, grilled, sauted, barbequed, smoked, or done in a YT salad sandwich.

When I land a YT I dont feel victorious or celabratory, just thankful. We are privledged to have these fish in our waters and they are as much majestic wild animals as dear, bear, and eagles.

I have thought for years that yellow tail, since they actually are gold, should be our state's marine fish rather than garibaldi which look like bloated bright orange pumpkins with fins. Just wanted to share. Mike

[mtnbykr2]

thanks for sharin' the insight...it is pretty cool we have the opportunity to
catch all kinda species here, but the illusive YT is one of the best...well said