Fish-Porn-Friday.

[Sully1]

Looks like the menu is changing. . . .


Big Yellow, and bigger Dorado. Wow.

[Cbad Mike]

I wouldn't do it even if I was triple dog dared!
Thanks for another good post and pic.

[Tandem Assassin]

Finally went out after two years - 7 yellows - 7 yellowfin and a 38lb. bluefin.

Felt f'n good to pull on something...

[jsunmkly]

^ what boat was this on?

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by Tandem Assassin

Finally went out after two years - 7 yellows - 7 yellowfin and a 38lb. bluefin.

Felt f'n good to pull on something...

I bet it felt good to pull on something, Jeff. At this point, though, I'm on the fence about whether or not the thing you're pulling on? Is my leg. You mean to tell me. She gave you back your man-card and let you go fishing? I still can't believe you sold that perfect little boat (even for a lovely lady). Two years? Solid proof, though: it must be love.

Also. While on the subject. This is Fish Porn Friday; so no lame deck shots (of bait sized Yellowtail) please. I mean, come on, throw up a photo of a lit-up Tuna or something from that trip. That I'd love to see. Even one with fifty other guys (screaming at each other) as they're attempting to tie the world's largest knot. I'm talking full color popping off the screen. We're trying to enjoy our morning coffee before going to work here. For crying out loud. A sick bendo-shot -- something!
.
.
In all seriousness, though, here's hoping that's just the start of a terrific season for you, brother. May your next Yellowtail be able to eat those small 'kine on deck. And your next Tuna require a two speed reel and three gaffs to land. Congrats on getting out there.
.
.
.
With no further ado, folks. Thanks for your patience on this week's update. No more deck photos with tag numbers and such. Or, old school black and white film images. Unless they come with a cool story or are just, I don't know, up there in the coolness factor. This is indeed the digital era. So remember to take a lot of pics. Somewhere in there? Even you just might capture the money-shot of all money-shots. Honestly, it doesn't even have to be a big fish to make a quality image. Or a colorful fish for that matter.

It certainly doesn't hurt, though. And while on that subject. Yesterday's trip ended up being another long day on the water.

Just the way I like it. If you're going to put up a deck photo -- make it a colorful one please. With a monster in hand preferably (caught yesterday).

Since this is indeed a kayak fishing forum. I'll get back on topic. First up is The Man, the myth and legend in the making: Bert Vega

I swear every time I see this guy he's got a huge smile on his face. And a bent rod. He must be getting tired of catching Yellowtail by now.

On this day I saw him tossing them back in the water. Like they were nothing. When I grow up I want to be this guy. Great family man/hardcore angler with a smile on his face. Probably a good guy to have your back in a bar-fight, too.

Another lame deck photo I guess. With all kinds of product placement thrown in for good measure. Who knows, though?

Could be a cryptic clue. Shameless Lowrance plug. A big Yellowtail. I like the photo; it's my thread. Enjoy your coffee.

Don't you conservationist types worry, though. Plenty of Yellowtail are released. I do it all the time. It's nothing new either.

And if I'm being completely honest, it's not all that commendable. It's not some noble deed that gets you a higher place in Heaven. As much as I'd love to think so! If that were the case, I probably wouldn't be burning for eternity with all my friends. It's simply a personal choice. If you harvest within your limits -- that's your American right to do so. If you feel otherwise? Lobby to change it. I will say this, though, from a very selfish perspective -- it feels amazing to watch them kick off strong. Especially with Yellowtail. One of the greatest joys in fishing if you asked me.

Just ask this regular client who's got to be tired of pulling on, Yellowtail, by now. Especially one's this size. He absolutely destroyed the homeguard fish all Winter long with me. Plenty of times by himself after the fact (in the cold-water-months). And he's been spanking fish (I'm talking trophy fish), every-trip, for months on end now. Yes I'm proud of him and his progress as an angler.

On this day he got to see a fifteen foot, Great White Shark, from two feet away. Yes, it's a true story (it circled him three times). Of course he kept fishing. And caught this monster you see right here.

Then he thought it might be wise to release her to fight another day. Whether it was because of the GWS sighting; I don't know, Karma points? Or conservation efforts.

Is beside the point. It's a personal choice that he made. And it was only his choice to make. Definitely rad (yes I said rad) to watch this beast swim off. Something everyone should experience at least once. Or twice. Hell, three times -- just go crazy with yo' bad self! It really capped an already amazing day off with a cherry on top if you asked me. I'm a hopeless romantic, though.

This guy represents my status quote client. If there is such a thing: drops me an e-mail to set up a trip, never calls as strongly suggested (which really helps a guy who's on the water five to seven days a week), drops the occasional line to check in (every few months!), has a child somewhere in there -- amongst a few promotions in the midst of a lucrative career. Repeat for a year or so.

And one day finally decides to call. I then say: "welcome back to the pipeline". Followed by a day on the water shortly there after. A big fish and nowhere to put the thing is next. Quickly followed by rushing out to buy a Hobie kayak in most cases.

Alright. Enough already with the killing. Harvesting of fresh seafood all by your lonesome. Whatever you'd prefer to call it.

I'll go ahead and toss in another lame deck shot for your viewing pleasure. With a little psycho-bendo-shot action for good measure. I'm no doctor. But if this photo doesn't make you want to go fishing? You might want to get yourself checked out. I have no problem just coming out and saying it, either: ''there's something wrong with you".

I've said it before and I'll say it again: "a fish is a fish". And any, Yellowtail, is a good Yellowtail. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

While on the subject, though, I'm pretty sure this fish could easily eat some of those fire-cracker Yellowtail guys are keeping. Easily.

Above all, while fishing -- even kayak fishing is indeed a sport. For the most part it's just fun and games. A hoot. A diversion. From our everyday stresses of life (whether it's family related or career driven). It's got something in it for everyone. You could get pumped up by getting completely tooled, from a one-pound Bonito on a ultralight Trout rod. Which would indeed be a fight on two-pound line and a half ounce spoon. Or, getting smoked by a Homeguard Yellowtail; if that's what you're into. It's all good. Who's ever having the most fun is the big winner, right? Or so they tell me anyway...

I may not know much. But if there was a million dollar contest. A tournament if you will. For the guy who's the most stoked on the water.

And it was held on this day in particular? Hypothetically anyway. You would have certainly lost if this guy had entered. Guaranteed.

[FlyFishinYakr]

I really admire you FOR dedicating time to post every week so that 'some' of us who have trouble getting out there to do what you're posting. Above all it's always a very good read.
Have you ever though about approaching a fishing periodical as a freelance writer, writing about the Kayak fishing? I understand it's gaining momentum as a main stream fishing activity (much like Fly fishing), and above all you do it so well. (Pics...Videos...narration!)
I'm right there with you Josh on the C & R! I remember many a trip where I'd stack my rod and help along the rail or "chum" if all the crew are busy. Or once I caught a few fish I'd hook a fish and hand it off to a kid or other passenger that hadn't caught something yet. That's how I kind of got my start building a rep on the boats (and why I get invited to come out to "boost the counts" when I was able and hopefully soon again).
Catch what you can use and release the rest, don't stock the freezer just yet! You have all summer and....it gives you a VALID excuse to go fishing! "Hey honey we only have a quarter fillet of Yellowtail left I "HAVE" to go fishing to stock up. This gives you married guys out there gives you a "REASONABLE" excuse to get out!
I only bring home a limit of large macks or bonito for Cat food treats.
I guess Tuna would be one of the only exceptions to this rule. However I don't bring home anything under 20#, both Tuna & "Firecracker" !!!
Thanks again for taking the time and energy to post for the rest of us to enjoy!
FFY

[wiredantz]

I wished I live near the jewel!!!!!!! so jealous

[fisher_4_life]

Awesome pictures and write ups! Thanks for keeping this thread going Josh!

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by fisher_4_life

Awesome pictures and write ups! Thanks for keeping this thread going Josh!

Thanks! My pleasure. Long time no talk, brother. Did you buy that skiff we spoke about yet or what? Inshore/offshore is in full swing; obviously. So let me know.

Speaking of. Why anyone with a skiff would even be fishing local kelp beds, or God forbid, dragging the bottom of the Pacific Ocean right about now? Is beyond me. I saw a forty foot sportfisher trolling the thick kelp edges the other day. And had to laugh. With Tuna ten miles offshore, Dorado on kelps slamming into the beach, not to mention some rather large Bluefin thrown into the mix. Offering quite the bonus kicker fish. And this perfect Islands/offshore rig is trolling the kelp catching Barracuda. No, it was not a charter putting little kids on fish (the only thing that might have made it make sense). Nor a local captain making jumbo Pacific Greenback Mackerel for Marlin/Swordfish bait. They were trolling mono rigs and looked to be targeting Barracuda.

I digress, though, in hindsight they looked to be having a good time. Booze cruise it up! So, what ever floats your boat -- or yacht in this case.

[driftwood]

Dang you look skinny Josh....but that's a good thing.

All I can say...you were born to fish!!

[blitzburgh]

Hahaha awesome sonogram!

[Cbad Mike]

Once again Josh thanks for the great write up and pics.
I look forward to the read every week!

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by Cbad Mike

Once again Josh thanks for the great write up and pics.
I look forward to the read every week!

Alright, alright, maybe a weekly update was a bit ambitious.

Didn't really think about it while having a glass of wine that first night. Tossed some photos together with a short story here and there? No problem at first. Sounded simple enough. And in a perfect world I'm sure it would be. First possible concerns of not having enough weekly content, though. Quickly morphed into the inevitable: an endless revolving door of adventure after adventure. More photos than I knew what to do with. Quickly leaving me back-logged after I missed my first update. So many cool stories in fact that it was either not sleep, not surf or never swimming with the fish. And that's just not going to happen anytime soon.

Thus, Fish Porn Friday, being forced to take a hiatus. Seeing as time has become more abundant here lately. I might as well take this precious time to offload some inventory. Memory card full if you will. And lots of stories that are far from forgotten.

Certainly not all in one shot, though. Your eyes would bleed by the time you finished. Mine, too. And this thread was created to inspire people to go out and chase more fish -- not freak out from fear that there aren't any left! So, lets start with my last trip. The other day in fact. In the theme of keeping this a report.

It starts on a secret Island, of course. Located twenty-two miles Southwest of Point Loma. First stop North Island. A current rich location that's eaten more anchors than salt water. The bottom in a hundred feet is littered with them, mind you. At times this is a great place to fish. And always, always, always a scary ass place to dive!

So, of course, I brought along a couple friends. What's that saying: "you don't have to be fast; just faster than your buddy". Perfect.

Beyond the law of averages improving in the event of a, 20' Great White Shark, encounter. It's nice to have a buddy to fend off the Sea Lions.

Because the damn things are everywhere. And when I say, everywhere? I mean f'n everywhere!

Practically impossible to fish a live bait anywhere near this Island. And it's even worse when you actually hook a, Yellowtail.

Anyway, not a whole lot you can do about it. They take your fish from a sport boat? Who cares. If you don't dive, just try and imagine your thought process when they grab your prize -- and you're attached.

Your little baby (translation for expensive gun in this case) is attached, too. Throw that $1,000+ piece of wood into the abyss why don't 'ya!

No, my gun isn't sinking to the abyss there. We're just swimming together having a look around. On this day conditions were prime.

Actually more clear than these images let on. That black void after the rocks is, well, just that. Pretty much the edge of the Earth. So it's supposed to look like a black void of nothingness.

As you approach the ledge here you should get a better idea of the scene. Just know that it's a lot deeper than it looks.

Your first dive to the top of that rock truly tells the tale, though. It's another twenty or so feet to the base of that rock. And another twenty or so feet deeper with every ledge for scale. Throw in schools of fish that are swimming anywhere from 60'-120' down. And if you're a competitive type? Equals a recipe for disaster...

Long story short, it was like diving in an aquarium on this day. Only making closing the gap all the more challenging. Punching 60' drop after 60' drop to hover and wait is exhausting. The fish wouldn't even spook as you reached their depth. They'd just sink further and further into the abyss upon your approach. The Devil's apple just praying on the tempted. I chose to dive within my limits on this occasion, though. Timing on your drop was paramount; more so than I'd ever seen.

Hard work eventually paid off in the end. I didn't drown. And managed to sneak yet another fish through the Lion's den unscathed.

Well, looking at the clock it's nearly midnight. And seeing as it's a full moon? That means I have a client in six hours. For what's sure to be another incredible adventure if all goes according to plan.

We'll be fishing another secret spot (photo from my last trip) that you may recognize. Although it's not always THIS pretty.

And since, Yellowtail, aren't the only fish in the Sea. I'll end this reviving update with a photo of my Thanksgiving Turkey.

The fattest, ugliest, slime ridden mess of a bird that fed all who stopped on by. Way, way, way more fun wrestling your thrashing meal; than buying a big stinking block of ice.

[Tandem Assassin]

Josh - That may be the first post I have seen of you with no waders on. Is this a new fashion statement or did you just forget your overalls? Hope you and your lady have a great holiday....

[Cbad Mike]

Beautiful pictures.
Thanks for reviving Fish Porn Friday.

[T-Rex]

Josh - Great Post as always!

[TJones]

I'm gonna have to try free diving . Happy holidays . So what ? Are we gonna nail em again early this spring ?

[Smthtnnr]

Looks like someone finally shot a fish

Cool looking shots... ridiculous vis. See you soon hopefully

[Sully1]

Your gun looks pretty sick. Pulling the trigger has got to be a pretty special feeling, even more so when you hit the mark. . .

Love the turkey. Looks like you had a great Thanksgiving.

[Bert Vega]

That hali was huge. Nice pictures as usual