Finally!

[Handymansd]

Launched at 1:30 am, determined to overcome the loss of my favorite set up the day before. Got out to the right spot and proceeded to catch squid. The issue wasn't catching squid, it was getting them past the 70ft solid wall of greenies looking for a sample! I managed to get a few Squid by and also stock my tank with porno greenies! I switched out my small squid jig to a monster 9" one hoping to discourage the macks from eating it... didn't work, I caught 2 macks that had to have been 4-5 lbs. Crazy. So I continued to try to soak live squid while catching greenies. A couple of newbie kayakers came up and set up within paddle (not paddling, paddle) distance of me! I had lines in! So I decided to move to another spot!. As I set up in my new spot a greeback took my last live squid so I sent his ass back down with a 4/0 circle hook as a nose ring. Maybe 30 secconds later a couple of clicks.... then a couple more.... ZZZZZZZ......ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! YEA!!! Fish ON! Towed me straight south, I knew it wasn't a YT because it had strong smooth runs with no head bobbing it was incredibly strong and I knew (from experience) to keep the drag light due to their soft mouths. Soon I brought it to color.... YES!! My first large WSB! I then hear the unmistakeable blow from a sealion right behind the yak! Crap! I desperatly try to get it lined up for the gaff shot.... there... bump... it did not stick!! Again.... bump no stick... WTF? then I see the "guard" still on!
So I remove the guard and bam first... well... third times a charm! Clipped, gilled and attached with the sea lion right below, It was not Knothead thank God!!
I proceeded to do the Happy Peddle back to my spot. What the heck, lets try another mack? Down it goes. Before it hits the bottom BAM, and it's the right kind!! YA!!! Get it up gaffed and clipped, crap I'm going to run out of game clips at this rate, and the sun isn't even up yet! At this point I am getting really wound up! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ...dead squid dropper looped on the bottom. Came unbuttoned as I was towed into the newbie's yaks again... But I don't care... I am catching fish! Back to my spot and down goes the mac....ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ up comes a 34# YT!! I release two other smaller models before deciding I'm happy with what I have. Besides, I am going to be vaccum sealing until late tonight as it is!

I suppose I have figured out how this fishing thing works. You donate a $500 rod and reel combo to the ocean... then come back the next morning to accept the gracious return from mother nature! A great time OTW and one Cherry popping I won't soon forget!

[Zed]

Nice pic. Your face does not at all betray the fact it's your first.

Congrats. Hope for us all.

[cabojohn]

[slayersmith]

Nice job Chuck!!! Way to go!!! Great Report!!



Take it easy!

Aaron

[lamb]

Awesome day for you Chuck!!!

Congrats on your first ghost!

[esdees]

Congrats Chuck! Time to switch to a tennis ball on the gaff.

[goodfishkarma]

Nice WSB and yellow. Launching at 1:30 am- redefining early. Congrats to you. Sounds like you earned those fish in more ways than one, good retribution for donated tackle.

Chris

[gary sullivan]

Originally Posted by Handymansd

Launched at 1:30 am, determined to overcome the loss of my favorite set up the day before.

And I thought I was nuts launching at 3 A.M. Now you're going to have to get a second freezer to hold all that extra fish. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Congratulations on your first. Gary

[T-Rex]

Great report!

Wow...launching at 1:30 a.m....looks like fortune favors the sleep deprived!

Big time congrats!

[undrH2Ohntr]

nice pair

[Sherm]

Congrats!!! That's a sweet ghost...and your right about the big knothead. May have turned out a lot different if he was the sea lion on you. Congrats again.

[deeberdave]

Great report, congrats on some mighty fine fish!!!!

[THE DARKHORSE]

It almost brings a tear to my eye to see you finally catch the fish that has eluded you for so long. Some guys will fish their whole life, only watching others bring the elusive silver fish home. Especially a ghost to be proud of like that, you earned it. As promised, now we can take that trip six hours south, to upgrade your personal best .

[steveooo]

Atta Boy Chuck!!
Post of the month fo sho

[woolybugger]

congrats on an incredible day of fishing! Did you catch the vis? I was thinking of diving it tomorrow

[Dennis]

Super stoked for you, Chuck. Well deserved fish! It was a crazy morning.
-D

[ski]

Nice haul

[Dan]

mmm. tasty. Nice one(s) Chuck.

[habanero]

Congrats!!! That's a sweet WSB!
This was my first (see avatar)
I lost my $160 marine radio last weekend at LJ.
Maybe I'll hit big this coming?

BTW: the radio was a floating Icon in case anyone found it.

[Matt]

Nice Job Chuck!!!