very late post - LJ on 4/23/2010 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

JimE · 05-05-2010, 12:37 AM

After showing some mild interest in kayaking, my wife gave me a used Outback as a birthday present last summer. Having fished 50 years from boats, banks and docks, I have been trying to get the hang of this new platform, mostly fishing local spots around Dana Point for bass, rockfish and short halibut. Made a late decision to try La Jolla and launched into the surf – that was interesting - around 8:30am on Friday, 4/23. Moving west along the N edge of the kelp, fishing with iron and macs, I saw bait being pushed a couple of times, so decided to stay in the area. At about 11:30 my fly-lined mac was slammed - he never let on that he saw it coming – and I let it run 20 or 30 seconds before setting up. With 6-0 hook and 30lb mono I felt pretty good, especially as he pulled me into more open water (I’ve since learned I was under-gunned on straight 30). Anyway, every time he ran it was away from structure so I was thinking WSB. After about 10 min Kevin (The Kid, on BD) paddled by and began to offer encouragement and helpful advice. Another 10 min went by and Kevin changed his mind and said YT, which proved to be the right call when it finally came to color. I made a clean head shot with the gaff and Kevin came in close to help secure things, and take some nice pics – my personal favorite:
Name: LJYT4%204-23-2010.JPG
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Name: LJYT4%204-23-2010.JPG
Views: 951
Size: 102.7 KB

Heading in on cloud 9 and was near the buoy before I realize I lost my paddle somewhere along the way, so I made a quick tour back through the area, but for nothing. The surf crossing was even more interesting coming in and I felt fortunate to have all my gear – I’ve got to practice this! As for my yellow tail, I didn’t get it weighed but at the truck it measured 45” from nose to fork and has been wonderful on the grill for many. Thanks again to Kevin for his timely arrival and assistance!

-JimE
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herefishyfishy! · 05-05-2010, 07:48 AM

Wow, that's some really nice hamachi! Especially for your first on the yak, nice job Jim!

ful-rac · 05-05-2010, 07:56 AM

congratulations! Nice fish thanks for the report!

bigbarrels · 05-05-2010, 09:11 AM

Very nice

Congrats

The Kid · 05-05-2010, 12:03 PM

Yep it was a bigun great first fish off the yak congrats Jim.

blitzburgh · 05-05-2010, 05:06 PM

Nice

!!!

Dennis · 05-05-2010, 07:37 PM

.. So SICK! Congratulations.

Nic D · 05-05-2010, 08:05 PM

nice fish

dmrides · 05-05-2010, 08:11 PM

Looks like you got a handle on the new platform. Fishing from a kayak is a helluva lot of fun. In time, your wife might wonder if that was the best gift to give.

dfroggy54 · 05-06-2010, 12:19 AM

Nice YT! I Wish my first experience at La Jolla was like that..hahah

05-05-2010, 12:37 AM	#1
JimE Junior Join Date: May 2010 Location: Highland, CA Posts: 2	very late post - LJ on 4/23/2010 After showing some mild interest in kayaking, my wife gave me a used Outback as a birthday present last summer. Having fished 50 years from boats, banks and docks, I have been trying to get the hang of this new platform, mostly fishing local spots around Dana Point for bass, rockfish and short halibut. Made a late decision to try La Jolla and launched into the surf – that was interesting - around 8:30am on Friday, 4/23. Moving west along the N edge of the kelp, fishing with iron and macs, I saw bait being pushed a couple of times, so decided to stay in the area. At about 11:30 my fly-lined mac was slammed - he never let on that he saw it coming – and I let it run 20 or 30 seconds before setting up. With 6-0 hook and 30lb mono I felt pretty good, especially as he pulled me into more open water (I’ve since learned I was under-gunned on straight 30). Anyway, every time he ran it was away from structure so I was thinking WSB. After about 10 min Kevin (The Kid, on BD) paddled by and began to offer encouragement and helpful advice. Another 10 min went by and Kevin changed his mind and said YT, which proved to be the right call when it finally came to color. I made a clean head shot with the gaff and Kevin came in close to help secure things, and take some nice pics – my personal favorite: Heading in on cloud 9 and was near the buoy before I realize I lost my paddle somewhere along the way, so I made a quick tour back through the area, but for nothing. The surf crossing was even more interesting coming in and I felt fortunate to have all my gear – I’ve got to practice this! As for my yellow tail, I didn’t get it weighed but at the truck it measured 45” from nose to fork and has been wonderful on the grill for many. Thanks again to Kevin for his timely arrival and assistance! -JimE fficeffice" />>>

05-05-2010, 07:48 AM	#2
herefishyfishy! Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: La Mesa Posts: 154	Wow, that's some really nice hamachi! Especially for your first on the yak, nice job Jim! __________________ "There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot."

05-05-2010, 07:37 PM	#7
Dennis Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South of La Jolla... Posts: 1,193	.. So SICK! Congratulations. __________________ Hmmmm.....

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05-05-2010, 07:56 AM	#3
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	congratulations! Nice fish thanks for the report!

05-05-2010, 09:11 AM	#4
bigbarrels Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vista Posts: 1,111	Very nice Congrats

05-05-2010, 12:03 PM	#5
The Kid Loves Surface Irons Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 455	Yep it was a bigun great first fish off the yak congrats Jim.

05-05-2010, 05:06 PM	#6
blitzburgh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Menifee Posts: 2,509	Nice !!!

05-05-2010, 08:05 PM	#8
Nic D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Clairemont Posts: 813	nice fish

05-05-2010, 08:11 PM	#9
dmrides Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Point Loma Posts: 584	Looks like you got a handle on the new platform. Fishing from a kayak is a helluva lot of fun. In time, your wife might wonder if that was the best gift to give.

05-06-2010, 12:19 AM	#10
dfroggy54 Rolly Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 245	Nice YT! I Wish my first experience at La Jolla was like that..hahah