Unassisted YFT From the Kayak!!!

[chris138]

Got your attention? The unassisted so-cal kayak tuna has always been a dream of mine. Looks like this year may be my chance to make it a reality. YFT are on the 9. I am planning on attempting the feat this Saturday. My thought is that this will be mostly a paddling trip, while trolling raps and maybe cedar plugs. I will be taking a prowler 15, minimally rigged for weight savings. Not sure if I will try to bring live bait or not. Probably launch from la jolla around 3am and head due west about 8-10 miles. Troll around the bank a bit, eat a hearty lunch, and start heading in around 11:00-12:00.

Are there any seasoned, salty, and physically fit people on the board who would be interested in making this journey? I may or may not have a chase boat available. I will have a GPS, VHF and PFD, maybe a flare-gun. Depending on the current we may need to land in another part of the county and shuttle back to LJ, but my plan is to return to the shores. Hoping for west wind and a decent swell to bring me home!

Before the naysayers start telling me about how dangerous the ocean is and how I might die, save it. I know the risks and have done a lot more dangerous things than this, like riding my bicycle to work for instance.

I'm looking for able bodied and highly experienced paddlers here. If you are interested, PM me or reply to this thread.

[Widgeon]

That's the spirit!
I have just recently gotten back in to paddling and not nearly in shape for that type of trip, but,
Have a great and safe trip.
Be sure to post a report.

[Siebler]

If i was in town id be in for sure. Lots of fish on the lower end of the 9 hopefully some have come up and you get them! Once im back id love to give it a go for sure.

Good luck!

[Zed]

This is something Id rather not do on a Saturday.
Head on a swivel; watch for idiots; good luck.

A few years ago some guys went out SD harbor and pedaled to the S9 for a yft. It was a looong day. Bring lots of food.

[Silbaugh4liberty]

I'd like to join but it's my wife's birthday Saturday. And I need some more gear ( pfd, vhf and my iron setup I'm in the process of getting). Hopefully will have everything I need by next month!!

Have fun, be safe and go kill it!!

[chris138]

Originally Posted by Zed

This is something Id rather not do on a Saturday.
Head on a swivel; watch for idiots; good luck.

A few years ago some guys went out SD harbor and pedaled to the S9 for a yft. It was a looong day. Bring lots of food.

Pedalers? That's a whole different story! Haha but seriously I don't think a PA could make it really. Revo or adventure for sure. The prowler is just so fast and efficient with a legit paddle...

Ya hopefully most of the boat traffic will be headed south. Making the N9 proper would take a considerable swing southward from LJ, but I'm just gonna watch the wind forecast and try to head uphill for the morning piece. If there's SW wind that day the 9 might be makeable.

CJ, plan a day and I'll be down! A weekday could work for me but I gotta know a bit in advance.

[Zed]

I agree I love my prowler.
I think they were on Outbacks. It was a while ago before PAs for sure.

[Zed]

Just searched and I think it was before the crash. Couldnt locate the reports.

[Zed]

woops. Had to refine the search. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=3781

[ful-rac]

If there ever was a time where it might be possible...now is the time.


I wouldnt go it alone though, no matter how good it is out there. Good luck if you do.

[JDW]

Originally Posted by Zed

woops. Had to refine the search. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=3781

That was a good read, thanks for reposting it!

Jess

[dorado50]

You can do it, even by yourself. The Prowler is as good as it gets. Personally I would not go with a cedar plug, don't think you can get the action needed at 3.5 knots. Try a rapala?, or live bait way back. Also I would suggest an air horn on board. Once on the spot try a live bait or two with a four ounce weight and a two ounce weight, tuna may not be on surface. If they are on the surface throw the popper. I can see a 40#YFT on your deck now......good luck.

[Zed]

^or the smaller deep divers like crystal minnow or frenzys when in the zone.
Its a big ocean good luck. And dont neglect a standard chovy swimbait.

[bubblehide]

I know someone heading out there tomorrow. I might be there this weekend, I'll keep an eye out for you.

[StinkyMatt]

Sounds like Chris has the knowledge and experience to do this right.

Kick some ass....

Can't wait for that photo.

Good luck.

[easyday]

Dang ive been wanting to do something like this for awhile, but I work on Saturdays. I have atarpon 160 and I know Iits plenty fast enough and paddles very well. If you ever do this on a wed or Thursday let me know and im in.

[food4less562]

8-10 isn't so bad on a kayak. I just bought a 12' inflatable Zodiac if you want to head out there. just looking for an outboard at the moment. possible to launch from la jolla shores from an inflatable?

[PapaDave]

I would like to try this sometime. Unfortunately I already have plans for Saturday or I would go with.

I have a PA and have peddled 10-12 miles in it before, averaging 2.5 mph ground speed depending on conditions, fully loaded. Without the tank the average is a bit higher.

If you go again, let me know.

[blitzburgh]

On FB I think I saw "the kid" Kevin Nakada put out the feelers for a trip to the 9 on some Island Tandems. You might want to hit him up.

[skrilla]

Sounds like an adventure. Hope all of you have your RSWs in working order. If not pack plenty if ice or maybe some dry ice.