This Weekend

[Bert Vega]

Got one day of fishing in July. So I was chomping at the bit to get on the water. Went Saturday with Lipripper. Had a tuff time getting greenbacks. Made a handful and started trolling. It was raining all morning. Dang dogs got all my greenbacks in no time. Was frustrated wet and out of greenbacks. Decided we just weren't feeling it and decided to leave. On way back saw some surface action. Threw my brand new jig stick and reel. Got them for my 40th bday last Wednesday. First cast ever with new setup. And get hit by a 4-5# bonito. So no skunk. Released it and continued in. Upset with myself for quitting and going home empty handed. I woke up Sunday called my buddy salty pirate and talked him into going out. We met up on the drive down to the launch. Unloaded on water around 9am. We don't make it a 100 yards and his cable breaks on his mirage drive. A sign of things to come. So he heads in and runs to fast lane. Shop is closed till noon. Lucky for Eli there was someone there getting there yak ready to go fishing. So new cables in hand Eli heads back to launch. We meet up out off the point. Continue hunting for greenbacks. After making a another handful. We set off and start fishing. I get to the southern most end of the area. And my mirage drive breaks. So I give Eli my greenbacks. Keeping one for myself. I start to paddle my PA14 with stock paddle back in. Since I am so far south I figured might as well drag a bait. Put my last greenback on and dumped the water out my tank. And got going toward the launch. I got about a 3rd of the way back in. When my reel starts sounding off. I let that fish take his time eating my bait. Figured this was my one chance for the weekend. Didn't not want to mess it up. Set hook drag peels. Give out a good hell yeah. Then start fighting fish. It was quite different no havering my pedals in. Couldn't move the yak like normal. Anyway I get the fish to the boat. Stick him with gaff and continue paddle in. Fish was 27# weight by fish and game. Took forever to get back to launch. It was a real adventure this weekend capped off by a good fish.

[Bert Vega]

Picture of broken drive.

[blitzburgh]

Oh snap! At least you were rewarded for your hard work Nice fish!

[flemdogg]

Bummer on the drive, hell yeah on the yellow. Should have gone out with you, i could have towed you in, vessel assist style. Nice job Bert

[Ricsen]

Wow. That's the first one I've seen snapped like that. Way to stay with it and glad it paid off.

[Smthtnnr]

Hell yeah Bert! Right on.. Don't think I coulda done that! Good job

[WildernessWanker]

If I'm not mistaken that makes your second drive issue, correct? You've not had the best luck in regards to drive issues but you're killing it with fish, congrats!

[tamddo714]

Way to stick it out! Nice job out there

[salty pirate]

I could hear you yelling from a half mile away! Glad you scored a good fish.

Cant believe the drive broke like that. I found my spare parts on top of my other kayak at home and will not leave them behind again! Probably bring the extra drive too.

Eli

[Bert Vega]

Yes it is my second issue. The first one I lost the drive. On my first surf landing. This is my first break. Plan on getting another drive and carry spare cable, masts, etc. Also getting a better paddle. But the whole situation made that all the more special.

[Aaron&Julie]

Too bad about Murphy's law ruling, but at least he took a break so you could catch a nice yellow. We think we saw you guys when you were out on Saturday.

[Lipripper92592]

Originally Posted by Bert Vega

Yes it is my second issue. The first one I lost the drive. On my first surf landing. This is my first break. Plan on getting another drive and carry spare cable, masts, etc. Also getting a better paddle. But the whole situation made that all the more special.

I'd have to think it's the torque you put on those drives.....a 14' PA at 4.5mph steady all day...you're a beast!
Told you....as soon as I'm not around......hook up........freak my luck!

[Widgeon]

Awesome!
Totally awesome!

[kaya_one]

So how many YTs you got for 2014 now?
I nominate you for rookie of the year...right on!!

[User name]

Nice YT!

[Bert Vega]

Originally Posted by Aaron&Julie

Too bad about Murphy's law ruling, but at least he took a break so you could catch a nice yellow. We think we saw you guys when you were out on Saturday.

That was us. Congrats on your double.

[Bert Vega]

Originally Posted by kaya_one

So how many YTs you got for 2014 now?
I nominate you for rookie of the year...right on!!

Thanks for the nomination!

[Beever]

Nice Yellow!!