Agosto 5/6, Baaaaaaaaahja report - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

lamb · 08-07-2007, 10:55 AM

Great write up Bradsky!!!

Always a blast fishing with you!

Awesome trip...

You’ve got to love Baja:

Lots of this:

Lots of that:

A couple hefty checkers:

I lost 3 big (or bigger I should say) fish...

The 1st day I lost one while I was making bait tight in the kelp. Not that I had a chance - it slammed the bait hanging on my sabiki as I was reeling it in... broke the surface right after I hooked it, 10 ft away from my yak. I had a good look at it, I'd say 20# class white.

The 2nd one kelped me hard 2 mins after that in the same spot... Pulled out drag like mad, buried me deep right away. I pulled the hook after sitting on it for a while waiting to float up (yeah right...

)

The 2nd day, as Brad and Art scored under the bait balls, I was doing the same just in a little shallower water. Big schools of smaller bait (chovies and sardines) were migrating North at rather descent speed - I'd say almost 1mph. Majority of those schools were obviously being harassed by bigger predators from underneath - biiiiig bonito, huuuuuge barracuda, sandbass, and those really big greenbacks, 2+ lbs models. A lot of fun. Apparently, some smaller whites under them as well.

It was hard to stay on the top of those schools as they were moving fast and the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. Good thing was - you didn't have to, as the school after school after school just kept coming... Providing for some great fishing casting metal...

I farmed one WSB on a crock.

Again, foamed right by my yak right after I hooked it. WSB of that size have some great energy - it shook off my treble after a couple of violent runs and lots of headshakes. It looked like 17# model I landed 5 minis later on the same bait ball on smaller flylined Spanish mack.

My bait tank AND my fish finder batteries were dead...

After about 20 hours of fishing hard, almost 18 miles of logged GPS tracks and 9 hours of sleep in 2 days, I was running out of steam. My shoulders, arms and back were hurting... I don't even need to mention problems with my sore sorry ass.

I pulled in closer to the kelp to start my final drifts, letting the wind take me back towards the launch. Art and Brad just launched after the afternoon break, but I was going to throw the towel. As Brad said - I was already content with the fact that the big models are simply not around, and that I should be happy that I got one smaller 17# model to feed the family.

I kept firing a huge heavy crock (#7)

...and then BAM!!!! and my rod loads up.

The fish starts running hard West while my line is slicing over the surface...It violently erupts getting good 3 feet length of it's body above the water line, with the big tail raising some serious foam all around it...

Sweeeeet, a big one...

It took me for a ride...

I did a couple of more pull-up-and-reells and I got on the top of what I could now clearly see was a nice big WSB

…definitely too green to bring on the surface... It took off for another powerful yet controlled and not too wild of a run, slowly peeling my drag while towing my yak out and away from the kelp. Some strong headshakes would follow, I 'd gain some line back, just to have to let the fish get back on the stage and pull me some more while taking out the drag...

My flyline rig got tangled which I quickly solved by cutting my spectra with the knife.

3 times I had it under the surface reaching for my gaff, just to let it take off for another run. It spinned my yak a few times.

The last run it made it seemed like it was doing with more speed and determination. It made me really nervous when it started heading East towards the kelp.

We were maybe 50 yards away; I started getting ready to tighten up a drag a bit to stop that scenario from unfolding...

At that point, I was on that fish for quite some time...

Then I felt it running out of breath...

Up and out you come...

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh...

If I didn't catch that big one, it would have been very pleasant but quite frustrating trip for me...

Hey guys, can someone help me... I wonder what's the biggest fish caught in WCW07 so far??? lol

GAME ON TOP 10!!!!

reel fishy · 08-07-2007, 11:18 AM

Wow!

Nice job fellas.

Got Ceviche?

amsurferoceanbeach · 08-07-2007, 11:28 AM

Way to put The whopper in the WCW.
You guys have this Mex WSB thing
figured out.
Outstanding

Aaron&Julie · 08-07-2007, 11:36 AM

Sounds like a wonderful trip. Congratulations, guys.

tylerdurden · 08-07-2007, 11:42 AM

Great report guys

. Game on is right

. I'll be in baja at some date (s) soon

. I know there are bigger still down there.

GBF · 08-07-2007, 11:39 AM

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

GBF

ski · 08-07-2007, 11:40 AM

rastrev · 08-07-2007, 11:41 AM

Great write up and pics! A very productive trip!

stevo · 08-07-2007, 11:47 AM

I have never fished Mexico Pacific side and been wanting to go for sometime. I do have an oppurtunity to go but don't know where to go?. Is this a secret spot or a well known area?.

esdees · 08-07-2007, 12:03 PM

A tourist visa is required to go outside the "Tourist Zone." I believe that zone stops north of Ensenada, so you'll need one for SQ. They sell them on the Mex side of the border. Just ask when you're crossing and they should be able to direct you where to go. You will need a passport (and some patience) to get the visa.

They don't seem to check for the visa unless you go much farther south, but you never know... Of course, you also need the Mexican fishing license and boat permit. Keep all of this stuff with you at all times.

madscientist · 08-07-2007, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esdees

You will need a passport (and some patience) to get the visa.

Or just some patience and a couple of $20s

.

Don't forget Mex car insurance as well.

Sherm · 08-07-2007, 12:29 PM

So when's the exploritory trip even further south?

Dennis · 08-07-2007, 12:43 PM

.. Thanks for the write up, fellas.

tylerdurden · 08-07-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madscientist

Or just some patience and a couple of $20s

.

That was funny watching you guys bribe your way into mex lol.

Maneadero is the end of the tourist zone. Once south of there you "need" the tourist visa. From what I read on my mex car insurance, the car insurance is void if you are outside the tourist zone without your visa

. Of course the chances of getting asked for you visa are slim to none but it is probably worth getting.

dos ballenas · 08-07-2007, 01:04 PM

you guys need to open a fish market or seafood restaurant with all the carnage thats been going on recently... good job making that place produce... the spots south may require a vehicular upgrade though...so many places off the beaten track!

LocoKayako · 08-07-2007, 01:05 PM

Great fish guys.

I knew Punta Baja had some quality fish.

Further down from SQ

gabe

gary sullivan · 08-07-2007, 12:27 PM

Loved your posts. Adi I felt like I was right there with you on that last one. Catching one vicariously is good too. Muy better South. Gary

ratdog · 08-08-2007, 12:18 PM

Lamb, I can't figure out the picture with the red stuff in the sand? What is it?

lamb · 08-08-2007, 02:15 PM

flowers.

Some pretty orange Baja flowers on what looked like some sort of ice-plant.

md · 08-11-2007, 09:25 AM

what a big fish and grait trip you had.
here in israel we bearly find wsb
menash

08-07-2007, 10:55 AM	#1
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,568	Great write up Bradsky!!! Always a blast fishing with you! Awesome trip... You’ve got to love Baja: Lots of this: Lots of that: A couple hefty checkers: I lost 3 big (or bigger I should say) fish... The 1st day I lost one while I was making bait tight in the kelp. Not that I had a chance - it slammed the bait hanging on my sabiki as I was reeling it in... broke the surface right after I hooked it, 10 ft away from my yak. I had a good look at it, I'd say 20# class white. The 2nd one kelped me hard 2 mins after that in the same spot... Pulled out drag like mad, buried me deep right away. I pulled the hook after sitting on it for a while waiting to float up (yeah right... ) The 2nd day, as Brad and Art scored under the bait balls, I was doing the same just in a little shallower water. Big schools of smaller bait (chovies and sardines) were migrating North at rather descent speed - I'd say almost 1mph. Majority of those schools were obviously being harassed by bigger predators from underneath - biiiiig bonito, huuuuuge barracuda, sandbass, and those really big greenbacks, 2+ lbs models. A lot of fun. Apparently, some smaller whites under them as well. It was hard to stay on the top of those schools as they were moving fast and the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. Good thing was - you didn't have to, as the school after school after school just kept coming... Providing for some great fishing casting metal... I farmed one WSB on a crock. Again, foamed right by my yak right after I hooked it. WSB of that size have some great energy - it shook off my treble after a couple of violent runs and lots of headshakes. It looked like 17# model I landed 5 minis later on the same bait ball on smaller flylined Spanish mack. My bait tank AND my fish finder batteries were dead... After about 20 hours of fishing hard, almost 18 miles of logged GPS tracks and 9 hours of sleep in 2 days, I was running out of steam. My shoulders, arms and back were hurting... I don't even need to mention problems with my sore sorry ass. I pulled in closer to the kelp to start my final drifts, letting the wind take me back towards the launch. Art and Brad just launched after the afternoon break, but I was going to throw the towel. As Brad said - I was already content with the fact that the big models are simply not around, and that I should be happy that I got one smaller 17# model to feed the family. I kept firing a huge heavy crock (#7) ...and then BAM!!!! and my rod loads up. The fish starts running hard West while my line is slicing over the surface...It violently erupts getting good 3 feet length of it's body above the water line, with the big tail raising some serious foam all around it... Sweeeeet, a big one... It took me for a ride... I did a couple of more pull-up-and-reells and I got on the top of what I could now clearly see was a nice big WSB …definitely too green to bring on the surface... It took off for another powerful yet controlled and not too wild of a run, slowly peeling my drag while towing my yak out and away from the kelp. Some strong headshakes would follow, I 'd gain some line back, just to have to let the fish get back on the stage and pull me some more while taking out the drag... My flyline rig got tangled which I quickly solved by cutting my spectra with the knife. 3 times I had it under the surface reaching for my gaff, just to let it take off for another run. It spinned my yak a few times. The last run it made it seemed like it was doing with more speed and determination. It made me really nervous when it started heading East towards the kelp. We were maybe 50 yards away; I started getting ready to tighten up a drag a bit to stop that scenario from unfolding... At that point, I was on that fish for quite some time... Then I felt it running out of breath... Up and out you come... Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh... If I didn't catch that big one, it would have been very pleasant but quite frustrating trip for me... Hey guys, can someone help me... I wonder what's the biggest fish caught in WCW07 so far??? lol GAME ON TOP 10!!!! __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

08-07-2007, 11:28 AM	#3
amsurferoceanbeach Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ocean Beach San Diego Ca Posts: 110	Way to put The whopper in the WCW Way to put The whopper in the WCW. You guys have this Mex WSB thing figured out. Outstanding

08-07-2007, 11:36 AM	#4
Aaron&Julie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Valley Posts: 1,400	Sounds like a wonderful trip. Congratulations, guys. __________________ "Never say die"

08-07-2007, 11:42 AM	#5
tylerdurden Bad Clone Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 874	Great report guys. Game on is right . I'll be in baja at some date (s) soon . I know there are bigger still down there. __________________ MLPA, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem Let the Fish and Game Commission know what you think about the proposed maps. Be ready for December 9th and 10th.

08-07-2007, 11:39 AM	#6
GBF Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Huntington Beach CA Posts: 323	BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! GBF __________________ "Just keep going out....it's better than staying Home"

08-07-2007, 11:18 AM	#2
reel fishy Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 42	Wow! Nice job fellas. Got Ceviche?

08-07-2007, 11:40 AM	#7
ski Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: El Cajon Posts: 273

08-07-2007, 11:41 AM	#8
rastrev Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: SD, CA Posts: 173	Great write up and pics! A very productive trip!

08-07-2007, 11:47 AM	#9
stevo Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Oceanside Posts: 26	I have never fished Mexico Pacific side and been wanting to go for sometime. I do have an oppurtunity to go but don't know where to go?. Is this a secret spot or a well known area?.

08-07-2007, 12:03 PM	#10
esdees The Good Clone Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Clairemont Posts: 520	A tourist visa is required to go outside the "Tourist Zone." I believe that zone stops north of Ensenada, so you'll need one for SQ. They sell them on the Mex side of the border. Just ask when you're crossing and they should be able to direct you where to go. You will need a passport (and some patience) to get the visa. They don't seem to check for the visa unless you go much farther south, but you never know... Of course, you also need the Mexican fishing license and boat permit. Keep all of this stuff with you at all times.

08-07-2007, 12:29 PM	#12
Sherm Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 490	So when's the exploritory trip even further south?

08-07-2007, 12:43 PM	#13
Dennis Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South of La Jolla... Posts: 1,193	.. Thanks for the write up, fellas. __________________ Hmmmm.....

08-07-2007, 01:04 PM	#15
dos ballenas Vampyroteuthis infernalis Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 585	you guys need to open a fish market or seafood restaurant with all the carnage thats been going on recently... good job making that place produce... the spots south may require a vehicular upgrade though...so many places off the beaten track!

08-07-2007, 01:05 PM	#16
LocoKayako Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 91	Great fish guys. I knew Punta Baja had some quality fish. Further down from SQ gabe __________________

08-07-2007, 12:27 PM	#17
gary sullivan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: spring valley Posts: 192	Loved your posts. Adi I felt like I was right there with you on that last one. Catching one vicariously is good too. Muy better South. Gary

08-08-2007, 12:18 PM	#18
ratdog Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 424	Lamb, I can't figure out the picture with the red stuff in the sand? What is it?

08-08-2007, 02:15 PM	#19
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,568	flowers. Some pretty orange Baja flowers on what looked like some sort of ice-plant. __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

08-11-2007, 09:25 AM	#20
md Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: isl Posts: 30	what a big fish and grait trip you had. here in israel we bearly find wsb menash