05-04-08 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

steveooo · 05-05-2008, 10:39 AM

Next time for sure

wavster · 05-05-2008, 10:42 AM

Very cool to hear you at least got the hookup. WTG.

aguachico · 05-05-2008, 11:05 AM

Don't worry about the weight of the shark. Doesn't matter. Great job on getting it to the boat. tsharks range from 60# - 600#. Kill one little one per year and you are in the meat!

esdees · 05-05-2008, 11:18 AM

Sounds like a good time. Congrats on the big hookup.

Billy V · 05-05-2008, 11:54 AM

I saw you return to the launch on the camera last night. @ 8:30

I was wonder who was out so late in those nasty conditions.
I figured someone must have be ON a big fish to be out so late.

THE DARKHORSE · 05-05-2008, 03:17 PM

I'm a big fan of C and R, but if there ever was a species that is thriveing and in need of being put in check the Thresher Shark (in local waters) is it. I had the oppasite experience of C.J. when I put my surface-iron just past a boil that looked like a #50 Yellowtail. Instant slam, fish on and for a moment it felt like the right kind. Drag ripping off the reel and then straight down for the dog fight. It was obvious after a minute (no tail-beats on the tip) that this wasn't what I had in mind. Just like C.J. my reel that was plenty tight with #30+ Yellowtail was wobbling on my Seeker Ulua and trying to slide forward (I used a Crocadile ring during the up and down battle to tighten the bolt). After thirty minutes she came by the kayak to have a look at me completely green and I almost shit

. I've caught many a #50-#90 model and they come right to the boat with little effort and signifigant drag. This was no pup, a definate #200+ model. I noticed she was hooked in the pectoral fin before she sounded again (I have a chance). I was able put her on plane easier and short-pumped her up again using my crotch with a PFD for a gimble (or the 9' 3" stick would have broke my arm). I put a game plan together after multiple circles to get my new favorite-iron back (or I would of cut the line thirty minutes before). This wouldn't of been possible with the X-Factor, but with the new Hobie Mirage system it worked. She kept swimming and pulling hard, but after buttoning down the drag and leadering her with my hands a couple of times while pedaling (hands free fishing fishing) I achieved a previously impossible task. I used the rudder to duplicate the same size circle she kept doing, put the rod in the holder while holding onto the line, and used the pedals to keep my hands just in front of her head (away from the huge tail that had taken a couple of swings already). She seemed to gain confidence that I wasn't trying to kill her and cooperated. She was very strong and that damn tail never stopped, although no longer making attempts to dive down (again cooperating, as she was huge and could of easily ripped the line out of my hands). I knew I had to be quick, before she got pissed with my de-hooking efforts and I was losing light fast. On the third or fourth attempt (while constantly pedaling in a wide circle just ahead) with the gaff I was able to get my iron back (with a destroyed hook). I always laugh when someone tells me a #80 shark pulled them for a mile. I guess with 5LB's of drag this would be possible, but please. In this case it was true, (maybe half a mile) when I had to put extra effort to make it home in the dark. I have a new found respect for these fish and their incredible speed. I have never said this in a post or end of the month submission, but please "go get one". The other fish in the area will thank you and I'm sure your fish karma will go up a notch.

El Burro Blanco · 05-05-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE DARKHORSE

I always laugh when someone tells me a #80 shark pulled them for a mile. I guess with 5LB's of drag this would be possible, but please.

Perhaps if they spent more time patting themselves on the back they could fish with more drag.

THE DARKHORSE · 05-05-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Burro Blanco

Perhaps if they spent more time patting themselves on the back they could fish with more drag.

I guess you are one of those people. Maybe, you have nothing better to do and are just happy with the hook-up. I choose to focus my time on the big-three and really don't appreciate the extended fight of relatively small sharks (#50 pups) with light drag (not to mention sucking the life out of your reel's drag system, for what). I don't think using more drag has anything to do with patting myself on the back. It's a style of fishing I enjoy, that if anything enables a healthy release (nothing else). Not to mention the fact that when on a constantly moving light craft how much pressure are you actually putting on the fish? Agreed, this will require confidence in your line and knot strength and maybe a couple of clicks to that thing on your right. You know what bro, your avatar says it all.

Hey Chuck, get the hell out there for the "re-match". I can guarantee there is a big Thresher with your name on it (if not your hook). Don't sweat that fish, as landing a biggun in the dark is completely crazy.

lamb · 05-05-2008, 05:13 PM

Sorry to hear that Chuck... Sure sounds like some good times while you were on it. Think about it this way - if it was that big, and it was dark, crappy weather and all - I'm sure releasing it would have crossed your mind anyways. I'd settle for that if I was in the same situation.

Now, on the news of the breaking news...

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE DARKHORSE

...but with the new Hobie Mirage system it worked. She kept swimming and pulling hard, but after buttoning down the drag and leadering her with my hands a couple of times while pedaling (hands free fishing fishing) I achieved a previously impossible task. I used the rudder to duplicate the same size circle she kept doing, put the rod in the holder while holding onto the line, and used the pedals to keep my hands just in front of her head (away from the huge tail that had taken a couple of swings already).

Is congratulations in order Josh, are you on the bike team??

You'd have to have to give your Malibu X a credit for all that big fish it put you on in WCW 07.

Some prostaff deal or self driven decision? Do tell, the mob wants to know...

I have to admit - back when we were fishing Catalina, I kept looking at the guys on Hobies effortlessly passing by my in all that crappy wind and chop...

And before I forget - there is this great guy Nate, who's running an awesome Hobie shop up in Oceanside:

http://www.oeexpress.com/oceanside-store.html

Tell him you heard about it on BWE - Nate will hook you up fo' sho!

And did I mention Hobie kayaks are available at BWE's web store???

THE DARKHORSE · 05-05-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamb

Sorry to hear that Chuck... Sure sounds like some good times while you were on it. Think about it this way - if it was that big, and it was dark, crappy weather and all - I'm sure releasing it would have crossed your mind anyways. I'd settle for that if I was in the same situation.

Now, on the news of the breaking news...

Is congratulations in order Josh, are you on the bike team??

You'd have to have to give your Malibu X a credit for all that big fish it put you on in WCW 07.

Some prostaff deal or self driven decision? Do tell, the mob wants to know...

I have to admit - back when we were fishing Catalina, I kept looking at the guys on Hobies effortlessly passing by my in all that crappy wind and chop...

And before I forget - there is this great guy Nate, who's running an awesome Hobie shop up in Oceanside:

http://www.oeexpress.com/oceanside-store.html

Tell him you heard about it on BWE - Nate will hook you up fo' sho!

And did I mention Hobie kayaks are available at BWE's web store???

Hobie is simply allowing me to give them a try and so far I'm impressed.
Not to mention, they have a first rate team that I would feel honored to fish with. I have also watched in horror as they fly past me to the grounds for years. Effortlessly, cruising through wind and chop is something I could get used to. Not to mention the fact that I have a habit of running late and an opportunity to virtually go back in time (or sleep in) is welcome.

If anything the X-factor (besides providing an incredibly slow and "stable" floating vessel) should thank me. That craft didn't put me on any fish during the season, it's without a doubt the other way around. With less travel-time and more time to fish, the results are inevitable.

The reality of the situation is that my move to Hobie kayaks would of happened with or without a pro-deal. From years of paddling and chasing bird-schools that were only noticeable from my bino's, I have serious circulation issues with my hands. My hands have pins and needles and are asleep more often than not. I constantly wake up with that annoying pain and hope I haven't caused permanent damage. The idea of using the larger muscles in your legs and going roughly twice the speed with less effort (while re-spooling my jig-stick on the way to the bird-school two-miles away) is to say the least, exciting.

PEMEX · 05-05-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE DARKHORSE

I'm a big fan of C and R, but if there ever was a species that is thriveing and in need of being put in check the Thresher Shark (in local waters) is it. t fast......... I always laugh when someone tells me a #80 shark pulled them for a mile

Dude..
Put in check?
WTF?
Are you a biologist with data that the rest of us have not seen?
Dude..I shat myself...

dos ballenas · 05-06-2008, 09:31 AM

[quote=THE DARKHORSE;23895]I'm a big fan of C and R, but if there ever was a species that is thriveing and in need of being put in check the Thresher Shark (in local waters) is it.

Right on, great advice there,

"An examination of the historical fishing and length frequency data from the CA/OR driftnet fishery indicated that west coast thresher shark stocks over fished in the early 1980s were rebounding in response to fishing regulations introduced in the mid-1980s.
"

True, but isn't ca their spawning grounds?
http://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx...uId=123&id=972
"; birth is thought to occur in the spring months off California, judging from the cluster of postpartum-sized pups taken in the catch at this time."

and didn't we just learn something about our past...
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=3315
Totoaba, a giant croaker

In my own opinion, I think the thresher shark fishery could go downhill, again, quite rapidly... and does anybody really know

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/Fish/Galler...sherShark.html
"The thresher shark is considered a "Data Deficient" species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). A taxon is considered "Data Deficient" when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. This species is on its way to recovery in waters off the coast of California due largely to fishery management measures and is now considered "Near Threatened" in this region."

madscientist · 05-06-2008, 09:48 AM

The idea that the T shark population is thriving because there is a good 2 or 3 weeks of fishing for them in LJ seems pretty flimsy. I know many long time boaters who feel that the explosion of internet fishing has hugely increased the number of guys out there successfully targeting T's, the effect of which remains to be seen.

Personally, I find threshers to be magnificent animals. I've taken them in the past and will do so again, but I hope we have the chance to tangle with them for many years to come.

05-05-2008, 03:17 PM	#6
THE DARKHORSE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seven minutes from the launch! Posts: 987	I'm a big fan of C and R, but........... I'm a big fan of C and R, but if there ever was a species that is thriveing and in need of being put in check the Thresher Shark (in local waters) is it. I had the oppasite experience of C.J. when I put my surface-iron just past a boil that looked like a #50 Yellowtail. Instant slam, fish on and for a moment it felt like the right kind. Drag ripping off the reel and then straight down for the dog fight. It was obvious after a minute (no tail-beats on the tip) that this wasn't what I had in mind. Just like C.J. my reel that was plenty tight with #30+ Yellowtail was wobbling on my Seeker Ulua and trying to slide forward (I used a Crocadile ring during the up and down battle to tighten the bolt). After thirty minutes she came by the kayak to have a look at me completely green and I almost shit . I've caught many a #50-#90 model and they come right to the boat with little effort and signifigant drag. This was no pup, a definate #200+ model. I noticed she was hooked in the pectoral fin before she sounded again (I have a chance). I was able put her on plane easier and short-pumped her up again using my crotch with a PFD for a gimble (or the 9' 3" stick would have broke my arm). I put a game plan together after multiple circles to get my new favorite-iron back (or I would of cut the line thirty minutes before). This wouldn't of been possible with the X-Factor, but with the new Hobie Mirage system it worked. She kept swimming and pulling hard, but after buttoning down the drag and leadering her with my hands a couple of times while pedaling (hands free fishing fishing) I achieved a previously impossible task. I used the rudder to duplicate the same size circle she kept doing, put the rod in the holder while holding onto the line, and used the pedals to keep my hands just in front of her head (away from the huge tail that had taken a couple of swings already). She seemed to gain confidence that I wasn't trying to kill her and cooperated. She was very strong and that damn tail never stopped, although no longer making attempts to dive down (again cooperating, as she was huge and could of easily ripped the line out of my hands). I knew I had to be quick, before she got pissed with my de-hooking efforts and I was losing light fast. On the third or fourth attempt (while constantly pedaling in a wide circle just ahead) with the gaff I was able to get my iron back (with a destroyed hook). I always laugh when someone tells me a #80 shark pulled them for a mile. I guess with 5LB's of drag this would be possible, but please. In this case it was true, (maybe half a mile) when I had to put extra effort to make it home in the dark. I have a new found respect for these fish and their incredible speed. I have never said this in a post or end of the month submission, but please "go get one". The other fish in the area will thank you and I'm sure your fish karma will go up a notch.

05-06-2008, 09:31 AM	#12
dos ballenas Vampyroteuthis infernalis Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 585	umkay [quote=THE DARKHORSE;23895]I'm a big fan of C and R, but if there ever was a species that is thriveing and in need of being put in check the Thresher Shark (in local waters) is it. Right on, great advice there, "An examination of the historical fishing and length frequency data from the CA/OR driftnet fishery indicated that west coast thresher shark stocks over fished in the early 1980s were rebounding in response to fishing regulations introduced in the mid-1980s. " True, but isn't ca their spawning grounds? http://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx...uId=123&id=972 "; birth is thought to occur in the spring months off California, judging from the cluster of postpartum-sized pups taken in the catch at this time." and didn't we just learn something about our past... http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=3315 Totoaba, a giant croaker In my own opinion, I think the thresher shark fishery could go downhill, again, quite rapidly... and does anybody really know http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/Fish/Galler...sherShark.html "The thresher shark is considered a "Data Deficient" species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). A taxon is considered "Data Deficient" when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. This species is on its way to recovery in waters off the coast of California due largely to fishery management measures and is now considered "Near Threatened" in this region."

05-06-2008, 09:48 AM	#13
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	The idea that the T shark population is thriving because there is a good 2 or 3 weeks of fishing for them in LJ seems pretty flimsy. I know many long time boaters who feel that the explosion of internet fishing has hugely increased the number of guys out there successfully targeting T's, the effect of which remains to be seen. Personally, I find threshers to be magnificent animals. I've taken them in the past and will do so again, but I hope we have the chance to tangle with them for many years to come. __________________

05-05-2008, 10:39 AM	#1
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,922	Next time for sure

05-05-2008, 10:42 AM	#2
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	Very cool to hear you at least got the hookup. WTG. __________________

05-05-2008, 11:05 AM	#3
aguachico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 719	Don't worry about the weight of the shark. Doesn't matter. Great job on getting it to the boat. tsharks range from 60# - 600#. Kill one little one per year and you are in the meat!

05-05-2008, 11:18 AM	#4
esdees The Good Clone Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Clairemont Posts: 520	Sounds like a good time. Congrats on the big hookup.

05-05-2008, 11:54 AM	#5
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	I saw you return to the launch on the camera last night. @ 8:30 I was wonder who was out so late in those nasty conditions. I figured someone must have be ON a big fish to be out so late.