My big fat mistake - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

silverbullet · 08-19-2011, 12:15 PM

Exciting but sucks... missed the fish.

Definately a lesson. Something will eat it though; don't let these guys get you too down...

But definately don't make that mistake twice. bring hook and a stick...

taggermike · 08-19-2011, 01:40 PM

Your post kinda chapps me I have to say. That is no way to handle a prized fish. Mistakes get made and thats how we learn though. Try this; land, secure, then bleed your catch. YT are easy to handle bare handed. They have a tail that is easy to grip, no teeth so the face grab works, and gills you can shove your hand in to. It can get messy but pull the fish in to the yak and pin it down under your thighs as you secure it with a rope or clip. Loosen your drag a bit when you grab, gaff, or net your fish so if you miss the sudden run will not break your line. I don't consider a fish "landed" untill it is in the hatch. And just relax at the end game, be deliberate and steady. You'll get it. Mike

Davidgskinner · 08-19-2011, 02:29 PM

I won't make the same mistake twice. Thanks to those giving productive critiques. I was just sharing a story though, and how I messed up. I had no intention of randomly killing a nice fish then losing it. I am still stoked to have had the chance. Someone else can learn from it. I did.

dos ballenas · 08-19-2011, 03:46 PM

[QUOTE=taggermike;92475] land, secure, then bleed your catch.[QUOTE]

Well said.

Bummer about the fish. That is a very tough lesson to learn.

Yellows can be landed by hand quite easily, especially from a kayak.

That being said, I think the most important lesson you can learn from your experience is to always be prepared.

The ocean is an amazing place and can bring unpredictably good or bad luck your way at anytime, be prepared for both.

I'm sure the lobster are happy!

Aaron&Julie · 08-19-2011, 04:55 PM

I knew a David Skinner, you didn't happen to work at El Rancho Market?
Anyhow, that was ridiculous to just stab it, thinking it would do the trick. Ever caught a yellow, bonito or tuna before? You grab their tail and grip like he's your prize winning lotto, and he ain't going nowhere.
If your story is legit, then all you did was kill something we all prize with a passion, left for the sea lampreys at the bottom of the ocean. We don't need to feed them, let 'em get their own damn dead fish.
Aaron

08-19-2011, 12:15 PM	#1
silverbullet Crusty Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 125	Exciting but sucks... missed the fish. Definately a lesson. Something will eat it though; don't let these guys get you too down... But definately don't make that mistake twice. bring hook and a stick... __________________ pastor maximus felis domestica Bobby

08-19-2011, 02:29 PM	#3
Davidgskinner Junior Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Carmel Valley Posts: 4	Thanks I won't make the same mistake twice. Thanks to those giving productive critiques. I was just sharing a story though, and how I messed up. I had no intention of randomly killing a nice fish then losing it. I am still stoked to have had the chance. Someone else can learn from it. I did.

08-19-2011, 03:46 PM	#4
dos ballenas Vampyroteuthis infernalis Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 585	[QUOTE=taggermike;92475] land, secure, then bleed your catch.[QUOTE] Well said. Bummer about the fish. That is a very tough lesson to learn. Yellows can be landed by hand quite easily, especially from a kayak. That being said, I think the most important lesson you can learn from your experience is to always be prepared. The ocean is an amazing place and can bring unpredictably good or bad luck your way at anytime, be prepared for both. I'm sure the lobster are happy! __________________ ____________________________________________

08-19-2011, 04:55 PM	#5
Aaron&Julie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Valley Posts: 1,400	I knew a David Skinner, you didn't happen to work at El Rancho Market? Anyhow, that was ridiculous to just stab it, thinking it would do the trick. Ever caught a yellow, bonito or tuna before? You grab their tail and grip like he's your prize winning lotto, and he ain't going nowhere. If your story is legit, then all you did was kill something we all prize with a passion, left for the sea lampreys at the bottom of the ocean. We don't need to feed them, let 'em get their own damn dead fish. Aaron __________________ "Never say die"

08-19-2011, 01:40 PM	#2
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	Your post kinda chapps me I have to say. That is no way to handle a prized fish. Mistakes get made and thats how we learn though. Try this; land, secure, then bleed your catch. YT are easy to handle bare handed. They have a tail that is easy to grip, no teeth so the face grab works, and gills you can shove your hand in to. It can get messy but pull the fish in to the yak and pin it down under your thighs as you secure it with a rope or clip. Loosen your drag a bit when you grab, gaff, or net your fish so if you miss the sudden run will not break your line. I don't consider a fish "landed" untill it is in the hatch. And just relax at the end game, be deliberate and steady. You'll get it. Mike