Looking outside the box.....

[THE DARKHORSE]

After my last couple of dismal trips fishing La Jolla I've been poking my nose around some of my old stomping grounds. Last week I may have taken my last inshore/offshore trip of the season as the dropping water temps of late have taken the wind out of my sails, literally. Last week during the hot, flat, calm conditions I made a trip outside the 9 mile bank. After reaching my zone 18 miles out on a west southwest track I came across a beautiful paddy, and a stacked meter a hunderd yards up-current. After not seeing any porps schools all day this was a welcomed sight to say the least (even though all reports on local paddies have been dry except a couple random rat-Yellowtail). Right as I'm about to toss a couple of Sardines out and drop my flyline in the water, I see a few live squid shoot across my bow beneath me, then a lone stragler swim a few feet below the kayak to take a look at me. They were about 15' below, but easy to identify in the clear water, beautiful. This trip was full of healthy Bonita, Blue Sharks, and Mako's to round out the flouro-leader ruining fun . Every trip so far has had the aid of afternoon wind at my back, but not this time. I found myself still 13 miles from Point Loma, in greasy flat calm conditions, and less than two hours till dark. This wasn't the best scenario, but I felt pretty confident with my extra lights, new "helicopter mango" colored Revo, matching PFD, and internal GPS floating marine radio with position transmitting distress beacon I picked up a couple of months back.

I fished La Jolla for two greylight to greylight sessions last week for every species, but my target Of Yellowtail. No shortage of bait, that didn't seem to have a care in the world. I couldn't help but think all the Yellowtail have their minds elsewhere, squid. I checked all the deep water squid spots I know, but never found the right signs.

This week when asked about the la jolla fishing conditions, I replied "I'd love to go fishing, but La Jolla is the last place on my mind". The game plan changed to some old stomping grounds, fish a couple of different spots for Yellowtail in the morning, and hunt for some Halibut around lunch time. While my fishing partner and I were wheeling our kayaks to the beach, a surfer asked me "why do you have such big gear"? I replied "because I catch big fish". We made easy bait that consisted of giant horse sardines 9"-11", yes Sardines, and mini-greenies as the sun started to rise. I told my partner to flyline out his first bait and start fishing as we were sitting in the zone of the morning. Thank goodness I didn't take the surfers advice and fish with the bass rod, as my 11" Sardine is slammed while my rod is in my hand.

I'm stoked it's a big fish, but pretty sure it's not my target species.

Even under a heavy load the 80 lb rated rod doesn't bend much.

While the ferocious first strike got my attention, instantly spinning my kayak, and taking me on a sleigh ride, I wasn't too excited. After the first ripping run and popping through a couple of kelp stringers I put the breaks on this fish, as the head shakes were there, but no coveted tail-beets. I started to think about the spotted variety, and after a couple of minutes I'm giving a good morning hug.

The other wrong kind spotted variety, not the Halibut impersonating Leopard Shark.

My partner and I spent the next couple of hours fishing the kelp corners, and donating baits to Bonita. After an early lunch we moved to the Halibut grounds, and were surprised by the visibility as we could see our baits on the bottom. After an hour of sight fishing for Halibut (watching our baits below) I had my first follower, a Halibut that looked just around keeper size, and marked the spot on my GPS (a clue). A couple of minutes later I called over my partner, as I watched a larger definate keeper pounce on my bait then let go, mark #2 on the GPS. Finding the zone is the challenging part, and I knew putting food on the table wouldn't take too long.

Seared Halibut, served over a bed of roasted garlic and fresh herb enhanced rice, drizzled with a burre blanc, paired with one of my favorite bottles of Chardonnay, yummy!

After Halibut number one was clipped, my partner and I were pretty buisy GPS'ing strikes, watching agressive smaller models chase our baits in the clear water, and releasing a few others to get bigger. Before it was time to go I caught another Halibut that was around the same size and made sure my partner could provide a delicious meal for his family too. It's hard to imagine something more enjoyable than spending some quality time on the water, can't wait till next week.

[Handymansd]

Originally Posted by THE DARKHORSE

This wasn't the best scenario, but I felt pretty confident with my extra lights, new "helicopter mango" colored Revo, matching PFD, and internal GPS floating marine radio with position transmitting distress beacon I picked up a couple of months back.

[steveooo]

I get all excited seeing bendo shots.

[linghunter]

[Matt]

What no flares?????

[h2ofishfo]

what no sea bass tacos & bald eagle wings?? there delish! hey i thought u werent supposed 2 take those things all the way outta the water sweet job i need bendo soon im feeenin!!!!

[nmbrinkman]

Yeah... I don't thinks it's recommended but I think that's more of an issue when they're really big. The bigger they are, the more weight their body has to support out of water.

[MarkT]

Nice shoes... nice fish too. Gotta love the flat white meat.

[Rusty]

Nice feesh dude

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by nmbrinkman

Yeah... I don't thinks it's recommended but I think that's more of an issue when they're really big. The bigger they are, the more weight their body has to support out of water.

Exactly......I've seen many captains and deckies lift larger models into the boat for a quick photo opportunity, including sportboats such as the New Seaforth and the long lost Dolphin (gaff through the bottom jaw ). Usually in La Jolla we only catch the larger models from 100 lbs--300 lbs, but this spot has tons of Black Seabass this size, and Halibut . I think the 60 lb--80 lb Black Seabass are perfect for quick photo opportunities, if handled properly. Just like a 10' Python, support their wait when handling them. The key is to be quick about it when handling them, and be real careful with their caudal fins, as they need them. As you can see, I didn't get a chance to do the famous Bill Dance stiff arm photo, that would make her look like a 150 lb'er. In this case I chose the full support quick hug, and I can guarantee this tank is very happy right where I left her. As always, I engaged the hook almost instantly after being bit, and popped the hook right out of the corner of her mouth.

[Slay Rider]

DH...always read and admire your kayak fishing adventures....than you for including us.

[Dennis]

Thanks for the report, Josh. I like the checkered slip-ons, more than the all white addidas..

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by Dennis

Thanks for the report, Josh. I like the checkered slip-ons, more than the all white addidas..

What up Heavy D? Don't worry, I'm sporting my white kicks only during the winter squid bites, "I'm goins for mine I've got ta shine".

[Dennis]

I knew you were "GANGSTA".. .. Good to see all is well. See you on the water.
-D

[dos ballenas]

Originally Posted by THE DARKHORSE

Exactly......I've seen many captains and deckies lift larger models into the boat for a quick photo opportunity, including sportboats such as the New Seaforth and the long lost Dolphin (gaff through the bottom jaw ). .

Nice fish dude, but are you condoning this, or defending yourself... a photo op is one thing, but promoting this and showing it off doesn't seem to go with the values expressed by kayakers, or by the mlpa process.

I agree that fish under most circumstances can survive this treatment without a problem, but once again, I wouldn't tell others with less experiance than yourselve to attemp this... and I bet the fish didn't feel better afterwards... this topic has been touched on before, just remember folks, they are watching

good job on the halibut, the water has been very clear up north...

owyn

[THE DARKHORSE]

Again..."I think the 60 lb--80 lb Black Seabass are perfect for quick photo opportunities, if handled properly. Just like a 10' Python, support their wait when handling them. The key is to be quick about it when handling them, and be real careful with their caudal fins, as they need them".

I'm condoning quick photo opportunities conducted by professional licensed fishing guides, with smaller models. These fish are not Sharks that lack the bone structure (mostly all cartilage), or Marlin, that are easily harmed by any handling out of the water. I see way more harm in anglers letting fish run for ten seconds with their Mackerel in it's mouth, and allowing the fish time to swallow the hook. I also feel, way more harm is caused by fishing with "baby drag" and playing any fish for extended periods of time, if interested in a healthy release. As soon as I was confident this wasn't a Yellowtail (30 seconds), I buttoned down the drag and brought this fish to the surface in a couple of minutes, healthy and strong.

Perhaps your one of those people that thinks the MLPA closure decisions are based on kayak fishing board photos, I feel for you. I've done my part, donated money, registered, got others involved, voted on a stakeholder to help represent the kayak community (Thanks Paul), drew maps of precious zones, daily prayers to my Lord and Savior, no regrets. More importantly, "I've pushed for awareness and conservation through leading by example for many years". I'm certainly not confused who really cares about this fishery, it's obviously the fisherman, not some highly funded business/government agency, disguised with intentions of conservation.

[Dan]

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/ocal/archives/j_f_05_16-19.pdf

Here's a good document for those who have not yet hooked one of these monsters.

good job on the halibut. way to get out of the box..

[THE DARKHORSE]

Dan .

Thanks for the link Dan, plenty of good info there. "If not properly handled", I suppose the argument could be made that any fish would have a better survival rate if the line was cut immedietly, than brought to the surface and removing the hook or jig. For the record, this fish was caught in 35' of water and didn't suffer from depressurization trauma, or being delicately cradled like a baby for a couple of seconds.

[screaming reel]

What if a fish caught a human and held them under water for a number of seconds to get a photo - I wonder how that would feel?

I kill fish.

When I catch the Blacks though, I release them in the water as quick as possible; no photo. Get them back down fast. Taking a fish out of the water has to be detrimental to its survival. I remember the first time I caught one, it took me 10 minutes to revive it, stressed me out I thought it was not going to make it. I think cutting the line once you know has lots of merit.

Nice job on the HALIS!

[THE DARKHORSE]

The best analogy I ever heard that makes a lot of sense is : "Make your dad run a marathon, and when he crosses the tape hold his head under water for a minute and see what happens".