Late report for Nov 14th, Julie finishes the “Grand Slam”

[Aaron&Julie]

There was no intention for such a late report, but hope someone will enjoy it.
We usually launch pre-dawn, but didn’t make it out through knee slappers until 6:30AM. Turned out to be a gorgeous day in many ways, with the main objective, to at least make bug-bait. While trying to make bait, we both, on different occasions, saw something silvery and about 12 pounds jump out of the water, somewhat of a mystery. It was a slow go for bait, so, after getting about 10 total macks, 50/50 on greenies/Spanish in the tanks, we sought bigger game.
Heading to the usual grounds, about 2+ miles from the launch we passed a PBer who looked like he had the right kind. Watched for about 10 minutes, then asked if he might be on a yellow. He said, “No, a 100lb. Thresher”, which apparently didn’t jump while we were watching.
We decided to keep to our task and go out another mile before turning for a drift back towards the launch. While on a drift, the earlier mystery was solved as Aaron spotted about a dozen 12lb sunfish using his kayak for shade. Before Julie could see them too, his paddle spooked them off, but a couple jumped to verify earlier speculations.

Some on-the-water company...

Soon after, Julie’s flylined clicker goes off a little. Then, seconds later her 2oz. rig is bit, then hooked up with a good tow going on, but soon she was cut off. The mono leader had some fraying and we were thinking Thresher, which probably slapped her flylined bait first.
We continue back towards the launch alternating paddling and drifting. When we get close to the area of the earlier PBer, Aaron’s rather large Greenie is getting spooked by something, but no taker. One minute later, Julie is bit again. After hooking it, and a short run, it goes completely slack. Reeling fast she gets in the loose line as she sees the Thresher swim under her ‘yak. We’re not sure if when he made his turn, the Spectre ended up in his mouth, but when the line went real tight again that is were the cut occurred. She’s now 0 for 3 on the day
We head back out to repeat the plan, the porpoises giving us a good show along the way, adding to this absolutely beautiful day, better than all of our summer trips. No wind, sun out, shorts and T-shirts, you’ve got to love it.
As we start heading North while making the turn to drift/paddle in, she’s bit and hooked up again. We’re waiting for the jump, which never occurred. It fought mostly straight up and down, keeping her going in circles.

The battle begins...


Putting the wood to it


Maintaining good balance


Happy as a clam


After 30 minutes we see the Thresher for the first time.


Aaron explains the grab the tail theory (grab, let go if still active), but she has some trepidations. After 45 minutes the Thresher is pooped. She grabs the tail, and holds while Aaron ties it off. We manage to tow it aboard, Aaron ties it down and cuts the gills. Now, she’s 1 for 4. Within the hour, Aaron guts it.

A couple of on-the water shots...


and


We fish some more while heading in, Aaron making casts with the sabiki rig until we find the big schools of sardines and mackerel, making plenty of bug-bait, and achieving our main goal. What a hell of a bonus the day turned out to be, though.

The end of a great day...




The question remains…is she the first woman to complete the West Coast “Inshore Kayak Grand Slam”, that being Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Halibut and Thresher Shark, with the Thresher actually being put on (by 2 of us) her ‘yak , paddled in, and landing on the beach safely, as Julie did?

If anyone knows of a good Thresher Shark fin soup recipe we’d love to hear it. We’ve already had 3 fabulous grilled dinners, with many more to follow, as these last 3 photos indicate...

Pre-trim


Pre-bag


Packaged-dinners