Summer time in San Diego, gotta love it.
For us, it means B-A-U-TUH-FULL weather, which is what I got on this August 2, 2012. Of course, everything thing is better when success is had.
Julie couldn’t make this trip, work prevailed, I’m still looking for my next job, just not today.
Launched just before 5:00AM in the dark to shin high surf, which was no problem, even with a high frequency. It stayed overcast until 10:00AM or so, but the ocean was flat, and the temperature was perfect.
I couldn’t catch any live squid for bait, which has been the ticket recently. But, when the sun popped up, I was able to catch 16 perfect greenback mackerels in 3 casts, 5 mackerel on the 1st cast, then 6, then 5 again. The last 5 screwed up my sabiki beyond usage, but it didn’t matter, I now had enough bait for the day.
On the way out to other fishing grounds, the largest bony fish (which doesn’t include sharks), the Mola-Mola, or Sunfish, makes his presence known. One of these fish, I’d estimate this one to be at least 300 lbs, but they can get as large as 5000+ lbs, starts jumping in front of me. He makes about 6 jumps, completely clearing the water by a good foot, and comes within 10 feet of my kayak. If this SOB lands on me, I’m toast. This fish doesn’t have a clue of what’s going on around him.
Going to the outer good fishing areas known as the North-Western Corner, I can’t find any luck. So, I decide to fish back inside again. I’m somewhat out of shape for today’s 10 mile paddle and I decide to end it before afternoon rolls around.
About 11:00AM, while fishing inside, my fly-lined (no weight) live mackerel (I caught as bait) is bit. I go through the motions, and then set the hook. For about 3-4 minutes I’m thinking it’s either a small yellowtail or a good size white sea bass. After reeling in my other lines, and finally getting vertical on this fish, it’s a whole new ball-game. The game I think would end in 9 innings, goes into extra innings. He kicks my ass for the next 20 minutes. It’s like doing curls of 20lb weights during the whole time. If you don’t believe me, come out and try one of these brute yellowtails with huge shoulders. As much as I think the bluefin tuna is the greatest fighter (or bonito), the yellowtail does not need to take a bow.
With biceps burning, I trudge on. I gain 5 feet of line, he takes 10 feet. I gain 20 feet, he takes 30 feet, etc.
For quite a while he’s winning, and my doubts about landing him, slowly diminish.
Maybe 30 minutes later I finally see him, then he goes on a 100 foot run. Am I ever going to land him?
Patience, coolness, prevail.
I hadn’t caught a good fish in quite a while. OH!, such joy, for not only have won the battle, but to finally put new fresh yellowtail in our freezer. Fresh hamachi, otherwise known as raw yellowtail sashimi. With a little bit of teriyaki sauce and wasabi, it’s raw fish heaven. Until you try it, don’t knock it.
Kelvin, you probably didn’t recognize me without Julie, my love. Haven’t seen you in 6 years since you helped us release that Black Sea Bass. Ken, absolutely love any time I/we ca talk with you. And Jerry (dark grey Hobie), many thanks for your patience, friendliness, and time. I hope those greenies I gave you, caught you something, even bigger than mine, you’re a good dude.
I hope you enjoy the pictures, and the story. If my grammar is subpar, forgive me, almost 8 hours on the ocean water will do that to you. I’m quite silly right now, thank you.
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