[LBKayakDude]

Went out of Dana Point harbor for afternoon session on Monday. Launched around 3. Paddled to the point. About 1 1/2 miles out, I hooked into this guy at 5:45 and got to the kayak about 7:15. Ended up about 2 1/2 miles out. Another 30 min of wrestling and finally got him on board.

45 min to paddle back in. It was squirting blood on me the entire way from slitting the gills. Definitely felt small and vulnerable out there by myself with blood absolutely everywhere. Paddled hard to get back.

My friend was with me but had headed in just before I hooked into this. Coolest experience so far in my 14 months of kayak fishing. Such an exciting day. Second Thresher of the season so I'm done keepin em this year. No scale but it was well over 100. Me and my buddy guessed about 120 lbs. After picking up a few things of similar weight etc I'd say it's a close guess. A helluva lotta meat. The filets in pic aren't even half of it.