My first trip to La Jolla...

[Minnow]

I have been following, “lurking”, around the OEX forum for about a year now and have found the stories fascinating. Big Water's Edge is quite the escape. My background is of fishing the rivers of the Northwest and an occasional jaunt South for Permit & bones. With most all of my fish coming on the fly rod.

Many years ago I was a fan of river kayaking. I used the Hollow Form [ that's the brand name] “Tupperware” kayak and had a lot of fun running most of the rivers, say within 500 miles of Reno. I had done a little fishing from my kayak but river kayaks being what they were then [very tippy] just weren’t conducive to fishing. Especially with the fast moving currents around these parts. In my neck of the woods, the Truckee river is an excellent fishing river and due to the catch and release ethic is only getting better. Pyramid lake is also famous. So when the new "sit on top's" started coming out they naturally caught my attention. Quite a few years would pass before I took that step to try one out though. I thought to myself, what better way to try them out then a tour of La Jolla?

When I travel to clear water venues in search of Permit and bones you wouldn't think of doing so without hiring a guide. Driving from Reno to fish La Jolla isn't much different. So hiring a guide would be my first step to pull this off. I was fortunate to be able to get a hold of Josh Pruitt [ The Darkhorse on Big Water's Edge] and schedule a trip. I have to say, the price for the trip was very reasonable compared to guides in the North West of equal caliber. Josh wasn’t booked heavily when I arrived so we waited a few days for better conditions [ which was nice] and hit it perfectly. Just a beautiful day. We blew through the mild surf, went to make bait and headed out. I got to check out the Hobie Revo [which Josh referred to as the Ferrari of kayaks) as I followed Josh’s battle ship [Pro Angler] off shore. What an experience! Pods of Dolphins flashing by with Josh pointing out the occasional school of yellow tail. I have to admit, the experience was almost enough to make me pack up and move.

Anyway, WHAT AN INCREDIBLE FISHERY!. I was amazed by the phenomenal sea life so close to such a large population center. The short story: I had a shot at three big yellow tail. Even after the warning from Josh I still can't believe how hard those fish fight! All big fish, estimated to be in the thirty pound class. Which will remain an estimate because I only managed to get one in the boat (27 lbs. or so) after grueling drawn out fights! What a great opportunity. I am not a part of the 10% who catches 90% of the fish but with help from Josh, I got a little taste of what it's like. Without the pre requisite years of dedication.



I've already booked another trip for my return visit to San Diego. Hopefully I can do it again. Only this time, I'm bringing the fly rod!