Fish-Porn-Friday.

[StinkyMatt]

The photo of the party boat in the background is the photo I will show my friends.

The contrast between the different experiences is perfectly captured there.



Good stuff.

[IntrntFshrman]

Good to see you posting again, Josh!

[primosurf]

cool photos!!

[momo fish]

Well written as always. Thanks for the inspirations and good reading.

[CaliShark]

I'm really enjoying this thread, thanks for the inspiration.

I'm second guessing buying a paddle kayak instead of a peddle kayak. I've notice you guys on the hobie's are way faster, and can still move around with a pole in your hand...not to mention paddling is very tiring.

[blitzburgh]

Great read and photos, man

[Sully1]

That ling looks pretty tasty, nice one!

[Ramos23]

Great report!

Awesome photos!

[THE DARKHORSE]

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In lieu of the, Bloodydecks Yellowtail Shoot out, where many fuel crazed pedal-to-the-metal enthusiasts would gladly run each and everyone of you (kayak anglers) down -- if a bird so much as flaps his wing. Or farts? This week will be dedicated to the sometimes elusive/really not so elusive trophy fish: the ghost. Which to many is appropriately named. To others though, White Sea Bass, are just another fish. If when this weekly update finds you in the former category? Just know that one day, when you find yourself in the latter group, you'll look back at this part-time infatuation with an overgrown silver fish and laugh. Hopefully.

Regardless, until then, just know that there's no shortage of them these days. And as long as you continue to look both ways before crossing the street -- you'll have the rest of your life to catch them. Unless, of course, my prediction rings true. And they shut down the entire California Coast to recreational fishing. Making a huge marine-park, if you will, and selling the aqua-farmed resource back to us all at a premium. At which point I'll be living off some tropical island with many reef break options. And looking back at all these photos with a grin.

When I took this photo I certainly had a smile from ear to ear. Fish were all over the place on this occasion. Making my job a hell of a lot easier.

Quite the luxury to just be able to take a photo instead of freaking out about having to get lines down. Fish on deck already? Helps.

Let's see. Hammering them off of Dana Point. Hammering them off of La Jolla. Hammering them South of there as well (pictured here).

Bringing me to my original point in the second paragraph. They're not as elusive as many make them out to be. Also, check the wave height in this photo. This day was huge! When the Pacific Ocean gives you lemons -- make lemonade.

To this day, one of the scariest things to ever happen to me? Was being buzzed in deep water (well outside the kelp) by a, White Sea Bass. Not just any fish, though. I'm talking about what could have been a hundred pounder! Just diving some birds in open water. Looked like a school of, Yellowtail, was breezing through or something. Birds on Sardines. Sardines on Krill with millions of, Pacific Greenback Mackerel, thrown in for good measure. Then, up from the depths shoots the largest ghost I've ever seen that hammers a Sardine. I know, I know, who cares? It was a couple feet from my face...

No picture of the, White Sea Bass, but I got a pretty cool image of the Krill.

Said frightened diver. What a kook. Another photo that I'll probably look back on (years from now) with a smile, though.

Especially, if and when I do the unthinkable -- and get a real job.

Diving is very similar to hook and line angling. In many ways, actually. Case in point: Sometimes you target say, Halibut?

And get a big surprise. Honestly, I really don't know who was more taken aback on this day. Scouring the bottom looking for eyes and chins. Then out of absolutely nowhere, holy $hit! Check out the filthy visibility and sandy bottom here.

More deep water schools on the fin-bait. Don't get it twisted a trophy, White Sea Bass, will kick your ass.

If and when the damn things aren't in the kelp? Music to my ears and all. But the damn things will put up a tussle.

On one of my last updates I mentioned heading out on a boat for more, elusive fish, action. Eight boats, all five hundred yards apart -- unheard of in this day and age.

Proving yet again that ice can indeed get expensive. And, White Sea Bass, are only elusive if you let them be.

What's that saying: Find the bait. Find the fish? Something like that anyway. I heard, Yellowtail, eat these things as well. No?

And just another reason to not fish in La Jolla this weekend. Bloodydecks,Yellowtail shoot-out, aside.

Lastly, to make this a hot off the press report. Might as well put up a photo taken in the last few days.

By all means get out there and try to tangle with one. Just not this one specifically -- unless you plan on fishing in my ice-chest.

My suggestion would be to consider giving those poor, Yellowtail, a rest. Go poke around a few new-to-you places. Anyway, that's probably enough for now in regards to this weekly update. For more inspiration-in-a-can? You might consider stopping on by this thread for a sip next week. Or not.

I'll be on a couple boats the next few days. And in saying that. If a Bird so much as flaps his wing -- or farts? Don't say I didn't warn you...

[Sully1]

Great shots, keep 'em coming! Those murky dive conditions would spook me out! Once California Marine Park TM takes over, they'll probably going to try to get you to become Park general manager Socal sector.

[Tandem Assassin]

In total harmony..

[blitzburgh]

DOOOD

[sharonkayak]

Nice posts. Keep them coming, some great photos in there.

That lingcod is huge and the plate of it looks tastey with the big pieces of garlic in it.

I also think those dive shots with the wsb are nuts. Retreiving a wsb after it's shot I'm sure is not an easy task.

[chris138]

[QUOTE=THE DARKHORSE;198794].
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Said frightened diver. What a kook. Another photo that I'll probably look back on (years from now) with a smile, though.

Especially, if and when I do the unthinkable -- and get a real job.


David Attenborough accent: "The deadly spear wielding darkhorse stalks it's prey, presently unaware of the large observers below. In the unlikely event that he is unable to ambush an unsuspecting fish, he uses is bristly whiskers to filter krill from the ocean, thus supplementing his voracious appetite."

Dude how the hell do you dive with that fat handlebar stash!?! These are his true secrets which will remain shrouded in legend.

With every picture, another series of questions. Love the thread Josh keep it up!

[THE DARKHORSE]

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I think the title of this week's update really sums it up. The entire Southern California Coast (and points beyond) lit up and rose to nothing short of white-hot levels. Everything from wide-open (larger grade) Bluefin Tuna well to the South. Huge spots of Yellowfin Tuna mixed in between and hanging off kelps, in and around Dolphin schools, etc. To some Coastal Squid nests up North continuing to do their thing. Local paddy action with the usual suspects underneath, you name it, a blind-Monkey could have caught fish the last couple of weeks.

Even the resurgence of rat-Yellowtail and the Bonita to go along with it. I'm sure many local anglers got a chance to call in sick the last fourteen days to go fishing. And some of us poor souls who actually fish for a living -- the opportunity to take a day off? Would rank right up there with escaping from North Korea! Just day after relentless day of getting burnt to a crisp under the ever present sun. By the time I got to say farewell after packing fish in ice each day? The next thing I know that damn alarm clock was going off again. And repeat.

Thus, Fish Porn Friday, taking a back seat due to computer time. Or lack there of coming to a grinding halt. Sorry about that; it just is what it is. After I missed my first update I thought about just throwing up a slew of photos from the week. But the truth is every photo comes with a story attached. And who's going to say what guy's story doesn't matter? Certainly not I. So, out of respect for these fish and the stories to go along with them. Late once again, behind on the updates, holding out on the goods, etc -- guilty as charged.

Originally Posted by blitzburgh

Great read and photos, man

Really great to meet you, brother. And thanks for all the positive feedback; seriously. That time you're accruing on the water will add up and the dividends will follow.

Originally Posted by Tandem Assassin

Josh did mention he may not be timely with his Friday contributions but I sure missed last weeks "Fish Porn Friday". Must be field research..

Pretty much nailed it on the head, brother. Field research, capitalize with clients based off of said notes from the field, more research and more domination of local patterns. This, Jeff, guy really knows what's up!

Originally Posted by chris138

David Attenborough accent: "The deadly spear wielding darkhorse stalks it's prey, presently unaware of the large observers below. In the unlikely event that he is unable to ambush an unsuspecting fish, he uses is bristly whiskers to filter krill from the ocean, thus supplementing his voracious appetite."

Dude how the hell do you dive with that fat handlebar stash!?! These are his true secrets which will remain shrouded in legend.

With every picture, another series of questions. Love the thread Josh keep it up!

Deadly is right, Chris. Catch and release is one thing, but spear and release is another. My new gun is so powerful that fish just roll over and die upon sight. No need to even fire the thing. When I miss fish with it? They just look at me like: Holy shit -- what in the hell was that! You still diving?

In regards to the mask, I was told early on by a true hardcore diver (not an impostor like myself) that I had two options. Mind you this guy looked like Tom Hanks from the movie, Castaway. He said I could either keep it shaved like a babies bottom or just grow a gnarly beard. Apparently the gnarlier the better. Being that I haven't shaved with a razor for years? I opted for the latter, of course.

Anyway, with no further ado. Here's a few photos that just might have never seen the light of day. Prior to this thread that is. If they make you giggle a bit, want to wear camouflaged leotards and play water Polo whilst wielding a big stick, pack your crap and go fishing -- or puke? Is entirely up to you.

The only thing cooler than catching an eight pound Calico Bass? Watching your seven year old son, Bennet, here catching one all by himself. This man-child can already free dive down to twenty feet. I was watching him in the surf (on a boogie board mind you) during fourth of July celebrations. He freaking catches a wave -- stands up on it and does a three sixty! Hardcore watermen in the making; guaranteed. And inspirational to see for yourself. I was inspired anyway. Then he absolutely destroyed me at some spearfishing game (Freediving Hunter) on his I-Pad.

This fish was a monster. By the rod tip I thought he got hammered by a large Sheephead (as we were dropping to the bottom). Then up comes a trophy Calico Bass. A fish any guy'd be happy to tackle. Much less at seven years old. Released...

Just taking more notes from the field in an attempt to stay on top of moving schools. If the damn things just stayed in one spot...

Might as well make sure the drags are continuing to work in a smooth fashion. Knots are tied to properly, perfect technique, etc -- so I hear practice makes perfect.

Even got a chance to hop in the water for a minute or two since my last update. The closest thing to shooting fish in a barrel...

Probably the biggest challenge? Beyond, not getting wrapped in one's reel line and drowning, of course. Finding a damn paddy in a dessert of nothingness.

In and amongst the selfishness of going swimming for a few? Southern California was blessed with one of the best South swells in years. It just didn't hit San Diego proper with a touch of East in it's heading. Luckily, I lost my wallet a month ago off Dana Point! So, why not kill two birds with one stone and hit Lower Trestles on the way back (during said swell)? Which turned out to be a wise plan when I arrived. With solid double-overhead, freight train, corduroy lines to the horizon. No joke or exaggeration here. I'm talking twenty wave sets with about a two minute lull. So not exactly your typical b.s. Southern California South swell. To top it off? Only sixty guys out at one of the most user friendly waves on the planet. A lot of wash through sets as it was borderline too big for the place. But pretty much more waves than people -- something that never happens at Lowers.

Luckily I happen to know this guy. One of said San Clemente rulers who I had an opportunity to fish with.

Super cool cat who works for Volcom. Regular foot destroyer who throws buckets of spray to the moon. And he kicked this fish's ass, too.

More research and development from right down the street. And another hardcore angler in the making...

Beyond the smoking spool of this fish. This gentlemen got to experience what I'd prefer to never again: pulling as hard as one can on kelp!

Had a very rare opportunity in between work sessions one day. Even more rare was this quick influx of clean water. It just morphed from crap, man this is scary, to Disneyland in a flash! Which just never happens to me; typically the opposite actually.

I mean, clear water isn't all that rare in my local haunts. I realize. It's just that I've almost never had an opportunity to shoot one of these when that happens. Apparently, God, was shining on my limited window of time on this day. One of my easiest recoveries 'ta boot. Something which I typically dread before even dawning my suit. Pretty much the closest thing to a perfect dive -- if there is such a thing.

Here's hoping each and everyone of you have that, "fall in your lap", type of day here soon. Have the giant Yellowtail dreams are made of slam your iron with that terrible 30' cast. Have that tiny paddy with no visible life upon first sight, morph into a foaming school of Tuna charging from the depths. May your sabiki-rig get hammered while making bait by a giant, White Sea Bass? Shit happens. And it might as well happen to you. As long as you keep playing the game -- eventually you're bound to get a gimme.

[Smthtnnr]

Damn who took that photo of your fat YT? He has some talent behind the lens. Arguably the best post yet! Love it josh

[momo fish]

Timely reports or not, always a great read and provides some inspiration for the hunt. Can't wait to see how this summer turns out.

[THE DARKHORSE]

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Story of my life apparently. Since I have to get up in four hours? The latest update is going to have to wait another day; thanks for your patience on that front. I'll go ahead and throw up a quick teaser, though. With a bit of advice attached. Also, expect a full update on this thread after my trip tomorrow. Whether or not It's a short trip or a long one? Remains to be determined.

The advice: No matter how beautiful a fish might be. Or how bad you'd like to catch said fish? It's probably not worth dyeing for. Diving for, maybe, but not if we're talking about your last breath. Believe me. I've done a lot of stupid stuff in my day. And as much as I'd love to say those days are in the past? That would be a bold faced lie. I do indeed try to keep it to a minimum, of course. But as mentioned in my previous update? Stuff happens.

Along the same lines? Allow me to apologize about the quality of this image in advance. Taking a quality photo in low light is tough. Especially under water. And if anyone ever tells you to hop in on a paddy in the dark. I don't care if it's a double-dog-dare. Or if it's the only paddy you've seen in ten hours of searching! Tell them they're stupid with a quick, yet stern, no. Strangely enough the top ten feet is still clear -- however the 3,000' below that is a complete black void.

I don't know if it's even really that stupid. Just stupid scary; trust me on this. Bad idea. Forget getting attacked by some random Shark in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The heart attack brought on by the little white cap breaking on your back will kill you first. Guaranteed. And for a stupid Dorado? Embarrassing.

[Dannowar]

Sick

[momo fish]

That's a great shot and you have guts being around a paddy with some of the weekend boats out there.