Fish-Porn-Friday.

[THE DARKHORSE]

If not more! Tis the season to be Merry.
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With no further ado there, folks. I thought it wise to go ahead and slap a chapter on another successful season. While that chapter I speak of is still being written, of course. With adventure after adventure going down; and the far greater challenge of finding time to type! I suppose no time is better than the present to do so. A season that I hope brought great joy to each and everyone of you. A year that will be well engraved in all our minds. Whatever reason that may be? Well, that's your story to tell. For some, it's that first drag ripping run of their long awaited cherry-popping kayak,Yellowtail.





Make note of the filthy, thieving Sea Lion, tattoo here. A whack between the eyes with a ten foot jig-stick did the trick.














Notice the tidal wave about to destroy Mt. Soledad in the background -- behind the stoked out of his mind angler.


And, easily, my best dressed client of the season. If this ensemble doesn't just scream, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Appropriately being added to Fish Porn Friday tonight. Well, I don't know what does.

Probably enough cherry popping for now -- I really don't want to bore 'ya with all the rest. So lets move on shall we. Besides, I'm sure we'd all agree that the only thing better than that first, Yellowtail, is what class? Exactly. The next Yellowtail.

So, in that very theme, Chris I'll take this opportunity to apply the pressure publicly. You're next! Or your next-fish is next; whatever, you know what I mean. If it's the last thing I do, you Sr., are going to catch big Winter Yellowtail, too.

And while Yellowtail haunt the soul of many Southern California anglers. Whether they're actually landed or lost at the last second. Year round for that matter. For others it's that seventy pound, White Sea Bass, coming out of the mirk and into the cross hairs. When, for once, you're actually ready and holding the right gun! As those precious twinkling lights from above align.

Just don't ask me about the two fish I passed on, immediately prior, to pulling the trigger on this fish. Apparently my visual scale was way off on this day! While a seventy pound ghost is no slouch -- in anyone's book. We'll leave it at this. It's safe to say the other two might haunt me for quite a while. And from an optimist point of view? Have me just that much more focused on future hunts from below.

Whatever the case regarding one season to the next. Here's hoping this one was a blur for you as well. What one angler considers, trash, another may treasure. Some guys could absolutely care less about say, Spotted Bay Bass. While others rank them with the, sacred-Cow. So the value of comparison between one angler's season to the other? Is, well, only perceived through the eye of the beholder -- and naturally so. For most the biggest challenge of all, mind you. Is even having the wherewithal to dare live in the present. And taking those chances in the first place. For without that one little step we'll always be on the outside, doing what's perfectly natural as well. Looking in.

Sometimes it's as simple as packing and setting the alarm. That one day you might have took off of work just for an hour on the Bay. Or, maybe driving the extra mile offshore (when something in your gut just screamed at you to do so). We've all been there a time or two. And it's these tiny choice that make all the difference in the world.

Perhaps heading full steam. While for some reason you just can't catch up to the surrounding wild life. To what's seemingly, the only kelp paddy, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Dare I call it a race, as it often seems, we're in a race to go nowhere. And lets not forget (as most of you here) just kayak fishing to get your weekend warrior kicks! It really makes no difference in the grand scheme of things. To anyone else anyway...

You could be conquering the fear of taking that first dip into the deep-end. Where it doesn't take a genius to quickly realize you're not at the top of the food-chain anymore. No matter what size gun you're holding! This Novella after all is for, you. Other like minded individuals who might appreciate a good little fish story from time to time. A glimpse into what some of us would soon forget. If it wasn't for that little contraption. One, that all of us carry in our pocket these days. Perhaps weighing down that stocking we just opened up for Christmas. You guessed it: the camera.

Speaking of, Christmas, I for one know there's still a kid inside each and everyone of us. It's all about tapping into that precious energy from time to time. Like, Bert, here as an example. Now this guy gets it! Crowd or no crowd; not the least bit bothered by unforeseen challenges.

And most definitely living in the present --- like a kid in a candy store (when this photo was taken).

Some days are better than others when it comes to fishing with clients. Where the trials and tribulations of putting those puzzle pieces together (i.e. work) are replaced by fun. The pressure's off; so to speak. Then and only then. Do I get to occasionally dabble in the day's festivities.
I still think something like, Flo Rida's: "it's going down for real". Would have took this up a notch. In fact I know it would have. Bert, however, like many of you has a career, though. And a family! So spending all day, eiditing a fish killing adventure, complete with a bunch of released Yellowtail -- slapped to some gangsta' rap? Just isn't something he's got time for right now.

Which I perfectly understand. So apparently, instrumental rap it is: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bFyo5oi6E7M

Upon landing on this day. Bert was just beaming with stoke. Maybe even more so than usual -- if that's even possible. I turned around to snap a picture of him while I was loading the truck. Just as the sun was setting in the background. And a synapse of time before I screamed aloud: "what in the hell are you doing dancing around in the surf"?!?!

Only then did I realize it was some other kid. Who just so happened to be stoked out of his mind, too. If it wasn't for the two hundred pounds of stacked muscle seperating the two -- practically Siamese twins.

I'll also have you know that it doesn't take over a hundred pounds of, drag-ripping-fish, on deck? To get this guy stoked about a day on the water. Case in point. Not that I want anyone trying to pry my well guarded tutelage, and blood oath secrecy from his cold dead hands. Which covers the vast span of, well, if I'm being completely honest? About damn near anything from rigging to reading the sonar. Including even, yes, any one of the 50,000 rock-piles up and down the twists and turns of, La Jolla, proper.

I dare you to go rock fishing with this guy. And I, double-dog-dare-you, to put up a hefty wager for the jack pot fish! Consider yourself warned.

Something we can all celebrate together in our own little way, though. Is just the experience of being on the water itself, right? That goes for the migrating, Grey Whales of today, and the jumping Dorado of a few months back. There's just something special about the Big-Blue if you asked me. For whatever reason some are just more drawn to it than others. Allowing us as divers to seemingly float, weightless, hardly bothered by the gravity of our daily lives. Like my friend, Dylan, here with one of his first Dorado of the season (notably shot a few miles off La Jolla).

Just one of many magical, warm blue water days, in local waters. Take a look at the reflection on the surface here. I can't exactly take much pride in the photo; nor the beauty of the image. I mean, after all, I just pushed a button for crying out loud. It's crazy to think without this image, though, I never would have noticed the mirror like surface. Or the kaleidoscope of colors in my face right above. Just another subtle reminder to take photos in the first place my friends.

Here's the same stoked guy just two seconds later. Holding the same fish.

Just without that ridiculous mirror finish from above. So burn, burn away, as this is the digital age!

What made this particular trip pretty cool? Beyond the fact that it was definitely in kayak range of my daily office, mind you. Was for one getting to swim with and hunt the, eighty swarming Dorado (with Blacks Beach in the background no less). One of my fish pictured here.

And probably the school of fifty pound class, Yellowfin Tuna, that would occasionally come up from the depths. Right about this time the true gravity of our season came into perspective. Forget the daily hammering of Yellowtail with clients, for four-months-straight. The better grade, Tuna, in local waters really raised my brow. And basically made this little weekly update an ambitious proposition to say the least. Something about striking while the iron is hot! Quickly placing this thread on the distant burner. I'll throw up some, local Tuna, photos at another time. And speaking of? If you happen to have some photos of your own. Be it local Tuna -- or Wahoo -- I'd love to see 'em!

Anyway, I suppose that's enough to chew on for now.

May your next fishing season put this one to shame. In closing, whether Christmas came early for you. Right on time. Or, God willing, better late than never?

Here's wishing everyone those presents under the tree -- that once upon a time made it so hard to sleep.

[captnblood34]

Doppelgänger???

[Lipripper92592]

Way to apply the pressure publicly! With the skills and persistence you have, nothing is safe from a good hook set! I have to admit, the stoke you provide to clients is almost incomparable, the coaching, the knowledge, and that phrase..."monster", always brings a smile to my face.
Happy New Years to all!

[octico]

Very ... very nice post! Happy New Year!

[FISH11]

What a great way to end the year. I love how you described the awesome fishing year that just passed and all the pictures of all the stoked clients. My favorite was the last one with the Yellow Tails under the Christmas tree. Hope all BWE members have another awesome Kayak fishing year in 2015. Tight Lines everyone.

[blitzburgh]

Another great one, Josh

[Deamon]

Way to lead the way again Josh. Awesome to put so many on quality fish. Can't wait to hit 2015 hard! Jim

[Regor]

Nice pics Josh !

And - Happy New Year to ya.

[THE DARKHORSE]

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Because it's that time again...

Fish Porn Friday. What a silly title. Albeit somewhat fitting if the author actually ever put up the photos on a,well, Friday. So, with that being said, here goes nothing. The mantra for this week's update will be, I don't know, less talk and more action? Namely in part to the fact that I've got some ligament damage in my right wrist. Yes, my reeling hand. My typing hand -- my everything hand for that matter. And this shit just hurts I tell 'ya. Everything from simply dipping a tortilla into a bowl of fresh Guacamole. To attempting to fasten my seat belt? Sends a screeching sharp pain and hurts like no other.

So, assuming your strong hand is healthy as an Ox? And you'll have no problem getting off to a bit of porn. Metaphorically speaking anyway. Go ahead and log onto your favorite site -- get out those paper towels (assuming she's still at work, of course) -- and most importantly?

DON'T FORGET TO CLEAR YOUR HISTORY WHEN YOU'RE DONE!

Because if less talk and more action is what you're after. At this very moment anyway? Then you've certainly come to the right place.

First lets roll the clock back a bit for fun. Why not. While I realize this is a kayak fishing site? Well, lets just say this puppy was caught in kayak range!

I'm talking easily. Imagine rolling up to a dipping Turn without a boat in sight. And expecting to see just another, Yellowtail. When you see 30lb-60lb Tuna rolling instead.

To add to the fun. It was pouring rain on this trip and borderline miserable weather wise. And these fish wouldn't touch our damn bait!

A very long cast with a ten foot jig-stick, though. And a tiny metal jig with a very long leader of twenty pound fluorocarbon? Was the ticket. Super spooky fish that would hammer and drop our baits again and again. We'd watch them on the sonar over and over. Bite the baits and leave teeth marks. Only to instantly spit them out. So it was pure, run and gun style hunting, on puddlers and boiling fish -- kill the engine and come to a slide -- and you better be able to make a long smooth cast. A friend and I laughed our ass off on this day. And filled the boat in the process. Consider the proximity to shore? Pretty much as good as it gets and easily F-P-F worthy.

Anyway, enough of that, old news. And the only reason I even mention it is because I shoulda', coulda', woulda' gone out the next day on the Hobie. This happened quite a few times actually this year. Fish well inside of ten miles going nuts. For easy pickings on a boat and totally doable for a dialed in kayak angler. Whatever...

When you get tired of eating Tuna? I don't know about you, but I certainly do right quick for some reason. There's always the kayaks in the garage just begging to hit the water. It's certainly not all, work work work, for me these days. It's more fun than ever when I find a day to myself And when pulling on big, Yellowtail from kayaks, is no longer fun? Rest assured I'll quit.

Besides, who am I to let dust gather on such amazing pieces of machinery? Truth be told my favorite fish to eat is, you guessed it, Yellowtail. Just so many ways to change it up! I never freeze the stuff. It's sushi party, big B-B-Q, and smoke the rest. In no particular order.

Beyond the table fare? Unfortunately for them (the fish) it just never gets old. Being pinned to the rail as line smokes off the reel is one of life's great joys.

Certainly, if it's your first time being pinned to the rail (pictured). And, trust me, I'm doing everything possible to catch so many before I die. With the goal being that it becomes boring one day.

For some reason it just never seems to get old, though. Maybe you've caught a lot of big fish from boats already. Good for you. As many men have.

It's just different pulling as hard as you can while getting towed around, God's green Earth! Believe me this guy is pulling for all he's got right here.

And, after he swore, that even though he's left handed he had no problem using right handed reels? Which did raise my brow upon launching this day.

Immediately after this trip for some reason. Perhaps, it was the bloody knuckles and getting relentlessly worked by these fish -- went out and bought left handed reels.

Anyway, we've all gotten worked by a big fish. That's what it's all about, right? I got my ass completely kicked a few times here recently. And rest assured I lose fish from time to time, too. Part of the fun. It happens to all of us. Not to mention being far superior than the alternative -- perhaps you've been a victim of this scenario -- never getting a shot in the first place?

Contrary to popular belief I don't frown upon guys who show up with the, Big 5 special, rods and reels. It's typically the opposite type of clients who struggle. Case in point. When a guy shows up with all $300 rods and Accurate reels? All Shimano Talica reels (unless he's a Shimano rep of course). Between you and I it's a slight to minor cringe. Brow raising nuance of what's to come. Often a foreshadowing of someone who's not the easiest to teach something, well, new.

Every great now and then, though, I get lucky. In the form of an angler who already sacrificed the virgin if you will. Alright, maybe a Goat. Something just clicks. I don't know, helped an old lady across the damn street? Because everything just seems to go their way while we're on the water.

Even though it apparently just wasn't going this gentlemen's way any trips prior. Just a slight adjustment in technique and rigging. Call it a step in the right direction. Call it placebo. Call it what you want as it's no business of mine! But, this guy handed out the ass kickings on this trip. Ripping current and windy as all hell. Seriously, 99% of my paddle-clients, would be in tears by the time this photo was taken (no exaggeration). And, no, that's not a Hobie commercial. Just bummed the photo was overexposed here.

I should say the fishing went this guy's way. Because, no doubt, the conditions on this day were more work than play. This guy didn't whine or cry one bit.

Those shiny, Accurate reels, did some serious work I tell 'ya. Trophy fish fell victim as sweat dripped from the brow. Love the reflection of the sunset in his glasses here. The lighting was crazy with hot pink hues and true golden California light. You almost can't tell that we're just trying to stay in the boat!

And, I quickly quit crying about the first overexposed, shoulda' coulda' money-shot. When I opened this image below. Behold: The Money Shot.

Instant relief. Stoked! If this photo doesn't make you want to run out and buy a $300 rod, an Accurate reel, and a freakin' Jackson kayak? You're either sponsored by, Hobie and Daiwa -- or dead!

Ah, yes, the coveted epic bendo-shot. It's way the hell harder to capture than most will ever realize. Just trust me on that.

The more you attempt to capture them the more you'll agree. Forget the guys with a yard-sale on deck in the photo. Forget the thousands of shots I take where somehow, some way -- on a thirty pound Yellowtail no less -- the damn rods not even bent!

More so, just attempting to capture what's really going on. A guy, whether it's your first kayak Yellowtail fight (pictured)?

Just pulling as hard as he freaking can. You know, huffing and puffing, God forbid hand cramps -- the whole nine. .

Where the good kind of pain, a fully bent rod with smoking drag and perfect lighting combine. It's just dare I say the ever abused word, EPIC!

When out of nowhere my client, just busts out his best "Blue Steele". You know from, Zoolander? Alright, fine, Marlboro Man. Is that better? I mean come on -- the damn Waxwing thingamajiggy looks sick here. Even I want one after looking at this image.

And speaking of Marlboro Man? Something about this photo just screams out to me. Yeah yeah, that golden California light. Not that, though.

More along the lines of: "whoa that was great -- I don't smoke or anything -- but, you wouldn't happen to have a cigarette would 'ya?"

Seeing as I've been accused of overdressing on the water from time to time. It's safe to say I'm no Marlboro man. Nor do I smoke. I don't even have a legitimate, "Blue Steele", in my tackle box of random grimaces when forced to grip and grin.

As much as I'd love to be a, um, poser. It's just not in the cards. Maybe in the next life. Right up there with more money and my own little Island -- that'll be the day!

Until then, I'll just continue to roll with the punches. Whatever Mother Ocean decides to toss this way. It would get boring right quick otherwise. Especially if it wasn't for the perpetual state of flux. Season after season; day to day for that matter.

As long as you're eyes are open. Theres just no limit to the crazy things you might find. All the mysterious creatures of the Sea. Their habits and cyclical patterns (the dreaded Red Crab pictured here).

The ever-present quest of continuing to try new things. And never stop learning, of course. It could be anything. Maybe set up a new rig. Say, an 80 lb mono, Sabiki type thing. With a series of, four 10/0 giant hooks, and a one pound weight for good measure?

Hell, don't be scared to do something silly from time to time. Maybe slide one of these ugly things on each hook.

And do the downright unthinkable. Toss it over the side as that one pound weight steams to the bottom like a locomotive. Now, to clarify, I'm not suggesting you do this or anything. Or, that it would even be legal. It's just an example.

If you do, though, just don't forget to hold on -- tight!