WSB of a Lifetime - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

wavster · 04-01-2009, 03:50 AM

There's been a lot of talk of tips and tricks
and the evangelical musings of a "Fish Whisperer",
all in an effort to find that first WSB or maybe
an upgrade to a larger model.

I've found however, that the old adage
"Bigger bait = bigger fish"
really is the best advice one could give.

With limited time on the water lately,
I needed to stack the deck in my favor.

Dorado50 and I went down to the Asian Market
to find some choice squid. We found the usual
fare, but then spotted a single 18 inch behemoth.

Using a 14/O hook and 5oz of lead stitched
into the mantle, we rigged up the
prize squid on a 100lb fluoro leader on
85# braid.

I ventured deep into the kelp and looked for
a pot hole to drop in my bait. After an
hour of nothing, I moved to the edge of
the kelp.

On the first drop, it thought I got snagged
on the kelp, so I gave the line some slack
and tried to reel again. Now the line wouldn't
even budge. I put the reel in free spool for
slack and my line started peeling!

I put the reel in gear, but line was peeling
off the spool as if in free spool. With the
drag as tight as it would go, I wasn't making
any headway. Dorado50 was able to intercept
as I was towed out toward the canyon.

Seeing that I wasn't slowing down, he was able
to use his gaff to grab my kayak to help stop
this fish. Or so we thought...

After sounding a couple of times, this fish
headed to the canyon then veered West. Now
Dave and I were both being pulled beyond the
canyon away from the fishing grounds.

One good thing about WSB is that they tire
quickly, though that can be a relative term.
This monster began to give up after nearly
45 minutes and multiple soundings.

Once we got him to the surface we were amazed
at the sheer size. It took both of us to get
it into my kayak, with Dorado50 actually
getting in the water to help hoist it up.

After a long happy paddle back to the beach
we got this shot from a curious tourist.

bellcon · 04-01-2009, 06:11 AM

wow thats incredible

On my way to the market to find me a monster squid
thanks for sharing
and getting me all worked up for the long drive down

forefrazier · 04-01-2009, 06:16 AM

Well planned out guys....Seems we have another PShop wizard on our hands! Great!

j mo · 04-01-2009, 06:18 AM

Wow where did you get that supersized game clip

. D 50 must be working out too as I see no double chin....

Matt · 04-01-2009, 06:41 AM

Ahhhhh the joys of April 1st!!

MalibuJohnny · 04-01-2009, 07:44 AM

There's been a lot of talk of tips and tricks
and the evangelical musings of a "Fish Whisperer",
all in an effort to find that first WSB or maybe
an upgrade to a larger model.

I have to take a class ot two on how to, or even what to "whisper" into a fishes ear....where are the ears on a WSB anyway?

Dan · 04-01-2009, 08:21 AM

Awesome! Saw you over there wrestling that thing.

I fly lined a french roll and had a piece of Rye on a dropper loop. Looking for my PB Smelt....only got some by catch.

04-01-2009, 03:50 AM	#1
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	WSB of a Lifetime There's been a lot of talk of tips and tricks and the evangelical musings of a "Fish Whisperer", all in an effort to find that first WSB or maybe an upgrade to a larger model. I've found however, that the old adage "Bigger bait = bigger fish" really is the best advice one could give. With limited time on the water lately, I needed to stack the deck in my favor. Dorado50 and I went down to the Asian Market to find some choice squid. We found the usual fare, but then spotted a single 18 inch behemoth. Using a 14/O hook and 5oz of lead stitched into the mantle, we rigged up the prize squid on a 100lb fluoro leader on 85# braid. I ventured deep into the kelp and looked for a pot hole to drop in my bait. After an hour of nothing, I moved to the edge of the kelp. On the first drop, it thought I got snagged on the kelp, so I gave the line some slack and tried to reel again. Now the line wouldn't even budge. I put the reel in free spool for slack and my line started peeling! I put the reel in gear, but line was peeling off the spool as if in free spool. With the drag as tight as it would go, I wasn't making any headway. Dorado50 was able to intercept as I was towed out toward the canyon. Seeing that I wasn't slowing down, he was able to use his gaff to grab my kayak to help stop this fish. Or so we thought... After sounding a couple of times, this fish headed to the canyon then veered West. Now Dave and I were both being pulled beyond the canyon away from the fishing grounds. One good thing about WSB is that they tire quickly, though that can be a relative term. This monster began to give up after nearly 45 minutes and multiple soundings. Once we got him to the surface we were amazed at the sheer size. It took both of us to get it into my kayak, with Dorado50 actually getting in the water to help hoist it up. After a long happy paddle back to the beach we got this shot from a curious tourist. __________________

04-01-2009, 06:18 AM	#4
j mo Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Encinitas Posts: 600	Wow where did you get that supersized game clip. D 50 must be working out too as I see no double chin.... Last edited by j mo; 04-01-2009 at 06:28 AM.

04-01-2009, 06:41 AM	#5
Matt Support your local pangas Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lj Posts: 976	Ahhhhh the joys of April 1st!! __________________ Thanks Matt F.

04-01-2009, 07:44 AM	#6
MalibuJohnny Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lahina (I Wish) Posts: 272	Nice fish There's been a lot of talk of tips and tricks and the evangelical musings of a "Fish Whisperer", all in an effort to find that first WSB or maybe an upgrade to a larger model. I have to take a class ot two on how to, or even what to "whisper" into a fishes ear....where are the ears on a WSB anyway? __________________ Malibu Johnny must catch fish

04-01-2009, 06:11 AM	#2
bellcon Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: San Pedro Posts: 999	wow thats incredible On my way to the market to find me a monster squid thanks for sharing and getting me all worked up for the long drive down

04-01-2009, 06:16 AM	#3
forefrazier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: OC Posts: 397	Well planned out guys....Seems we have another PShop wizard on our hands! Great!

04-01-2009, 08:21 AM	#7
Dan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,053	Awesome! Saw you over there wrestling that thing. I fly lined a french roll and had a piece of Rye on a dropper loop. Looking for my PB Smelt....only got some by catch.