first "fish" in a kayak

[melikle]

This is my first post & it's about catching my first fish (besides bait fish) out in the kayak, in Tomales Bay...& none too soon, seeing as I've entered the Albion tournament.  

I was fishing for halibut, but my fish decided to be swallowed by a leopard shark instead (okay, well probably didn't have much of a choice).  It circled the boat, & took me for a lil ride (still not knowing what it was, but knowing it was no halibut).  Needless to say, I was freakin'.  My boyfriend had been a little ways off doing his own fishing & it seemed to take him FOREVER to get to me, as I'm trying not to freak out too much & either lose the pole, or go over.

With my boyfriend in his kayak, on my left side, I finally get the thing to the surface on my right & tell my boyfriend "babe, it's no halibut".  He gets a look @ it & tells me it's a leopard shark.  At that point it's thrashing around in the water, getting me wet, & I'm really freaking out because I have a shark on my line, & all of a sudden I'm picturing Jaws coming out of the water & landing in my kayak.  I handed the pole to him & let him get it off the line.

Well, at least I know what it feels like now, & I can't wait for Albion.  I probably have no clue what I'm in for, but I'm still excited.

[bwodun]

congrats on the first "fish" on the kayak melikle, welcome to the maddness and see you at albion, cameron

[Rockroach]

You did just fine. A few more sled rides, and you'll be a pro in no time.  Next time we get a picture with you holding Mr Shark

[Black Ab]

Welcome!  That's a great way to get broken in to the Madness.   

[Rockroach]

Here a pic of Melikle fighting her fish

[Dale L]

Now that's a great first post, and a nice size leopard, WTG

[AlsHobieOutback]

Awesome!!!  Dont freak out just cause its a shark    A halibut would probably be a bit freakier!    I've never caught a shark from the yak, but would love to do that sleigh ride!!!  Thanks for sharing your first trip and welcome to the board!!

[Sailfish]

Congrat on the great first catch from the kayak.  That's a decent size Leopard.  Thanks for the report, picture, and welcome aboard Melikle.

[DaBlazer]

Congrats melikle on your first of we hope are many fish for you. WTG first fish and first sleigh ride. Welcome to the board and to coin a term of endearment round here "welcome to the madness"

[PISCEAN]

I don't think I've ever caught a leopard shark from my kayak, so you are already one up on me!

welcometothemadness!

[ravensblack]

You know what this means now, dont you? I have to come up with a special prize for top woman angler at Albion. 

[Jedmo]

Awesome first post melikle and welcome aboard.

Jedmo

[dreamcatcher]

Don't worry, be happy. That's a great first fish!

[MANBEARPIG]

Right on!!! Leopard sharks are always fun!

[dpshim]

Welcome to the family melikle You did very well with your first report, as I read your excitement hooking up with a leopard. Now that you got your first fish off your back, it's time for many more to come!!