first "fish" in a kayak

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.

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

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

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

Here a pic of Melikle fighting her fish

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

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!!

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

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"

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

welcometothemadness!

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

Awesome first post melikle and welcome aboard.

Jedmo

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

Right on!!! Leopard sharks are always fun!

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!!