Davenport Derby

Had a great time out on the water. It was a good workout. Thanks to the guys on the beach for picking me up when I wiped out landing. This was my first surf launch but still had a great time. Came out of it with a small gopher and some more friends. Thanks Eric for putting these together.

                                                           K.E.

I guess I'm late again but had a hard time today and spent most of the day trying to recoup.
Thank you all for your participation it has been a great year with only one more event to go.
The day was eventfull to say the least. Got up at 2:00am and left Fresno with a friend who wanted to try kayaking for the first time. On Hwy 152 before Casa De Fruta we were slowed and escorted past a fire than when we got to Davenport we missed Davenport Landing Rd. due to a bit of Fog. After finally arriving we found most of the participants already there so I took the first spot avail. Big mistake as I found out that was a local spot for many Surfers. After relocating my Vehicle and Trailer we seemed to be OK and didn't hear much from the surfers after that. We got everyone signed in quick order and after a few hail Mary's most got out without much incident (repeat MOST). After watching the launch and studying the surf for a while my newbe decided it would be best to wait for Bass Lake to try Kayaking so we kicked it on the beach for the day and actually had time for a short nap. The water actually seemed to be calming down for a little but that must have been the calm before the storm as the wind began to blow and the swell picked up around 10.00am so as we were thinking to call for a safety we saw the fleet begin to head for the launch and decided to call it early. As people were making their way to the beach we heard Mendohead say he was heading in with a nice Halibut. Wish I was there to see that. With all the people heading in early I decided to start the BBQ so the participants could at least have a warm lunch after battling those waves for a few hours. Of course that's when the Regulator on the BBQ decides to act up and gives me hassles for about a half an hour. With all this we still had a great time and everybody took home a prize from the hourly raffle. This is one time I can honestly sat that all participants gave it their all as nobody had any mishaps and those who placed truly gave it a great effort.
The official standings are as follows:
1st place = Ernie Nunez 30" Halibut
2nd place = Jim Issac 15 1/2' Brown Rockfish
3rd Place = Matthew Lewsadder 14" Greenling
Honerable Mention = Eugene Tsuji 13" Gopher
Thanks to all of you, this was truly a test of your love for this sport

More pics.

The after party

and the victory dance

Sorry Ernie I missed a shot of the Halibut.
If anyone got a pic please post it.
Thanks,
Eric

thanks again Eric....

I also need a good shot (big file) of Ernie and his halibut for the Sentinel REport....Could someone send me a copy, please?

scruzfishing@yahoo.com?

thanks!!

Allen

If no pics of the flatty turn up you can always print Eugene's face plant. 

Hi Yakers:

           The Derby win keep me going when it's just too Stinky outside.
It's no secret about Scott's Creek Now!
           The Conditions didn't allow too much screwing around with Gear.
I use one Rod/Reel/Hook setup and Tooched. I  Paddled most of
the time with my Rod tucked between my Legs.
           When the Butt exploded off the Deck, I all most rolled while Spy Hopping over a Monster of a Swell (Fuc@@ Me!).  
            I whacked my Butt several time. Davenport is a Sharky area so,
I decided NOT to Bleed.
            I payed my Dues and by the Grace of God I came back alive.
Davenport is NOT a easy place to Fish.
           Having a support Group like FW and NCKA at my Back made the
Trip a lot Safer and more Fun.
           My tip for  Dav. is, Paddle first and Fish if you are able.

  P.S.  I need a good Fish Bag!
                                                                         Sea-ya
                                                                        Ernie
                                  

If no pics of the flatty turn up you can always print Eugene's face plant. 

hey hey hey, that wasnt a face plant.  More of a butt plant!  I actually miffed launch twice.  3rd time figured out that in my desire to get out I was sending my self too far to the right rather than my usual too far to the left.  Or I could blame the guy who taught me everything I know about kayak and surf

[/quote]
hey hey hey, that wasnt a face plant.  More of a butt plant!  I actually miffed launch twice.  3rd time figured out that in my desire to get out I was sending my self too far to the right rather than my usual too far to the left.  Or I could blame the guy who taught me everything I know about kayak and surf
[/quote]

Sorry, I couldn't resist.I know I should be the last one throwing stones.I'm still trying to get the stink off.

I am so happy for you Ernie. Congrats on winning first place and for the halibut.

Jedmo

Eugene,
I like the new avitar - if we can't laugh at our selves who can we laugh at? 
(very well done) 

I've also got a few of Ernie's halibut that I will post after work.  Also have a couple of semi-wipeouts.

Michael

that spot that Ernie was fishing is a very good halibut drift this time of year.  Sandy area between the arms of kelp in front of Scott's Creek. 60-80 FOW

That is the spot where I got my knuckle flayed open by an 18-pound halibut flipping out on my diver's stringer.  the end of the stringer scraped my knuckle.  ouch.  I got two halibuts, a starry flounder and a giant sand sole that day.  Same time of year, same type of bait, dead chovies.

kudos to Ernie for making that paddle in lousy conditions.

Allen