NorCal Kayak Anglers

Dive Zone => Kayak Diving and Spearfishing => Topic started by: BigJim on January 02, 2018, 09:53:12 AM

Title: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: BigJim on January 02, 2018, 09:53:12 AM
This time last year I could barely walk and was just starting the painful process of PT to recover form a torn quadriceps tendon in my left knee...

While I'm still not 100% I am stoked that I have been able to get out diving both off kayak and from shore this year, and managed to bring home some pretty nice fish to feed my family and friends....

Here's a quick vid of some of my favorite times out in the ocean this year, and a few pics of the fish shown in the vid....

Fish shown include Lings up to 38 inches, Reds to 23.5, Cabs to 23.5, Olives, Blues, Blacks, Grassies, California Sheephead to 28+ inches, multiple Monterey County Halibuts, Humboldt County Abalone to 9.5 inches, and some pretty BatRays and Leopard Sharks and Wolf Eels that I didn't shoot of course.

Special thanks to my wife and daughters for giving me the time to go play in the water, my dive buddies for putting up with my early starts, and all the family and friends that helped me eat all the yummy fishies.

: )

https://youtu.be/_BO8O1hcP_4

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: ReelE on January 02, 2018, 10:01:09 AM
Awesome pics~ My 2018 goal - Catch 1/4 of what BigJim caught in 2017!!  :smt044
E~
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: Wilderness medic on January 02, 2018, 10:05:45 AM
Half the ocean has been in Jim’s kayak.
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: BigJim on January 02, 2018, 10:06:37 AM
In addition to the fun times shown in the vid there are a couple other experiences I had this year which were super special for me...

1. I finally caught a Salmon!! My buddy Jeff took me out several times and we got a few nice fish each time...such beautiful fish and some of the best eating I have ever done!!

The highlight of all the trips was taking my Dad out on Jeff's boat, along with Jason RatBoy Collins and getting my Dad (at age 83) to catch his first Salmon, and then presenting him with a custom Amadeo print to celebrate the occasion!!

 :smt007 :smt008 :smt007

2. I finally dove down in SoCal!!! Went out with good buddy Matt on his killer boat the Mojito and had an epic day of exploring and diving!! Saw my first YellowTail, sea turtles, lobster and more sheephead and calicos than I have ever seen!!

We didn't bring home the Bluefin we were hoping to but not for lack of trying!!

Very grateful to Matt for this trip, his continued support and friendship, and the multiple packs of delicious Bluefin that he gifted me!!  :smt003 :smt004 :smt003

3. Have been getting to show some new dive buddies around!! Matt and Ale are here for 15 months while Matt is going to NPS, and have been really enjoying showing them around above and below water...one of the better days so far has been when they all caught nice fish and we got some quality crabs off Jeff's boat!!

Matt is a super fishy guy, and he has already gotten solid Lings, Cabs, and NorCal Sheep and I know it is just a matter of time until he gets into the Reds, Butts and Stripers.  :smt001

In addition to Matt and Ale, I have been very grateful to reconnect with my longtime friend Bryan and have been really enjoying diving and sharing adventures with him! He shot his PB (so far) 26 inch Ling down in BigSur right before Christmas!

Here are some of my favorite pics of these good times.

 :smt004

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: Martianfish on January 03, 2018, 07:38:56 AM
Always like reading your posts. Videos are always required watching!!  Here is too a healthy 2018. Dive-on dude

Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: DG on January 03, 2018, 07:54:10 AM
Love it
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: BigJim on January 03, 2018, 10:24:59 AM
Thanks folks!!!

I'm heading to NOLA  tomorrow for 10 days with a brand new sick AF pathos 120 with reel from Red Triangle!!  :smt007 :smt007 :smt007

Fingers crossed I can get on a boat out to the rigs!!!!!!

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: AnnieAreYouOk on January 03, 2018, 05:05:51 PM
You're the coolest Jim! Happy New Year! Wishing you lots of shots right in the face and full orion coolers!  :smt003
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: Sailfish on January 03, 2018, 06:03:16 PM
That’s a very impressive accomplishment.  Thanks for sharing Jim.
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: dank on January 04, 2018, 11:05:03 AM
I always love your posts, pictures and attitude. Very inspiring!
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: MotherLoad on January 04, 2018, 01:11:21 PM
Great vid, one of the better ones I've seen this year. Thanks for taking the time to put together and share with us.
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: Eddie on January 04, 2018, 06:42:04 PM
Super inspiring, thanks for the 2017 journal of good times and good good grinds!
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: Jacks on January 05, 2018, 06:07:38 AM
Big Jim thanks for all sharing this past year.
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: DG on January 06, 2018, 09:16:32 AM
Can not wait for the 2018 bluefin.  But I guess a yellowtail would be a good start. 
Title: Re: BigJim's 2017.
Post by: dirkbeachman on January 06, 2018, 11:31:57 AM
Great stuff! You're living large and inspiring us all! Thanks!