NorCal Spearfishing: 2014

In 2014, I was lucky enough to get to paddle and dive off four different Jackson Kayaks: the Cruise12, BigTuna, Cuda14 and Kraken.
 
I took these kayaks out in Monterey, Santa Cruz, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino and Humboldt Counties and had some amazing adventures with them.
 
This video shows fourteen of the species that I harvested off these four Jackson Kayaks.



I left out (on purpose) the following: Kelp Rockfish, Rubberlip Perch, Greenling, Black and Yellow/Gopher, Angel Shark, Scallop and Urchin.

I got a ton of personal bests this year:

1. Halibut: 41.25 inches (31 pounds)
2. Abalone: 10.6 inches
3. Sheephead: 29 inches
4. Vermillion: 22.25 inches
5. Olive: 20 inches
6. Copper: 13.75 inches
7. Brown: 18 inches
8. Cabezon: 23.75 inches
9. Black and Yellow: 13.75 inches
10. Angel Shark: 44+ inches
11. DOTY Point total: 3016.75 points

And I also tied my PBs for Grassy at 18.25 and Blue at 16.5 inches.

You can see pics of most of these over on the DOTY site, which is one of the reasons I like DOTY so much...I think it's really cool to be able to track your personal bests throughout the year and over the years. 

http://doty.norcalkayakanglers.com/leaderboard/list_by_angler/3

Feel very fortunate to have been able to paddle and dive so much this year, off so many cool kayaks, in so many beautiful places and with so many awesome people.

Thanks for looking!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

The video above is also an entry into a JK competition to try and win a bad ass new Orion Cooler.

http://www.orioncoolers.com/

I think I did 25-30 versions of it before I was satisfied with the final product.

Special thanks to my buddies who helped me with feedback and editing advice. You know who you are.

 

For sure the most time and effort I have ever put into a video, and even if I don't win I am really stoked on it and proud of how it turned out. 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Cool vid  .........good luck on the competition.

Q: Does a $500.00 cooler make the beer taste better????

Great video. Thanks for sharing

Epic video Jim!

Awesome video!  I want to be like you when I grow up 

Thanks guys!!!

Antonio...hopefully I'll win and I'll let you know.

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Here are the other entries for the Orion Cooler Video Comp I have seen so far...

I think the quality of these are all better than mine, but I think mine has more action and showcases multiple kayaks and species...but honestly have no clue what the Marketing guys are looking for...









Been fun no matter what the outcome!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Jim,
you get my vote!
Thanks for sharing, it is awesome and inspiring to see you pushing it!

Mahalo,

Isao

Here are the other entries for the Orion Cooler Video Comp I have seen so far...

I think the quality of these are all better than mine, but I think mine has more action and showcases multiple kayaks and species...but honestly have no clue what the Marketing guys are looking for...









Been fun no matter what the outcome!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

J/K should we put thumbs down on all the vids!! 

Good work bro!

Jim don't sell yourself short, your vid rocks. .   I  watched the other vids and wound up fast forwarding because they were boring..... .  Like you said, different Jackson yaks at different locations in different conditions from dead flat to white water, more species of fish and a better sound track. If we can, where do we vote ? As a middle aged, very late 50's male (with the heart of a kid) and disposable income for quality outdoor equipment, your vid would steer me towards Jackson products way before the others.  Keep It Up Brother.

Jim,
Your videos are what have gotten me so amped to become a better diver.
I am sure that a ton of guys think like me after watching one of your vids and say, "Daym, I wanna be able to spear fish like that guy!"
Keep up the great work. It has an effect like you don't even know.

Jim - You're a total badass and also the best kind of friend.  WTG, Man.  Your video should win.   

Jim,
Your videos are what have gotten me so amped to become a better diver.

This is true for me too.  Absolutely.  I'd largely lost interest in diving over the past several years, and I do credit NCKA in general with helping me get back into it because I love the sharing and the caring, but your zest for learning to be proficient and focused re-energized me.  Additionally, and very specifically, your progression through your diving and how you've not only shared it but publicized it, have served you well, and it's been a gift to all of us.  I write this with the utmost respect:  you are the ultimate diver in my eyes, for how you share and your overall attitude.  Thank you very much for what you do, and thank you for being my friend.  I wish you the best.

OK, I just spent the time watching...errr....fast forwarding through the other videos.
Jim, HANDS DOWN yours is far superior in every way.
The others make me say, "When is something going to happen?". Seriously, a minute watching a guy make coffee??? WTF?
Yours make me say ,"F#cK YEA!!!".