NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing Zone => Hookups and Fishing Reports (Viewable by Public) => Topic started by: LoletaEric on December 25, 2017, 10:55:14 AM
-
Every year at my in-laws' we have crab sandwiches along with our other Christmas dinner mainstays like corned beef, potato salad, bacon-wrapped wieners... Basically, every year we have the same stuff - exactly the same stuff! I used to chuckle at this, as it seemed silly to me, but I have come to know that solid and steady holiday traditions are a tremendous gift in themselves. Symbolizing the love and companionship of family, the Christmas meals that I am so fortunate to be a part of are a cherished part of life that are never to be taken for granted. I've enjoyed reading about and seeing the pics of NCKA holiday parties across the north state - well done, everyone!
This year's crab bite has been outstanding - the best I've ever seen! So when it came time to work on the family dinner prep I offered that my daughter Claire and I could get the crab for the sandwiches. This was a risky proposition that threatened to rock the tradition of my father-in-law always buying the crab locally, but the tradition was due for a little bit of change anyway.
Claire and I set out to Humboldt Bay this past Friday with four rings that we'd run from the X-Factors. The crabbing's been so good that I left my best bait in the freezer and just took along re-frozen bait bags with miscellaneous leftover meal scraps and remainders of anchovy bags. We got on the water right at high tide and deployed the gear close to launch - it's been that good!... Well, I started to get worried that my confidence could curse our luck when the first few rounds of pulling the rings produced only one barely legal male and a legal female. I was having visions of having to BUY crab, and it was not a fun time for my guide ego! :smt003
After nearly skunking in over an hour of trying, I figured I'd better jam home for my better bait! I left Claire on the beach with the yaks and boogied down 101 to fetch my sack of once-frozen lingcod and rockfish carcasses. Got back in 25 minutes, and by this time the college girl was cold and done for the day. No prob - I'd go see how things went with the fresher bait and we'd just move along if it wasn't in the cards for us to score the Dun-jees for the family din. Damn I wanted this though!
Got girl situated in the truck where she could warm up, fueled up with a SNPA, and headed out with one additional ring I'd brought from home with the carcasses. Dropped the new ring with a 33" lingcod on it and made my way toward my little fleet of buoys that had been soaking for 40 minutes or more at this point. The joy and relief that came next was such a great payoff - had the limit in short order now that the outgoing tide was activating the bite. Turned out I didn't even need that fresh bait, but when I pulled up that whole lingcod carc on the 5th ring I'd brought back with me it had 2 jumbos on it in less than a 10 minute soak.
Best I've ever seen! I hope it lasts, and I hope that in the face of losing the ab tradition and seeing things like salmon in rough shape, that we as a society can find ways to overcome the challenges that threaten to push outdoors pursuits to the brink...
We start with community. We stick with Love and the Golden Rule. We think of the future and how our souls are tied to the idea that we should live in ways that generations to come will appreciate - it's that simple, but it can get lost in the complexities of modern life and a political and media frenzy that can easily push us off the path of any kind of spiritual aspiration other than living long and having lots. I'm not a preacher, and I'm not even religious, but I feel deeply - this is my way.
NCKA is a place where we can work together to make the world a better place. Thank you for participating.
Happiest Holidays to all, and thank you for giving me a place to speak my heart and share the energy that, for me, defines what life is meant to be.
The crab sandwiches were exactly like they are every year, and that's how we like it.
:smt001
-
Awesome man. But, where is the pic of crab sandwhich?! 😀
-
Awesome man. But, where is the pic of crab sandwhich?! 😀
Right?! :smt003
Thanks, man - looking forward to getting out with you again in '18. :smt001
-
Probably ate them all before any pictures!!
-
Probably ate them all before any pictures!!
Exactly, Martin! :smt003
Hope to see you and the rest of the Kelly clan at the Cove in May. :smt001
-
Thanks for the reminder, Merry Christmas and hope to meet someday! Keep on writing. It is good...
-
Thanks for the reminder, Merry Christmas and hope to meet someday! Keep on writing. It is good...
Thanks, Eddie - I have been looking forward to meeting you. :smt001
-
Thanks for sharing Eric. That's what it's all About.
You are living a life of abundance.
Amazing how your daughter has grown. I remember her so young with you at the Cove years ago. My son just went off to college too so I know how special it is when they come back and spend time with you.
All the best for the holidays and in the new year!
-
Thanks for sharing Eric. That's what it's all About.
You are living a life of abundance.
Amazing how your daughter has grown. I remember her so young with you at the Cove years ago. My son just went off to college too so I know how special it is when they come back and spend time with you.
All the best for the holidays and in the new year!
Thank you, Larry - my best to you and yours. I hope to see you and Dave at the Cove in May. :smt001
-
Well said Eric and I thank you for sharing your many stories with us. Family Tradition are the best and nothing can replace that and always hope the new upcoming generation will carry on with the tradition. Merry Christmas to you and the family. Aloha
-
Well said Eric and I thank you for sharing your many stories with us. Family Tradition are the best and nothing can replace that and always hope the new upcoming generation will carry on with the tradition. Merry Christmas to you and the family. Aloha
Best to you and your family, Freddie - hope to see you guys in May. :smt001
-
I love how you bring family traditions into your stories
Merry Christmas [late] and a Happy New Year.
-
Thanks for sharing your holiday tradition with us Eric. We are visiting Sedona AZ and enjoying the great scenery. No UFO sighting yet :smt003
-
Thanks for sharing your holiday tradition with us Eric. We are visiting Sedona AZ and enjoying the great scenery. No UFO sighting yet :smt003
Thx, Sonny - safe travels and see you soon. :smt001
I love how you bring family traditions into your stories
Merry Christmas [late] and a Happy New Year.
Thank you! :smt001