Mendocino Coast 7/29-8/1 good catch

I spent last week at Van Damme didn't know what I was doing or where to go. I caught a 20" Ling but that was it. I had a lot of good family time but didn't fish too much.

I came home and one of my friends told me he was going up with his family for the Ab opener. I was still on vacation so I decided to head back up. He bought a kayak and off we went. We stayed at Manchester KOA which I think is possibly the nicest place to camp in that area.

I have never gone after Abalone and my friend has never fished from a yak. I got there at 1:30 am and had to be up early to meet Dave and Norm to get some tutoring. My friend wasn't coming in till later that day so I drove up to Van Damme by myself. We weren't out for long and I was sea sick. I started cranking the Hobie but didn't make it in time and started blowing chunks. Sorry guys for bailing on you I wish I could have stayed. 

Now the good news. Wed we took our families through the caves and had a great time yaking and Thursday we got to fish.

We went to Albion (never been there before) and started setting up to launch. Two yakers walk up and it was Mooch and Fishhunter. The four of us launched and the swell was very big for a newb like myself. Especially a newb that was blowing two days prior. Mooch got into some fish and called me over on the radio. I sent down some irresistable bait and within probably 15 minutes I had a fish on. It didn't feel like a little rock fish (I've never caught a rock fish before) so I didn't know what to expect. Suddenly I saw what was to me a huge red fish. It was a Vermillion that later measured out to 24". Mooch took some photos so I expect he will post them when he has time. That fish made my day. I started getting a little green so I gave my bait to the iron stomach crew and headed in. Thanks to fishhunter and Mooch for the patience and help.

Fri morning we got up and went to my friend's favorite Ab spot. I watched (don't have gear yet) as he got his limit in about 15 minutes. I could see yakers way out off the coast that I assume were coming from Elk.

I will probably go back next month with seasick meds and Ab gear.     

Way to keep at it, man a 24" Red, that's a nice fish.  Hope Joel gets that pic up, I'd like to see it.

dale

I heard about that fish, great job!

WTG, Amphibian!  That's a big red!   

Way to come back strong buddy!  I felt bad when you had to go in at Van Damme, especially when we found some fish after you went in.  Let's do it again soon, once you get the dive gear and meds of course.....   

It was great meeting you, take care,

Norm

Here are the pics. Nice meeting you fellas

 Great report amphibian, and congrats on the nice verm.

Jed

NIce job.

Thanks for the pics...what a pretty fish.


Slammer

Glad you got a good one, Merv.  No worries about bailing due to seasickness.  I've been there way too often.

Dave

I'm coming back the weekend of Sept 12th with meds and giant ling on my mind. I'm going after abs for the first time too. I watched my friend do it last time so I'm going with him this time. You are welcome to join us.

I'm on it.  I know some good spots around there.

Way to stay with it Merv.  I'll be around too when you head back up, keep me informed......Dave has lots of spots that I'd like to get in on too....

Later,

Norm