ARW 8-24 (A Learning Experience)

Today was a rare beautiful day in Alameda! No wind, smallish tides and temperate weather. A great day to do some learning.  As a relative "newbie", I try to learn something new everytime out. Today was no exception. The first thing I learned is that NCKA members are great folks that are really nice to fish with! Thanks for the baits and good times! The second thing I learned is that a live bait is king. After drifting with Popsicles I was lucky enough to get some live smelt to play with, (Thanks!) It wasn't five minutes after pinning one on that I learned my next lesson, always carry a gaff.(kunz here I come, just need to think of a witty slogan for my "git 'em stick") I was hooked into a great big butt that came up too easy, it wasn't tired and I was excited so I tried to pull it into my lap. The estimated 30" butt didn't like the fresh air and decided he was going back down after severing my leader with his razor teeth. Needless to say I was crushed! Seemed as though the others did great catching a couple of nice keeper butts. Yakattack got a ray that gave him a nice sleigh ride! Sharky had one come unglued too and a shaker before I left the fishing grounds. This is when my next lesson was learned, if the tide is in your face try to avoid it. After a mean paddle home on the bay side of the wall I arrived at the launch at the same time as the other guys I was fishing with, even though they left after me. How could this be? The took the inside route with no current, smart guys!!! Next time I'm going to do the same. Well, all in all, a remarkable day with lots of fish caught by us and the pb'ers around us! There here, now go get em!

Jon, you learnt a classic hali lesson. Often if you take it real easy on them they come up really easy. Sometimes they seem to almost hover up to the boat. That always kinda scares me because you know if you dont gaff or net it IMMEDIATLY, its gonna EXPLODE!!! Then again they can "wake up" at any time and work you for awhile.
Good times eh?

Great report there Jon The Fisherman. Thanks for sharing your experience on the
water. I hope I remember those advice being a newbie myself.

Jed

Tough luck, Jon - that'll be motivation for next time!   

ARW was beautiful today. It was an awesome day of fishing made possible by great company and good live bait. I'd like to say it was a pleasure to meet Sharky, Jon the fisherman, Russ "Yakattack", & Brian. Sharky you are the man thanks for the live bait.

Met up with Sharky, Brian, and Mike & his buddies at the ramp @ 530. Sharky was kind enough to give all of us bait SHARKY YOU AR THE MAN!!!
Myself, my cousin Jared (light blue Tarpon 160) & Russ "Yakattack" paddled out shortly after Mike & the boys left in their skiff. Reached the fishing grounds 30 mins later. Soon as I sent the first smelty down BOOM hit hit hit. Brought up a 27in flattie. Shortly after I landed a second fish measuring 24". It was a good day paddling around with and meeting everyone. Called it a day and back at the launch by 11am.

Thanks Jon the Fisherman for lending me your tape measure.
On that note Jon sorry about losing your Bass Pro grip, as soon as I got home I ordered a new one for you from Bass Pro Shops. i will be getting it in 5 days or so.

Ended the day with 2 flatties and full stomach. My cousin jared and I baked the halis with lemon, olive oil, garlic, salt/pepper, & other spices. We polished off the meal with some Red Stripe

That place has been on my list of places to try soon.  Thanks for the intel!

Jon - It was great to meet you at the ARW. The pull from that ray had me going in circles and giggling like a 10 year old. I am hooked to say the least.