[s]Stillwater North[/s]Fort Ross 9-30

Had the best intentions to go fish SN with Mako1 and otolith, but got mixed up thinking SN was before Fort Ross on 1. So I didn't make it, sorry guys, next time huh? Not wanting to get even more mixed up I pulled in to Fort Ross and launched there. This was my first time in the salt, but felt more like lake fishing. A picturesque launch into flat seas, hardly a breaker. Caught my first fish on the first drop in 69ft Gopher RF. Paddled a half mile out fishing some reefy structure I picked up on the fish finder. Picked up a 7 inch ling on a six inch jig. Dropped back down to pick up one just over 24", but let her go because it was too close to call and I want all the ocean karma I can get.Caught six more RF on this reef before paddling to the kelp. Dropped a sardine jig near the kelp and landed a 17" Cabbie, another underling, and a nice vermilion that came unbuttoned at the surface. I really need a gaff! Especially since on my next pass I get a rockfish that gets slammed by a hitchhiking ling(had to be over 30")Right as I was going to net him he spit the fish and slowly swam back down mocking me the whole way. Would have like to stuck him with the gaff. A couple more drifts with the iron to no avail and I called it a day. Here's some pics.

Looks like a very successful first day on the salt to me - and an excellent report with pics too.     It was too bad that you missed the hookup with the guys, but you had it together to go out solo - that says alot.  It's always a rush to do the ocean solo.  Good job, Jon.   

Great job Jon. Thanks for the report. I am actually heading there after
BAM with hightide. Of course if the weather permits. Thanks for taking
some pictures.

Jedmo

Hi Jon,

Congrats!!!! did you go south or north?


Kiel

Nice haul, I love that place. 6 in ling on a 7 in bait, god I just  love those little piggies!

It turned out that I couldn't make it. Hearing from you how flat it was hurts. I wish I had gone!

Jon,

What an awesome first Big Blue trip. Excellent work, great report!!

Definately get yourself a gaff and/or net, its so frustrating to watch a big fish lazily swim away flipping you the fin!!

Rich

Helluva first salt day!! Love it when the Pacific is a lake....and the fish seem to like it too...Thanks for the pics&port!!
I'MfullyJEALOUSnow!

Niiice Jon,
Ft. Ross is the Bomb.  It's hard to skunk there.
we're still on for Napa stripers soon right?
Allan