Linda Mar 7-20

I couldnt take it anymore ,I was salivating looking at the big stripers so I decided to give it a go.Did I mention Ive never yaked in the surf.The waves werent that big but I was coutious getting through the surf ,being encouraged by ChuckE and Ariel(Its not that bad) what a rush,I thought I had the anchor out as the waves broke on top of me.Finally Istarted  trolling lures and as Ariel suggested ,keeping my sabiki in water.Right away my belly told me I was in trouble but I was on a mission.I finaly   got a sardina, 6in and put him on and slow trolled him 5-7 min later my clicker starts to make the sweetest music to my ears and it was on.A  train had taken my offering and was taking line ,fought him while I threw up but with a smile.I think he went29-32 in. beautiful and bright,gave him  a kiss and sent him back.I was done ,sick and getting sicker.The sets were about 5sec apart and i knew I was in troble so Itryed to gun it and maybe get lucky,  I had barely started to paddle whenbig wave just flipped me over like a rag doll.I only lost one box of my favorite lures and a little pride(humility is good for me)luckly noharm done.My hats off to all you guys who do this so gracefully,as for me Im getting meds and practice in the surf,Gabe

Good on 'ya getting out there for the hot bite! With ChuckE & Ariel, you had two of the best "encouragers" out there on your side!
Sorry to hear about the surf tackle loss, but Neptune wants what he wants, when he wants it!
We all have paid, and will continue to do so, it's just part of the game . I have short leash on my tackle box for the days it doesn't fit in the plano.

Glad to hear you were rewarded with a nice fish. Practice those surf launches/landings & hit 'em again with confidence!

Hey Gabe, I also heard from ChuckE about your lost. I myself did some donations to Linda. Anyway, Scopace really works for me. I have vertigo and was really worried and hesitated going out for about a year but since I started taking the pills (thanks ChuckE!) sea-sickness is a thing in the past. Ask your doctor about it.

LL

I had barely started to paddle whenbig wave just flipped me over like a rag doll.I only lost one box of my favorite lures and a little pride(humility is good for me)luckly noharm done.My hats off to all you guys who do this so gracefully,as for me Im getting meds and practice in the surf,Gabe

ElDorado,
I feel ya, thats where I had my garage sale too, trust me is a little traumatizing and takes your confidence away, I am going to meet a good bro thats willing to teach me surf landing and launching, I need the confidence back, I was at LM on the 19th I couldn't launch its freakin me out, I just listen to the radio and what bros enjoying the day OTW, I really need to start that class...

Where are you guys launching? North or south end? I know the swell direction is a determining factor, but isn't the far south end generaly the calmest?

Way to go fore it Gabriel...

Many of us have been beat up at Linda Mar... but the rewards are worth the punishment IMO.  

Kudos for giving it a shot... and no... you shouldn't launch if you are beyond your comfort zone.  

Darius... you made the right call.  Listen to your gut and build your confidence in light conditions before attempting the heavy stuff.  

Where are you guys launching? North or south end? I know the swell direction is a determining factor, but isn't the far south end generaly the calmest?

Juan southend is generally the calmest and most convenient. Quik path from the parking lot to the beach.

Where are you guys launching? North or south end? I know the swell direction is a determining factor, but isn't the far south end generaly the calmest?

Launching was not the problem its the landing, When we went there there was a unpredictable rogues they are just simply all over the place, we did launch and landing on the south side but like I said the unpredictable rogues gave us the humility, I was too confident knowing I have no basic skills specially in bracing, which I found out really helpful on landing in big surfs, anyway, from here on (except on Albion)   I try to read and study the surf if its far beyond my skill comprehension I'll wave the flag and say next time  

big wave just flipped me over like a rag doll

It's a real lesson in humility, isn't it? All that power and energy... and we're dealing with *small* waves.

Ben

Many of us have donated, I especially to Linda Mar!!!  There was thread out about two years ago and it was long with losses, cant' imagine the toll now.

Jason

Congrat on the C&R Striper!  Sorry to hear abour your donaation to the Sea.  Good call listened on your "belly"    Thanks for the report Gabe.

you survived the call of the wild and got a fish to boot. that call is strong

Hey guys,thanks for words of encouragement and support I apreciate it!,as  someone sayd ,,Ill be back,see you soon.