Lost Coast 8-13-23 (Dave's write-up & photos)

This is a “sequel” post to Loleta Eric’s “Lost Coast - 8/13/23”  - I was the “client/friend” on that wonderful Cape trip.  I first met Eric through NCKA back in 2011.  I still lived in LA at that point.  He’s been a great friend and guide through the years. ——— Thanks, buddy for another Epic Cape Trip! ——

Last Friday I learned about the CDFW early, unanticipated closure of the near shore boat-based rock fish season for the Northern Management Area.  That covers the Northern California coast from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon Border.  It meant that rockfish season would be over for kayak anglers within one week.  The very next day Eric contacted me about one last opportunity to get on the Cape on Sunday.  I immediately said, “YES, I’m in.”  No hesitation!   

The Cape is a special place. Its rugged rocky coastline, with just a few access points, is a challenging place to fish on a kayak. Wind, tide, current, and swell conditions determine where and when it’s safe to go, and those are dynamic. Conditions can change throughout the day.  I will only kayak fish the Cape with someone like Eric who grew up here and thoroughly knows the place.  But the rewards of fishing the Cape are great.   Eric knows it’s one of my favorite trips and I’m really glad he got hold of me for this one last hurrah for the season. 

Sunday morning, I was up before sunrise and made it to his place by 7 am. We transferred my gear to his truck and made the trip over the Wildcat and down to the coast in short order.  When we arrived it was very foggy but not windy.  It was difficult to see beyond the close rocks.  We checked out several launch sites and he made the decision on which one was best for the conditions.  We reviewed our potential landing “plan B” and “plan C” in case conditions go south.

We schlepped our gear down the small cliff to the rocky launch site (no small task, that!), gave it one last look and then launched.  I went first, Eric followed.  Once I was out far enough, past the near shore rocks I deployed my mirage drive and rudder.  Conditions were “sporty.”  Wind was not an issue and there were not huge swells but the seas were “confused” and “crunchy,” they were not smooth at all.  But it was absolutely no problem.  The kayaks handled it well and I’m not prone to motion sickness.  We were good to go!   There’s an exhilaration that comes from a successful Cape launch.  Because of the fog we stayed close together, using our electronic nav-aids and sight when possible, to keep track of our location.

Once we were on the water I knew this was another epic day at the Cape. It’s enough just to be there.  But angling is the purpose and we were on it quickly.  My first catch was a greenling that ate a whole herring. I took its photo and released it.  We opted to stay in a bit closer because of the surf conditions and visibility.  However we had a great day catching a wide variety of rockfish. We were selective with our take. I brought home four black rockfish, a vermillion, a yellowtail rockfish, and a small (but legal) lingcod.  I’m not sure how many fish I released, quite a few.

We saw two dolphin, likely a mother and calf.  As we headed in there was one post card moment when a large sea lion posed on a rock, above a rowdy ocean.  With the coastal mountains in the background it looked like a painting.  Eric and I both took that photo.

We landed back at our original launch site, no need for plan B or C.  The swells were a bit tricky and the breeze and ocean was picking up so it was a good time to end the excursion.   There’s also a thrill that comes from a successful surf landing at the Cape.  It’s a rewarding moment to celebrate.
Next comes the schlepping of the gear back to the truck. This is definitely the most physically taxing part of the day, but I have to admit, I was so pumped up from the great day, it was no difficult task at all.
After the gear was loaded on the truck we drove up the road just a short hop to Eric’s favorite spot for the tailgate fillet station.  This is a favorite time, we take the “hero” fish photo, and the professional guide fillets the fish.  I’ve been known to help but this time I just bagged fish while Eric did the filleting.  We both have our favorite cold beverage.  It’s a time of celebration, conversation, and friendship.   Once the catch is filleted and on ice, Eric heads to the ocean for a quick dip. On this trip as I stayed with the truck I watched a lone buzzard riding the ridge wave above the cliff.   

It was a moment of mindfulness.  I’m concerned for the ocean, for the fish, and for this place.  I’m grateful to have such a good friend.  I’m grateful to be in this amazing place, and I’m grateful for this excellent day.   I am especially grateful that Kristin bought me a guided kayak fishing trip with Eric for our 41st anniversary.   Life is very good.  Retirement is awesome. 

More photos .. last time didn't post.   I stole the last photo from Eric's post.   

Great write up and congrats on your close friendship.

Good stuff, Dave.   

Love every write-up from Dave or Eric, they are always epic and awesome! 

Wow, what a trip! 

Beautiful. Thank you for the write up.

Thanks for the great report and pictures Dave.

Thank you for sharing your experience with Loleta Eric.

Sooo Cool!