Lost Coast - 4/10/26

Last week the ocean got summer-like in its calmness.  I had a full schedule with other obligations, but I was watching as an ultra chill spell developed and started to fade along the coast.  By midweek it looked like there was still a chance of getting in on the flat water, so I put out a call to a couple of my clients on the Cape List.  David couldn't make it, but Tom was down!

Tom has been out with me several times near Cape Mendocino and down at the Cove as well.  He has all the right gear, from immersion (drysuit with underlayering), to kayak (see photos!), to fishing setup, net, fish bag, sonar...etc.  He's got a strong kit and all the skills, and he's solid for hiring me up to guide him at the Cape once or twice a year. 

Knowing a place like the Cape - from ab diving and rockpicking many miles of shoreline and nearshore reef since the 90's, to hiking it all and fishing every outcropping from shore since I was young, to kayaking it for over a quarter century now - you come to understand the parameters of possibility, when it comes to wind, swell, tide and current, and the places where the animals live.

I was so honored to get Tom out for an early season rockfish and lingcod tour right before the window closed on the flat water and light winds.  We enjoyed a steady bite from the usual suspects, harvested a select few good eaters, and focused on appreciating every moment of being on remote and beautiful waters with access to cherished resources.

When gratitude shines through, all your fishing wishes can come true.

Let's Go~

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Setting the bar high with the cereal upgrade !

Write up as usual is A+

Thanks for the great report and pictures Eric.  Can't wait until get back to Shelter Cove this May.

Oh, man! Great place, very cool the conditions were right, well done Eric and Tom.

Impressive story telling!  Keep em coming, I hope to see more.

I'm with Spiffy, the granola, yogurt and fruit really sets the day off right.

Thanks for the report Eric!

Thanks, fellas!  Fried ling bellies and cheeks last night was so good I forgot to have any side dishes.