Cape Mendocino RC opener (attempt)

This is a late post from the Humboldt crew. I'll start by saying we got our asses handed to us by mother ocean with no fish to show for it. The forecast was definitely Iffy but what are you gonna do on opening day, gotta fish somewhere. What better spot than Cape Mendocino! The drive in was gorgeous with everything colored in full spring regalia. The first pic shows why bicyclist love this section of road with it's sheep filled pastures, it's hell with a trailer though. When we got to the launch site I could see we would need to time the wave sets to get out but it looked totally doable. I was reading windspeeds of 15 kts which is okay but not ideal. Once out beyond the initial wave slap we had to negotiate a minefield of partially submerged rocks with every passing swell exploding into breaking waves. Graham and Mike started droppin lead as soon as we cleared the launch. I reminded them in my best drill Seargent voice that hooking up right here could prove disastrous for the whole group and we moved on towards the Kelp line around our chosen reef a half mile away. With all the personality of scorned women the ocean turned on us. We were able to get a few drops but the current was rippin and pulling 6oz jigs sideways. Then the wind kicked in and it was all out survival mode. Our newest member struggled a bit to stay paddling into the wind. It was now gusting 30 kts and even paddling full out we were losing ground. Every other swell was breaking into white caps and threatening imminent capsize. I started to feel nervous about my decision to go out. I'd never do it with clients but buddies can talk me into anything. We unanimously agreed that we'd better get the hell off the water. I positioned Mike to shadow my stern quarter and put Graham just off my Bow. We moved on a strong diagonal letting the swells slice across our beam. I was in position to take the force of each breaking swell using a low brace to maintain stability but it was hairy. Gotta love a self draining boat. I had total confidence in my X-factor. Nearing the launch the wavesets were bigger and many more exposed rocks from the falling tide. Timing was critical and a bad landing in a remote area like Cape Mendo could spell doom. We waited and waited but things only seem to be getting worse. Graham out of the blue charged it and barely made it in between two minor sets. Mike looked a little nervous at this point and I might be underestimating that statement, but with a series of forward paddling followed by intense back stroking into on coming sets got us through the Gauntlet. Looking back out at what is a now a furious Mother Ocean, I smiled cause I got away one more time. Here are some pics to share. It sucks not bringing home at least some dinner but it only takes one good day at the Cape to fill up the freezer. See Y'all out there.

That looks hairy!!! Glad you guys made it to fish another day. Andy

Really great report, Hawk!   Glad I wasn't there.  I took one look at the water on opening day and said "fugedaboudit!". Glad you guys made it okay.  I'm waiting for much calmer waters...   -Matt

Good report!  Great pics!   I can see that I'm spoiled down here.  A good day for you guys would probably be my worst day. 

Awesome! Totally Awesome!!  I'd cr@# my pants too if I was offshore in 30K w/ big surf.  Good thing you guys went as a team & stayed together.

there's a lump of scandium and carbon fiber drooling over my shoulder.

What road is that?

great report.  Especially like the last pic of the yaks seemingly cast on the rocks.  Kind of Bear Grylls meets Gilligans island!

and yes that road has my Lance Armstrong wannabe genes activating

wow, both the waves and the rocks look knarly!

Damn, who cares if you didn't catch anything.  You didn't drown on the way back in!  Sometimes getting back alive is its own reward.

Hey Hawk that looks more like victory at sea than kayak fishing. At least you had a good work out and some cardio!

Nice report, Hawk.  Not the place to push it on conditions...  Glad you guys are OK.

 

When yak fishing becomes obsession!!