Memorial Day Tomales Bay

     Launched at Miller park at about 5:45 with a major outflowing tide. Tried to make bait along the grassy drop offs just west of Hog Island for nada. Proceeded to the to drift the outflow all the way to the outer bay and spent some time  there dragging frozen bait. The tide made it difficult to troll back to the bay so I hit the south shore for a little hike over to the bluff above Bird Rock.
      A couple of ab divers had beached near me and began to hoof it over to Bird and spooked about 40-50 elk so I hunkered down  along the ridge and waited for their arrival. It wasn't long before the whole herd made a showing...first all I could see were ears over the brush but before long they were everywhere around me. I was a little nervous as this is calving season and I did not want to get caught between any mothers and calves. One thing I was surprised to see  was how many of the elk were wearing radio collars. The vegetation is very thick and it was very obvious as to which variety the animals favored.........there was  elk dung everywhere.
      I returned to the kayak and spent the rest of the day trolling/trooching  for not even a take down. It was very peaceful on the water with the occasional ab diver commuter cruising by. I ended the day fully reclined on the kayak letting the south wind and incoming tide take me all the way back to the ramp. I could not have asked for a better way to enjoy my Memorial Day. Hope you ALL had a great day as well spending  a moment or two  enjoying on our liberties .     Allen

Forgot to mention while I was in the outer bay I did land a legal male dungie.....but as I was trying to get a photo it scampered off my kayak.

Great report, Allen.  That's a fun day all around.   

Nice Allen those Elk are awesome. Did you get a water temp?

I was very much looking forward to your report as I was going to head to Tomales for a shot at it. Looked like a nice day to be on the water. Too bad the halies didn't cooperate.
Hooking up with Alfredo tomorrow morning instead at Howe Ave for a shot at some shad.
I remember seeing an albino elk at Pt Reyes once. Got some pretty cool pics of it tucked away somewhere.

Cool pics of the Elk.  Not a bad way to spend the holiday.  Glad you had fun.

Thanks for giving that area a Go, sounds like you made the best of it...

 I took the Family/Dog out to Half Moon Bay,  man it was perfect, low swell,

 saw some shore punks get caught with a small ling by a Ranger

 Can't wait till June........

Good recon trip Allen... I think it may be a little early for the buts in Tomales yet but you never know. BTW, those elk look mighty tasty. Mmmmmmm... elk...

Freddie

On the 'Butt hunt again?!    Way to give er' a troll Allen.....it's only a matter of time or miles...whichever comes first!  the chicken or the egg?
At least you were stampeded by Elk.....great shots!
see you soon!