What you really don't want to do! Makes Mahi Mahi's recent mishap...no big deal

Got to Anchor Bay for a week stay last Thursday.  Next day witnessed results of real stupidity.  Two divers had asked if they could launch from the beach; manager said yes, but explicitly said "Do not drive on our beach". 

So of course...they proceeded to drive on the beach; tried to launch their trailered Zodiac like you would on a boat ramp.  Not a good idea...especially on an incoming tide.  The truck quickly settled deeper in the sand; attempts to free it using three vehicles only resulted in almost getting them stuck as well.  When, after about 45 minutes we heard that the CHP had not relayed the SOS to Elk, an hour away, so we pretty much thought the truck was history at that point. Then a tow truck arrived from Manchester in the nick of time.  Twenty minutes later and I'm sure the truck would have been half submerged.  It was so entrenched the tow driver eventually had to use three lenths of steel cable on his block and tackle to get it out, and it almost pulled the tow truck down the ramp.  The truck fired up right away and gallons of water burst from the exhaust; but no water in the oil.  I think the owner will try and sell this truck ASAP.

Later that night the local emergency crew set up beacons on the beach.  Turns out some people fell from the steep, rickity stairs that decend from the Whale Watch hotel.  Must have been concerned about a spinal injury as they brought in a back board and had a copter air lift them out. 

With all the excitement, the lady next to us admonished me to not go out the next day.  She was sure I'd be the next casualty.

The day I arrived the weather and water conditions seemed real calm, and since I had a whole week, I thought I'd just sit out the first day.  Bad idea.  The foggy, windy, larger swell days followed.  Fished two days and didn't do well.  Fought the drift and was a bit timid, since I was breaking my rule of being on the ocean alone, and in unfamiliar water.  Finally, the day before I left, conditions improved and I got a 29 inch ling and assorted rock fish.

Wow! What a trip. The ocean did look real nice the day the truck was swamped. I saw one of the owners of the campground at Anchor Bay and guess what? He was in total support of the closures at Salt Point, Saunders Reef and Sea Lion Cove. Sorry to sound negative after your great report but please no one camp there anymore.I am glad that you got your ling. Nice looking specimen.

That makes me feel less stupid, but still not too smart. Thanks for the pic's!

I searched all over for mahi's story and could not find it. what happened there.

marmite, great story and pics and congrats on the fish. Going out alone is a calculated risk. eventually you have to do it if you really want to fish. at least you have put in the time and have some experience these days.

John.

Now is it just me or you also expecting jedmo to ask if this place is good for a newbie? 

Great photos Doug.
I bet the stress level of the truck owner was at an all time high.
Stupid is what stupid does.

The down side to used cars!  For sale:  White late model truck.  Cared for it like it was my child.  Wiped it with a soft diaper.  Low miles.  Comes with a Costco sized box of air fresheners

Thanks for the pics.

Great report & pics. That truck was way close to lost; amazing the water didn't make it into the engine. In my brief stint driving a tow truck I pulled cars out of ravines & mud but never did a beach rescue!

Congrats on the ling!

Thanks for the report nice fish!! On the other hand ive seen my share of cocky/confident drivers loose there vehicles to the surf at Pismo Beach... Great pics..Andy

I searched all over for mahi's story and could not find it. what happened there.

See BAM IV Report thread, there were a couple of casualties, but nothing like this.

Great report Marmite thanks for sharing.

Great report, Doug.  Those pics have me loving my kayak for sure!   

Congrats on the ling Marmite and thanks for the report.
John, quit picking on the new guy! J/K

Jedmo

This is the craziest post that I have seen yet. That poor truck is going to look like a rusty old tin can in about 3 years.

I am going to attempt to portray the series of emotions that this guy must have gone through as this was happening.

  ( goin' to the beach!)
  ( What the hell is happening?)
  ( Holy Shi*)
  ( How am I going to explain this?)
  ( Numb and twitchy)
          ( cautiously optimistic and currently praying)
    ( this is the "I don't have to tell my girl anything" emoticon )

Glad everything worked out ok and congrats on the ling!

Great Report and pics Doug. It look like you had a lot of action coming out of that camp ground.

Nice ling

Whew! sand is soft when the water is rushing over it.
Thanks for the pics&report Doug...better safe to fish another day!