OAP / Montezuma Sturgeon Hunt- 12/20-21

12/20
Saturday morning, I paddled out to the channel from BFI and fished the duration of the outgoing tide.  Bait was herring and fresh ghosties. 
With nothing going on out there after some time, I moved into shallower water. 
I was using the ghetto balancer again, and the first time I saw the rod dip down I excitedly grabbed it and swung on nothing   The herring had been the target, which had me wondering if I had personally screwed up hooking into my first sturgeon.  We'll just say it was a shark, I don't mind so much that way
Awhile later, the rod dips down again, although a bit more deliberately this time.  I ease the rod into my hands, and with the next big tap give it a swing.  The set is solid and immediately the line starts moving up toward the surface, where a 4'+ leopard shark jumps almost clear out of the water.  The same way sturgeon do.  I've never seen a shark do that.  Other than that it was a standard issue fight.
After releasing the shark, I packed it in and called it a day.

12/21
On Sunday, I fished the tail end of the incoming and some of the outgoing out at Montezuma Slough.  My still kickin' ghosties came with me.
I knew it was most likely gonna rain, and came prepared for foul weather.  Sure enough, soon after paddling away from the ramp, the rain starts.  Even while staying warm and dry, sitting out in the rain for an extended period of time starts to suck after awhile.  I endured as long as I could, but with no action at all, I eventually said the hell with it.  Shortly after hittin' the road, the rain eased up 

I was marking fish all day, but couldn't find one that was hungry.  The water temp was about 48f, I wonder if thats why the fish were tight lipped?

So, one more weekend down, and still no sturgeon.  At least I'm consistent

Strong work to go in the rain - it doesn't suck as bad as work!   

I love reports, all reports, you're in a yak, your 4 foot fish jumps, hmmm, 

Ahhhh Monte.  Either super fun or not so much.  Way to give it a try.

You sucka!!.....maybe we'll get one!...maybe we won't....but if ya' sit at home, ya' ain't gonna get nothing, but some weight gain.
WTTry Nate!....i'm a sucka too! was up there sat noon to nite.

Hey man, at least you got out! I was interested the Monty report, thanks for that. I'm hitting it soon...

Yep... typicial hit or miss December.  Cold water definitely slows these fish down.  Ya just need to be there when they turn on...

Good try.

Nice try Bungle. Were you out solo? Thanks for the report.

Jedmo

Thanks for the Report...

 Putting in the time.... Putting in the time.....

Were you out solo?

Yup. Both days.

I'll bet ya didn't even try riggin a kingfish on a 9/0 did ya?     Did you see bigrich and redfish in that non yak oyster pt. report pic by jedmo?  Anyways, hope you get one before the end of the year dude.  I'd keep trying oap if I was you.  Good luck.

I'll bet ya didn't even try riggin a kingfish on a 9/0 did ya?   

Naw, I still have to pick up some eagle claws first. 
Couldn't see Red in that picture, but theres no missing BigRich!

Thanks for the well wishes bro...

Way to go Nate!