My fishing addiction

It all started for me when I was about 6 years old. My Dad would wake me up at 4am, gear up and head out for a long drive up to lake Berryessa for some trout fishing by the dam. Those were some cold mornings. I remember passing the time between bites by hiking around the rocks, messing with the live bait, and hanging out with my Pops.

In the summer time, we would head up to the lake for a week long camping trip. Most of the time, I would be fishing for bluegill or hanging out in a lawn chair with a bag of bait catching catfish all day.

On our occasional trips back to Oklahoma, we would head out to some of the local ponds for some bass fishing. I remember standing on the shore and throwing a Rapala frog near the lilly pads and watching the bass blow that thing out of the water they pulled like crazy. After a couple of days like that, I was hooked.

In my late 20's, I bought my first bass boat and subscribed to every bass and fishing magazine that I could find. I began to hit Tulloch, Don Pedro, Del Valle, Clear Lake, Rollins, Sly Park, Camanche, Folsom, San Pablo, and every nook and cranny of the Delta. While I liked the light line fishing in the lakes, I found myself at home on the delta. Spooled up with heavy line and spent most of my days off, on the water. I fished a lot, learned a bunch and ended up partnering up with a buddy of mine to fish tournaments. We did pretty well and even ended up in the money a couple of times but it really took the fun out of fishing for me.

Eventually, life and work got in the way and I was off the water for years. Sold the boat and my prized collection of fishing rods began to collect dust and rust.

Later, my folks ended up retiring, moving closer to the water and buying a boat! Woo Hoo! My dad and I started to fishing again and spending more and more time on the water. Great times and the fire was lit again.

I was really starting to get the urge to get back to my bass fishing roots and started looking for boats. Found a couple but was really not looking forward to the maint. I began looking at kayaks as a great way to enjoy the scenery and as a way to get out to the fish. Not soon after that, I ran across NCKA and an instant bond was born. I was meeting good people, fishing good water, and having a good time. I was happy.

Then came the post that really started my yak fishing addiction.

Hali fishing in Alameda. Hmmm, I thought. I could do that. With a little encouragement from the board, I was all in. Geared up that night, and set the alarm for 4am the next morning. On the way, I started to think about the prospect of meeting up with a group of people that I have never met before, in a dark parking lot and fishing water that I have never even seen before. When I arrived, I quickly realized that that I was amongst good people. Had a great time, got a sleigh ride from a bat ray and watched people hookin hali's. Great times.

Then the second post came. Rock fish in HMB. Hmm, sounds fun I thought. I rigged up, got up and soon I was on the water. I have to admit that I was a little freaked at first. Glued to Northernboy, I paddled out. Within minutes I had a fish on. Actually, multiple fish and a big ear to ear smile. The game had changed. Soon I was traveling the coast, sleeping in my car, eating canned bean dip and fishing for the gnarliest( and tastiest) fish that I have ever seen. I am all in.

Thanks to NCKA, I have met some really cool people, fished some great water, scared the hell out of myself, and am once again connected to my favorite hobby.

Here are a few pics of some of the new things that I have experienced thanks to my NCKA brothers and sisters. Thank you.

Man, I cannot wait for Hali and Ling season to open up.

Cheers!







 

What a nice post, and I'm sure not unique in NCKA.  Group hug, everyone!

I totally see myself in your storie. Thank you. See ya on the water soon!!!

Good to hear your addiction is back and for the most part of your story, I saw
myself as well. Finding out about NCKA was one of the best thing that had
happen to me for a while. I totally agree about all of the great folks here. I too
can't wait for the hali and rockfishing to start. See you on the water soon Russ.

Jedmo

Glad to have been of service Sir. It must be about time to hit ARW again..........

Great story brother. I actually remember that morning I met you at ARW. It was great fishing with you that day brother. You are one supercool dude!

I totally see myself in your storie. Thank you.

Ditto.  Very cool and inspiring story.  It will be good to yak with you.