North of Pigeon Point Lighthouse Aug 20

We went to the first sandy beach north of the lighthouse.  There was a little swell, and we did an unprotected beach launch around 7:15.  In an ode to good timing, I got soaked, but kept the kayak facing the right way and paddled through some waste high shore break.

We had our choice of going North or South, and chose North.  I've never fished this particular beach before (it's not Bean), and was amazed at how much structure was there and how deep the water got.  We had a few seals and sea lions buzzing around, and a small pod of dark gray dolphins.

We were fishing big lures today, looking for ling.  I had a 6" money minnow with a 3 oz. torpedo head, my buddy fished the large big hammer alternating between a 2 oz. and 3 oz. head.  We were in 40-60 feet of water for most of the day.

The first fish hit about 30 minutes into fishing.  Big ling.  Good start.  We then scratched about one ling every 30-45 minutes.  Kept two, let the rest go.  Ended the day with five caught, three released.  Also many overly ambitious rockfish (including two big China's) and a few cabs, all released successfully. 

About 1.5 hours into fishing, I got a big hit with the recognizable head shakes of a halibut.  Brought a big fish up to the side of the kayak.  Problem was, there was no way I was going to get him in the kayak.  By in, I mean inside the interior of the boat.  I don't use a stringer, as I've never liked the idea of a load of fish trailing off the back of my kayak.  So rather than mangle the fish, we stared at it for a little bit in the water and then bid it good bye.  Sad, but true.

At 11:00 a.m. we were off the water.  Easier landing than launch, with the swell dying down.

I lost alot of big fish today - I think my braid has gone bad or I was getting bit off.  Knot strength seemed ok.  Wondering how often people switch out their braid.  I use 30 lb with my drag set around 20 lb, but I cut/broke off at least three times today on heavy pulls.

I am going on the boat with the motor this weekend for Albacore, but would be up for a San Mateo coast trip any time the swell and wind are down like they were today. 

Sounds like a great day OTW for you guys.  Thanks for the report and picture of the nice pair of Ling's.

Nice lings mcag! I think I'll try fishing that area sometime, i've always looked out at it driving home from the "usual" spot.

I've always wanted to try it too, and today was flat enough to pull it off.  It's a long paddle to where we fished - we went to the right side around the bend.  Fished in front of some sandy beaches.  Massive structure.  I don't use a fish finder, but I was reeling up 10-15 ft of line, then dropping it right back down again.  Despite that, very few snags.

Next time I want to try around those islands just north of the lighthouse.

  If braid has the slightest nicks, it can break.      Pull 25' off the real and try re tying the lure.

Nice pair mcag. Everyone here uses a gameclip. Secure the fish and it goes back
on the back of the boat. Every once and a while, dunk the fish in the water then
back  again on the back of the boat to keep it moist.

Jedmo

Nice work on the lings.

If you want to keep those toad halis gaff (net or Boga),clip, bonk and repeat.

Every once and a while, dunk the fish in the water then
back  again on the back of the boat to keep it moist.

no need to do that...simply use your paddle to splash water on to your fish. Easier to do and safer - especially if you have a heavy stringer.

Good point there Mooch.  Why didn't I think of that...

Jedmo

...it's also a good idea to put a burlap sack over your fish to keep the moisture in longer and to shade the fish from the sun

...it's also a good idea to put a burlap sack over your fish to keep the moisture in longer and to shade the fish from the sun

dat's how I roll!

My wife washes my burlap with my shop towels....

Smells so fresh!!!

I can't believe you let the hali go! I think I would have let everything else go to fit that hali on my yak even if it meant sitting in my lap the whole paddle in. Great report and sounds like you got into some awesome fishing. WTG!