Short Labor day Carmel weekend report + movie

Quick solo trip to Carmel (Stillwater south) this Labor day weekend. There was supposed to be a large south swell impacting the area, but while paddling out, I was surprised by how calm the surface of the water looked. It wasn’t until I actually got in, that I truly felt how strong the surge was. The vis was decent 8-10 in most areas, but being moved around so much underwater was unsettling and I found myself quickly cruising through areas instead of taking the time to work them thoroughly.

Didn’t see a lot of fish and only came home with two, a big kelp rockfish and a decent ling.

Due to the conditions, I didn’t bring the camera or gopro out, but took a cooler shot after I got home. Yeah, not quite the same as an on-the-water picture, but oh well.



Had lofty dive plans this weekend, but after this near skunk trip I spent the rest of the weekend at home with movie rentals.

 

Great movie! 


Oh, I found a fish stringer that was left in the parking lot. If it was an NCKA'er, send me a PM describing it.

Very cool "cooler" picture of the Ling!  Thanks for the report & pix Nelson.

Nice selection, Nelson.  Looks like you placed a solid shot on that ling as well.  Did you find the kelpie holed up or midwater?  Was the ling perched out on the rocks or holed up?  Yesterday, on the PG side of the peninsula, most of the midwater fish were holed up pretty good - must have been the mixed swell the past few days that drove them there.  Didn't spot any lings, though, yesterday.

Beautiful fish Nelson!!!!!!!

I've only shot one Ling all year so far....I'm ready for another!!

 

Congrats on getting out there and bringing home two quality fish, and thanks for sharing!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Ive never shot A ling! ....Nice one bro!
Sincerly me.

I haven't shot a ling either.

I wish all lingcod could take a pill that would them limitless LOL

nice lingy Nelson

Nice report, Nelson!

I get that cruise feeling sometimes when I get cold and don't find much.

Nice selection, Nelson.  Looks like you placed a solid shot on that ling as well.  Did you find the kelpie holed up or midwater?  Was the ling perched out on the rocks or holed up?  Yesterday, on the PG side of the peninsula, most of the midwater fish were holed up pretty good - must have been the mixed swell the past few days that drove them there.  Didn't spot any lings, though, yesterday.

Chris, both the ling and the kelpie were outside. The ling was on the leeward side of a large pinnacle that teamed with life. Lots of small blues, kelpies, and perch around. He was swimming around almost mid-water when I saw him, probably trying to grab a perch.

The larger kelpie I shot was also mid water.

Come to think of it, the only time I see a lot of kelpies tucked into holes is when diving Otters. Hunting pressure related perhaps?