Saltpoint report

Well I met up with Rick at Salt point and we gave it our best shot, but the winds were howeling each day. We caught several small varieties of rockies and Rick got a just keeper ling,but for the most part it was tough fishing. We spent most of our time tying up to kelp and droping through the kelp forests. The most exciting momments were when I hooked something huge!! So big it almost pulled me over. I had to keep the rod tip right over the bow to keep her under control. The rod was bent into the corks, line screaming out sevearl times, then this seal breaches about 50' away snorting and stuggling. I had him hooked good. Then he dove again and took a strong run. I clamped down on the reel and the hook finaly straightened enough for a release. When I looked at the lure, the spiltring was stretched out to an oval!! Thought I had the hitchhiker ling of a lifetime on. At first I was fighting a smaller rockfish then wham!! Sure got the blood pumping for a couple minutes. We saw several seals following our lures, or following the fish that followed our lures. The water was super clear, and no swell, but the winds were nasty. Felt like winter out there. Talking to the local ranger, he said Monday was the best day he's seen in years. Missed it by one day...

Rick, nice meeting you, enjoyed the company. I was entertained watching you set up your kayak, and admired your tenacity to persevere the tough conditions. Glad I could give you a few tips.

Kayakjack. Didn't see you out there. Don't feel any love loss. My original "invite" was "company welcome" In other words I'll be there if anyone wants to join along, just show up. Next time I'll be sure to check in and confirm reservations... Believe me, the way the winds blew, you made the right choice to stay home...

The rod was bent into the corks, line screaming out sevearl times, then this seal breaches about 50' away snorting and stuggling. I had him hooked good. Then he dove again and took a strong run. I clamped down on the reel and the hook finaly straightened enough for a release. When I looked at the lure, the spiltring was stretched out to an oval!!

Too bad you didn't bring that guy to leader for a quick photo release, you would've been a lock for AOTY!!!   . 

What kind of line were you using that could witstand that abuse?  I'm gonna respool...

What kind of line were you using that could witstand that abuse?

My thoughts almost exactly - I'm thinking, "I've got to see how this guy ties knots!"  Pulling a hook straight on a seal is something to be proud of, Jonesz!   

yo jonesz, i ended up having to work tues anyway. thought about joining you wed.but ended up abdiving at windemere point. visibility was fantastic and when the wind kicked-up i was glad i wasn't in my kayak. that seal catch is pretty wild. that would have totally freaked me out. way to hang tough in wind

I'm using 50# spectra for the mainline and 30# Maxima for the leader. I was amazed how long I was able to hang onto it. Palamar knotts all around. Any more than this makes it REAL difficult to pop off a snag from a yak.  Most of the time I thought I was onto the monster ling I've been looking for... As soon as I saw the seal, I clamped down until it pulled out.