HMB 12/18 report

Pretty small report, first time at HMB. Followed advice I read on the forums and launched from near HMB kayak rentals. Tried some fishing (just for bait sized fish) and hoop nets in the outer harbor, but seemed pretty quiet. Decided to try out in the real bay. The swell was listed as pretty small that day, but it sure felt pretty rolly to me. I didn't paddle far from the "jaws" and dropped the net a few times. One time I pulled up a small red fish that I am still trying to ID (threw it back and all the pictures I got were pretty bad). Had a few bites on the fishing pole, but no hook ups. Started feeling pretty sea sick and so paddled back. My first "Skunk" trip, but it was mostly just a scouting mission. Talked to another kayaker on my way back in and he mentioned that crabbing was pretty slow that day, he didn't catch any either.

Way to give it a try, all experience is good in my opinion!  Inside the harbor I'm not sure how much luck you would have. My guess is probably some shorts in there, but probably some nice rock crab along the jetty.  I heard someone else say that there are lots of perch inside the harbor, which makes me want to try for them    It can be very bumpy out there, my last outing had me puking like I used to when I first joined the sport.    It actually gets a bit better the farther away you are from the harbor entrance. 

Thanks for the report. I went out that day but only pulled up 3 rock crab. The swell was pretty relaxed that day I feel. The first time I went out I was riding 4-5 foot swells right outside the jaws that pushed me a little out of my comfort zone. I'd like to go back once the forecast looks good.

Small red fish... rock greenling maybe?

Thanks for the report 🤙.  Small red fish… small vermilion?! 

Sorry, forgot to reply to this. After looking at pics and ID guides I believe it was a Pacific Staghorn sculpin. Had the "spines" coming off of its jaws.