Shelter Cove - 7/28/22

Nick got ahold of me several weeks ago looking for a salmon date at the Cove.  As our day got closer I let him know that the forecast looked great, and it actually held for us!  Nick added in his buddy Hector, and the three of us burned it down for 10 hours on really nice water.  The salmon bite has been the shits, with only a few fish being caught by the entire fleet lately, and most of those miles from port.  We gave it our best and stayed barbless all day, hoping for a chromer to show for us, but it wasn't happening.  Luckily the rest of the species showed up - we compiled a stack of rockfish, released scores of blacks and other bait eaters as well as three shaker halibut, found one legal lingcod, and rounded out nice stringers with two respectable halibut around 29-30 inches.

After wrapping up 12 hours together with my guys, I got a text from an old friend from Nor Cal Kayak Anglers - Dylan Taube.  He encouraged me to show up in their camp where Kiet was celebrating his birthday with a week-long fishing party.  The killer food and good vibes were so outstanding.  I was able to spend a little time with several of my old buddies, get some top-notch grub and enjoy a little downtime before my drive home to clean gear and get to bed.  I had been pretty torched after the 530AM to 530PM fishing day, and I might've forgotten Kiet's earlier invitation to join in the party.  Really appreciate Dylan for reaching out to get me on an hour of fellowship and nourishment with the old clan.

If you've never checked out kayak fishing, I need to tell you that the community around this sport is amazing.  I've always put it like this:  kayak anglers are good friends to make, because they're people who have their shit together enough to be on their own boat!  It goes way beyond that. 

A big thank you to Nick for setting up a great trip with me, and thanks also to Hector who also brought a strong game and fantastic attitude.  Much love to Dylan and all of my old NCKA chums, and a heartfelt happy b-day to Kiet - one of our very best.

I'm a lucky guy for sure.   

NCKA Rules!   

Thanks for another great report and ton of pictures Eric.  Met lots of friendly people here on NCKA community and stick around for the last 16 years... . You're one of the ambassadors here.  Thanks again for all the good deeds.

Thanks for another great report and ton of pictures Eric.  Met lots of friendly people here on NCKA community and stick around for the last 16 years... . You're one of the ambassadors here.  Thanks again for all the good deeds.

Right back at you, Sonny.  Thank you!   

NCKA is kinda like the fishing at all my old spots - not quite what it used to be, but still good! 

NCKA is kinda like the fishing at all my old spots - not quite what it used to be, but still good! 

Thats all some of us have ever known Eric! lol

"back in the good ole' dayzzzzz" 

Thats all some of us have ever known Eric! lol

"back in the good ole' dayzzzzz" 

 

Eric, do you also supply kayaks for the trips?  I sold my Outback and now have i11s Hobie.

Hector and I had a blast at Shelter Cove with Eric.   The Bay Area and fort Ross , TC , OC are my stomping grounds so it was a fun opportunity to do something different and hit Shelter Cove. 

Eric, do you also supply kayaks for the trips?  I sold my Outback and now have i11s Hobie.

Hi Bill - sorry I just saw this.  I do supply whatever's needed.