Russian Gulch adventures

The forcast and current buoy conditions sounded like a day to GO DO IT. So I did.
I chose Russian Gulch, haven't been there before. I like it, easy, calm launch. The conditions also included the viz, beautiful looking water, you could see the blues coming out of the kelp to smack your sinker instead of the sabiki. Why sabiki? Sabiki cuz there's bait swimming all over the place, mainly sardines and jacksmelt. The fishing wasn't red-hot, but consistent. I could've gotten a limit of rockies with just a small bar, but I wanted a ling, so I stayed with the large bait. I release 2 lings that needed measuring, I wanted one that was a "for sure." It's getting to be over 5 hours on the water, so I start fishing my way back towards a spot where I lost a fish earlier. I pin on a lively 'smelt and send him down to hopefully meet his destiny. Once I tap bottom I think I'm snagged again. But wait, it just budged! This is all the promting I need and rear back, cranking like mad. I brought him up 3 times and he ran down 3 times, each time worrying me about the kelp I'm drifting towards. She finally comes into view and she's spectacular, and intimidating! Instead of the hawg trough, I reach for the gaff and billy, there's no doubt about this one.
I lucked out and met a tandem yak fishing near me just as I was in the act of gaffing and they took pics for me. If you're reading this, thanks.
Awesome conditions topped off by an awesome creature.
The last pics are of a little fish I've never seen before. Anyone ID it?

Awsome ling there Mako 1, the little guy almost looks like A croker but im not positive because of the color... Good stuff... Andy

Nice ling and report Juan.  I don't have an ID for you yet (I'll have to check my books).  Wish I could see the fins better.

Brian

Nice ling, and pics.  Gotta love the Mendo coast, can't wait for my vacation (week and a half at Albion) gonna have to try Russian Gulch. Looks too good to pass up

Brian, that little fish was in small schools at the kelps' edge. It also refused to lay on its' side, the pectorals would stick out like feet and keep it upright. As it wriggled it looked like it was walking. Very hardy too, the one stayed kicking in a puddle for a long time.

Dude!  nice hailmary hook...love those kind!  your gettin a bit BALLSY going out there alone.....even if it was calmer than a lake.
SWEET LING Juan!  I'm jealous as hell if you can't tell.

Hi M:

      What a LingZilla! I bet his teeth were huge.
                                                          Ernie

Congrats on the nice ling . Thanks for the report and awesome pictures.

Jed

Hey Juan, how big was that ling anyway?  My guess, 37 inches and 18 lbs.

Nice one Juan! Glad to see you gettin your salt on.....

Sweet ling Juan!!

What is that other fish Brian?  Being a fish biologist I feel a little stumped. I've got a couple guesses but don't really know, even Miller and Lea didn't help.

        Way to go Juan! The water still looks lake-like........how long can it last? Are you on a west coast tour.....every post is a different local. Nice fish! 


Mako1's quote re: The Fort 7-12-08 .......  "minus the part of you catching bigger lings than me".  Juan you can't say that anymore.

Sweet ling Juan!!

What is that other fish Brian?  Being a fish biologist I feel a little stumped. I've got a couple guesses but don't really know, even Miller and Lea didn't help.

I can't seem to find my Miller and Lea,  glad to hear I didn't waste too much of my time looking for it and that I'm not the only one stumped.  I have a couple wild guesses as well... the most likely of which is that Juan went to the local tropical fish store on his way out and is F'ing with my mind.

Brian

Okay, I have it.  It's a hybrid between a hexagrammid (greenling) and a carangid (jack).

Nice work, Juan.  Great photos and report.  I agree with Allen - you're all over the map lately, and it's all good.