China Camp (Sat)

I got WAF points to go. Here are results. See pictures below.

In 1st hour, I got heavy taps. I set the hook solid and had battled 5+ minutes. I had snare ready, I got a surprise. 

The batray was released after the pictures taken. In the 2nd hour, I got a set of taps and set the hook solid. This time, the other end pulled hard and the line were peeling. I really hoped it was not a batray. Indeed, I got something else.   

As you see, the condition was ok. Wind was a little. Here is another picture (better). The fish was measured 31". I did not weigh it. Question - how much it would weigh?

A couple of more taps. but, nothing was hooked. I got off water soon after. During the 2.5 hours, I did not feel sturgeons around. Is it too early?

Theres lots of sturgeon east of Martinez up through Rio Vista. We need a few good rains to push the sturgeon down into San Pablo bay.
  I've caught sturgeon on a power boat, but never in a kayak. Thats got to be alot of fun! I just un loaded my new Kayak, so I might give it a try real soon!
 Miguel

Great report, Eric.  I love the photo of the striper hanging above the yak - just enough of it to see it's a nice one, and great depth of field in the background.  I'd say your 31" striper was 8-10 pounds?  They seem to run a bit skinny, but it certainly could have been heavier.  Nice one.   

Nice fish, really nice one,

You got lucky more ways than one, my advice would be to NEVER put a bat ray in your lap, they have a spine at the base of their tail (topside) that is like a dagger, of course I learned this the hard way, laid my finger open to the bone, it was just my finger, but your first picture scares the hell outta me.

Beautiful day on the water,,,,,

Congrats on the nice striper eyeatbay. Thanks for the report.BTW, what did you
use for bait?

Jedmo

I used Fresh Ghost shrimps. It was 6$ for a dozen.

How would I remove the hooks off batray if I did not lay it on my legs? I wanted to release it on water and tried w/o success. Look for advice.

Also, did you ever notice that batray produces frog-barking sounds. It "barked" twice on me. hahahaha ...

Nice report,
I like the photo's, and the water looked great.
Looking to try for Dino's after the first of the year, maybe get a group together?
Eric

Definitely a nice striper & rays can put up a good fight, too.

In addition to the barb Dale mentioned, rays can also leave a nasty slime on everything they touch. Grab the leader, then grab the hook with pliers and you should be able to get the hook out while it's still in the water.

according to this link http://www.stripersurf.com/ageweight.html

your 31 inch striper was between 11-15 pounds

Thanks for sharing the map (length -> weight). It sounds right. Next time I will weigh it given this size.

That slime works real good if you slather it on your hooks, ect.. for a good scent.  The 30" Mendo stripers go 10lbs. if their not too skinny...
great pics!