Searching for giant abs part III- the other fishing report

Hope this doesn’t turn into a novel, but here goes my first report to the site. Eric “Abking” set it up nicely last night with his post.  As you know if you’ve read his post, met Eric on the lost coast nearly half a decade ago. That chance meeting in a random place stoked the fire in me to learn how to hunt giant abalone. As it were, our paths would cross again, when we met and began to form the beginning of what was at first an  acquaintenanship. Didn’t take long to become a friendship in this writer’s words. Turned out we had many things in common and that led to this trip. The Abking invited me to dive in a magical place, which was, ironically, the same place we had met many years before.

Those who don’t know me cannot fathom the crazy zeal in which I dive into things I am passionate about. This is my nature.  Some understand it and appreciate it, others think(I probably would too)I’m hopelessly addicted to speed and under the influence of ADD, at the same time. 

Well, I arrived early the day before and did a recon of the area, concerned about some potential access issues. Arrived at the site the evening before and saw calm seas, a wild coast and a bit of dirty water.  0 wind and squadrons of Pelicans coasted by. Cleaner water was within paddling distance, so I knew it would be ok next day. Returned to civilization that evening and called the Abking to give him the go to come over early am next day. 

We met at the anointed place and hour. Abking and his wingman, Domenic, arrived on time(mostly)and we headed down to clear skies, a flat ocean and hopes of finding giant abalone. Having never touched or seen a giant abalone, I was excited to be swimming over and through a forest of “old growth” abalone that was surely under us.

Paddled to the chosen spot and jumped into 5-6 feet of visibility, which is said to be good in this area. The vibe of being in the land of giants with a couple of ripping dudes was too much to describe. Started diving and tried to remember that these areas are not filled to the brim with abs like so many areas we all have been to further south. Those of you reading this know what I’m saying. These abs here are patchy, but they are BIG, not unlike an old growth forest.  Personally found 5-6 abs at or over 9.5” and gladly left them be. Probably doesn’t mean much to you trophy hunters, but to this rookie, it was amazing. Was there to get a ten or be willing to walk away with none.

Domenic and I were already in the water looking when Eric entered the water. He dove two or three times and yelled at me to come over and look under a rock he had just checked. Under it was a giant abalone, the biggest I’d ever laid eyes on. We marked it and checked numerous other spots. Not many, but again, BIG abs. Collectively, can’t say exactly how many big abs we saw, but it was over twenty. Abking found some others that were oh so close to the mythical 10” mark(9 15/16”). He found another 10” and we continued to hunt. We alternately called each other over to look at abs the others had found. Water remained flat calm with visibility that varied from 2-6’. 

In the end, Eric nodded at me to dive under and grab the giant. First dive down, slipped the iron under him(he was confirmed to be a he)and couldn’t believe how strong he was. Had to come up and go down to finish the job. Second dive down was able to pop him off. Felt like a tire on my chest as I swam up with him. One look at him on the surface said it all. My first 10” abalone.  Was seriously speechless for a couple of heart beats. The official measurement was 10 3/8” X 8 3/8”. He must have weighed eight or ten pounds.

The trip and the harvest of a giant were phenomenal, and to do it in the company of two exceptional human beings was too ripping for words. Thanks a million times over, Eric the “Abking”, and Domenic. A couple of pics attached to share with all on the NCKA site. All you Kayak Ab/fish hunters can relate to the fever and to the adventure of chasing things in wild country.  Thanks to all.

Shannon 

That was definitely The One.  It was an honor to meet you and will be looking forward to diving with you again.

I gotta get an open cell suit, now that I have seen one first hand. I started to get seriously cold there at the end, even though the temp was 53 deg.

Domenic

WTG Shannon. Thats a beautiful shell. I am sure it will look good displayed in your home somewhere. looks like a nice flat ocean even if the viz was minimal. Again congrats.

Sweet ab. I can't imagine a place where you could pass up a 9.5! How was the meat on that sucker?

Amazing report. Thank you. I cant wait just two more weeks...

Great report, Shannon.  That ab is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and I'm glad it's in your hands.   

That pic of me and Domenic reminds me of the movie "Red Dawn".  You want to to invade our country by sea along the Lost Coast?  Watch out, MotherF&*#$r's!!!     (you can mix a little "dillusional" in with my ADD and speed!   )

Oh, and I agree, acquaintanceship ended quickly.   

Appreciate the congrats on the trophy, Craig, Malibu-two and others. Gave the meat to my brother in law, who lives in humboldt and graciously gave me a place to sleep while up there.

When you go to a place with giants, it does seem crazy to think about passing up 9.5"ers. Also seems somewhat elitist, but it's not. You just know you're in a special place and don't need to pic a limit(although doing so if that is your desire is A ok too) Selective harvest, just like logging old growth forests(If the idiots who took over the Pacific Lumber Co had followed this practice, our spawing habitats and humboldt economy might be 50 times better off),will keep special places special.

The best ab hunting trip ever, with or without the 10" ab. Sitting here at work looking out my office window at the pacific on the southern Marin coast and the water is Pancake flat with 0 wind. Man, don't think I feel so good right now. Might have to take the kayak out on the coast somewhere for physical therapy.

Eric, the ab shell is absolutely full of character and unique beauty. Have been mesmerized with it and will find a prominent place at home to display it. Can't wait for the next adventure. Also excited to see your video footage. Love your commentary on the photo of you and Domenic. Can't believe how fortunate and lucky I am to be have met you guys and to be able to play in the water. Back to work. Will check in later,

Thoroughly enjoyed this story which started "nearly a half a decade ago".  The last few days the ocean has been kind, glad you all were able to take full advantage for such a special adventure.  The Lost Coast has been on my list for years, just never seem to get there...........maybe this year.

Congrats to you all

And that is a gorgeous shell.

Great story you guys.  Sound like a blast!

Congrat on your great catch Shannon.  That is one of the most gorgeous 10"+ Ab I've ever seen.  The outer shell is full of mother-of-pearl color and beautiful shape!

Great story! Beautiful ab!

Shannon - we're hoping you can make it to GS3 and even more so now because I want that ab in attendance!