Stillwater South 5-17

Met up with my friend Ed on Sunday and headed to Pebble Beach.  We had intended to launch at Cypress Point as the ocean was cooperating.  We only launch here when the waves are small. The swells and wind waves were looking good as we drove out, the excitement was building.  As we rounded the last turn we saw the temporary fence blocking our way as the seals were using the beach to birth their pups.  Disappointment set in.  We decided to head to Stillwater.  Launched there about 8 with perfect conditions.  Paddled out around Pescadero Point and past the pink house.  For the first three hours I only had one small rockie and one hard take down that I missed to show for my time.  We were near four other yakkers who I don't think were Norcal members when I got another hard take.  This one stuck and I started him up without any problem.  Then my rod dips and the line starts coming off my reel.  My first thought is I have a seal on.  Not only can I not fish where I want, they are now taking the fish off my line.  A few seconds later I feel the head shake and realize I have a strong ling on.  I slowly get him up after a couple more runs and I see the head full of teeth, and the surface explodes with a very angry ling.  With my heart pumping faster than I think is healthy I somehow manage to net it.  I end up with a ling just over 30 inches and 8 pounds 10 ounces.  It is my personal best by one inch.  There were four more lings caught over the next 30 minutes or so, then the bite stops.  My ling was not the largest one caught, the biggest was about 40 inches and weighed 20 pounds.  Shortly after the bite stops the wind changes to the south and we decide to get back to the cove.  White caps escorted us the last half of the trip.  The day didn't start out the way we wanted but I'm glad it ended the way it did.

Nice looking lingcod, Hermit WTG

WTG great catch and pics

WTG! Awesome catch. Thanks for the report.

wtg. nice work...beautiful fish

Nice ling. What did it bite?

I got it on a blue and silver 2 1/2 ounce megabait in about 40 to 45 feet of water. 

Nice job on your new PB for lings. Never fished Stillwater South... I hear it's really nice down there.

Freddie

Nice catches!  Thanks for the report and great pictures.

Beauty color on that ling!
WTG guys!

Nice job on the ling Hermit. Congrats on your personal best. Thanks for the report
and pictures.

Jedmo

Like your sticker nothing beats a big fish yanking your chain!!! nicely done...

thanks for the solid report and pics.

Never fished Stillwater but I'm liking the reports coming out of there and I really want to try. Questions. Where does everybody park? Do you pay the fees to get into 17 mile? How difficult is it to launch without  wheelz?

It costs $9.25 to get into Pebble Beach, you then drive to the Beach Club to the loading area.  You have to unload your gear and move your vehicle to an adjacent lot, about a 2 minute walk back.  When I go alone I bring my wheels.  There are wide cement stairs you have to go down to get to the beach.  If you can carry your kayak by yourself you could make it, I'm too old, I can't do it anymore.  If you can hook up with someone it's an easy carry down the stairs.  I would be glad to go with you if I'm available on the day you want to go.