Pigeon Point May 29 (late report)

Not only is this report late, it's my first.  So here goes...

Launched the beach (not the lighthouse) with little swell but a 1-2 foot wind chop.  Went out at low tide, around 9 a.m. with two buddies.  Caught four decent rockfish, two underlings and one ling, all on big hammer swim baits.  Fished the far reef at 65 feet, right next to the HMB party boats.  No seals / sea lions, which can be a little unsettling at Pigeon.

I had two big misses, both lings.  Got them both next to the boat, then they spit the bait out.  I did not have a gaff or net (I fish minimalist style).  The first loss got me so mad, that when the second one came off and floated there looking at me, I went in the water to get him.  Unfortunately, that woke her up and she swam off.  I used the opportunity to practice a self rescue (I have a T15).  I found it relatively easy in moderate wind chop to seal-flop on the hull and pull the boat upright, then seal-flop back on and get in.  What I did notice is that if you don't have your rod pod securely fastened with both straps, it will take on water when the boat flips.

I will probably go again this weekend (6th or 7th) - let me know if you're in the area as it currently looks like a solo trip.

Welcome aboard. Better late report than no report.  Thanks for the post and pictures.

Great 1st report man. Congrats on the linger too.

Welcome aboard - great first post from a spot that it sounds like you know.   

I can see U diving in after that ling.....saying "YOUR NOT GETTING AWAY" "DAMIT"  WTG Fear no Fish...

I was thinking about diving in one time, but it was for a $100.00 Cut co fillet knife...but i didn't have my wet suit on, had gortex waders with a belt strapped tight!  watched that knife start to flutter down and thought ummm should I?

Great report and Pics....thx

PS as everyone says "Welcome to the Madness"

Better get a net!   It's in the fishing regs.  You would have gotten those lings.

Welcome to ncka mcag!! Awesome first post. Way to go on that ling.

-FF

Let me get this straight; you went fishing solo, at Pigeon Point, hooked a ling that got away, so you voluntarily entered the water to try and get the Ling, missed the Ling, flipped your boat, which started taking on water, but you flipped it back anyway and got back in.

Personally, I think you're insane. But it's quite an entrance. Welcome 

phil, he's as crazy as the rest of you guys.  i think he'll fit in just fine.......

You are a brave man to fish that spot alone. Nice catch, hope you have more company next time.

Hey, great 1st report.  Way to go on that fat red at that spot.  Pigeon Pt is one of my favorite shore spots.  Welcome to the site.  Damn it about the net, that sucks, I'm a minimalist too but one thing I bring is a big fat net.  You just never know what you'll catch.   You did pretty good out there.  JTF

Welcome to the board mcag. Congrats on the ling and verm. BTW, nice first post.
Please keep'em coming and I hope to see you on the water soon.

Jedmo

In defense of my sanity, I was there with two other kayakers (though I have gone alone before).  And I have surfed this coast for 20 years, so I'm not that concerned about being in the water.  Though I would not recommend Pigeon for a casual swim.  However, in the 'maybe I have a screw loose' category, I did forget my pfd that day.  And I got some poison oak from getting in/out through the trail.  That sucked.

I am going this weekend if I can find anyone who wants to hit it.

thanks for the great report and looking forward to more

Sounds like you need a gaff and a leash for your pfd. Going without a pfd isnt minimalist its dangerous. welcome to the site.