The Mooch report:Oct 1 Oyster Point /Oct. 2 Monterey (PICS)

Oct.1.Saturday - Oyster Point was a bust....got there late and interviewed a few boaters...they all said the same thing = NADA. So I skipped the launch and headed home.

Oct.2.Sunday - Got an invitation from Santa Cruz kayak fishing guide, Allen Bushnell (scallen)- to ride shotgun while taking 6 of his clients out for fine day of kayak fishing at Monterey Bay....

the early morning outriggers get busy......

 

the newbies getting ready...


Allen B. gives a quick "how to" and a "don't do" seminar....


on the first drop of my iron jig - a nice surprise - 32 inch / 15 # fat halibut..




another surprise.....I caught a small blue rock fish on my teaser fly above my iron jig....I hooked the little guy on my iron and sent him down hoping for a ling and got a baby octopus instead.....which I released after the kodak moment.....




I was able to catch 2 lings - one shorty (released) and one keeper. The keeper was caught hitch hiking from another small black rock fish that I had on my iron jig.....unfortunately, as soon as I got it measured and was ready to secure it to my game clip - the bastard gave me a "undesired lap dance" and went flying off my deck  

The rest of the crew did good catching some schooling blues and blacks. A vermillion and a few gophers were caught as well. One of the ladies in the group hooked up on to something big and got towed around for a few minutes...but it got off without being identified Some speculated that it could have been a WSB or even a big leopard shark......Allen rigged her up with frozen squid for bait.

It was a really nice day at Monterey and the crew was a pleasure to paddle and fish with. I ended up sharing my Halibut with everyone in the class. Special thanks to Allen B. for inviting me AND filleting the Halibut for everyone to enjoy

Looks like a fun day, still need a flatty for myself.

It must have been beautiful out there; Sunday was a perfect day...Are you at Del Monte in the halibut photos? Did those divers behind you get any 'buts? How deep?

Hey Mooch.  Good work on the halibut.  You're on a roll this year!

I would have kept the octopussy for fresh tako poki.

How far did you have to paddle to get to your fishing spot?

Great job Joel!  That's a nice one...

I know the answers! lets see_he hooked the halibut  out in front of delmonte beach about a 10 minute paddle from were they launch at Monterrey bay kayak. I have done pretty well of those kelp beds. A real nice place for newbies. looking to fish this week !!

thanks fellas!

 We were at Del Monte - we launched behind the Monterey Bay Kayak store and paddled less than a mile out due North and drifted back and forth on a red buoy that was at a 60 ft depth.

I did not see any of the divers on boat with any fish....they were diving/spearing in the "jungles" of the kelp - at around 40 to 50 ft of water and kelp. Water vis was amazing!

I was actually thinking for sending the octopus down with the iron for live bait but it looked too pretty to keep.......yes...the mooch does have a heart.....sometimes

I guess I cashed in the "newbie luck" since it was my first time fishing Monterey Bay   I shall definitely return!

I know the answers! lets see_he hooked the halibut  out in front of delmonte beach about a 10 minute paddle from were they launch at Monterrey bay kayak. I have done pretty well of those kelp beds. A real nice place for newbies. looking to fish this week !!

Chef - you are right on the money   I can't believe you left Monterey for Marin ........Monterey is BEAUTIFUL   in every aspect. Chef, if you decide to fish Monterey on a weekend = I'd love to join you!

Good going. I love the pictures that little camera takes.  (a picture is worth a thousand words.)

Great job Joel!  The day looked beautiful.  I can't wait to explore that area.

jason

Joel..

You definitely have the Hot Stick.  Pictures look great!

JD

mooch, you rule. did you pay to park? any difficulties parking?

mooch, you rule. did you pay to park? any difficulties parking?

jmairey - parking was wide open at 6AM   Parking fee by the Monterey Bay Kayak shop was about $8.00    - if I remember correctly.(there's a pay ticket machine) The beach launch was about 50 yards away from the parking lot. You can drive behind the Kayak shop and drop off your yak and then just drag it on the sand to the shoreline.

Nice job Joel.  The weather looked great.  

Stu

Way to go Joel!!!
Nice octopus shot. Thanks for posting those pics!