Bodega Bay 10 Oct 2005

Being a federal employee means I got Columbus day off, so I went out with Jim ("InSeine") to see if we couldn't finally catch a halibut.   After a few hours with no look I had a novel idea about fishing for leopard sharks in an area that I know they school up in during high tide.  We didn't exactly have the right gear (no heavy duty leaders and only anchovies for bait), but I managed to bring two into the boat.



The two I caught were a bit on the small side compared to some of the cows I saw cruising by.  I can't believe I resorted to shark fishing, but I've been in a rut and it was nice to get pulled across the harbor for a bit by a fish.   I may try it again with the proper equipment to see if I can't latch into one of the big 5-6 ft momma sharks.
 
Brian

Hey Brian,

Where did you catch this fish? is this inside the Bay?..if you don't mine sharing the place... thanks..

I may try it again with the proper equipment to see if I can't latch into one of the big 5-6 ft momma sharks.

WOW! I've never seen one that big - if you hook up, please take lot's of photos!

Nic pic! Love the colors of a leopard shark!

Wow, never even thought about paddling back there, much less fishing for sharks. So that's where they go.

I'd like to join you out there before they split for the winter. Could you shoot me a PM next time you head out, if you don't mind.

How was the wind & what time were you guys out there?

So nice!    I, too, wonder if this is inside the harbor or in the bay itself...   It sounds like much fun to get dragged by one of those beauties.

Google earth is annoying... doesn't have the hi-res images of Bodega harbor... only Tomales.

A friend of mine does research on these here at the marine lab and I've promised him not to torment them too much at his research site.  He's gone for the summer and I was tired of not catching halibut so I gave it a try.  I'm probably going to try it one more time (strickly C & R) to get a big one before they head out of the bay for the winter.  

Brian

Nice catch, Brian.  I know how you feel about just wanting to catch something.  I finally caught my first fish from my kayak on Sunday at Monterey.  

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/albums/Joel/017_17_001.sized.jpg

Partly what got me excited about kayak fishing was catching a 25" halibut off of the jetty outside of Doran Park in Bodega Bay a few weeks ago.  I've been wanting to take my kayak out there.  I hope to go out there soon, maybe we can hookup.

Henry