Report from Goleta, 8.1.09

Greetings from Goleta and to the guys I've met fishing with Sean (Picean),.... Eric, Mooch, and the others I met at last years Elk tourniment.  I don't usually have much to post since I mostly catch Calicos, Sandbass, a rockfish or two, and the occasional Halibut but you guys might find this of interest.

On Saturday, I went kayak fishing off of Goleta.  As the Halibut fishing has been pretty good lately, I was by myself bounce balling for a flattie.  After a couple of hours of paddling, in about 70 feet of water, my line took off and my reel sang.  I tightened the drag and took a little ride.  At first I thought it was a big halibut.  Then the line went slack and I thought it came off.  I reeled like crazy to pick up the slack and again line started peeling off...fast.  That didn't feel like a flattie.  Had I snagged a sea lion?  No, they have to surface to breath and this was staying on the bottom.  Maybe I had a small Mako or Thresher.  I kept at it.  I had 25 # test with a white hoochie with a silver twinkle skirt.  The result was a 42 pound White Sea Bass!  I boated it but couldn't get it into my tankwell or hatch so I paddled the mile plus back to the beach with it in my lap.

I had a great time fishing Bean Hollow a few weeks ago with Sean and hope to do it again at least one more time this season.

Jim

OK now we're talking.  nice haul

Thats one hell of a catch, congrats!

 That is one hell of a nice looking fish, congratulations on landing that big old toad.

strong work Jim! thanks for the solid report

  wow man, nice haul. That things a monster. Looks like its a strain to lift its so big. Very nice catch!

Nice ghost.

Holy smokes!

Congrats Jim, beautiful WSB!

That must have been a gas. Great looking fish. How did you deal with it when you got it to the kayak? Once you saw it you must have freaked out a bit. Damn huge.

simply fish porn!

WOW.

(I am totally related to this guy! )

Fantastic fish Jim, just fantastic!

Massive congrats on the ghostie!!!!!! What A magnificent catch!

Wow WTG, ain't it great wondering what it is while it's dragging you around, Congrats beautiful fish!!

OMG!!!
WOW!! I mean WOOWW!!!!
I really wish I lived farther south.
That must have been a great ride.
Keep up the good work,
Eric