San Mateo Coast (Ocean Side)

Launched out of a usual spot, but paddled to an unusual location.  Had the company of two people I have never fished with - Peter and Dustin.  It was Dustin's first time on the water out here.

Fishing was steady.  Between us we boated a nice assortment of lings, rockfish and cabezon.  However, Dustin put on a clinic.  Which isn't really possible, given that he's never fished out here.  But it happened.  Two halibut, two lingcod, and lots of rocky's.  On his second halibut, he was trying to gaffe it but missed, sending the fish into a tirade.  But his line held.  And the poorly rigged swimbait didn't fall out.  And I hope Dustin bought a lottery ticket on the way home, because everything was going his way today.  It couldn't happen to a nicer guy (though Peter and I tired of hearing about how low his kayak was riding from all those giant fish).

Big swim baits were the ticket today.  I switched to a speed jig and instantly started hooking black and yellows.  Back to the big money minnow.

Weather was fine.  Launch and landing was like a lake.  Some wind, a little leftover wind chop, and a LONG paddle back to the launch. 

I see two guys who launched the jaws - would love to hear how they did.  I also think we saw two other kayaks just north of the lighthouse - same there. 

It was nice meeting a bunch of new people today - I hope to fish with you all soon.  Dustin and Peter - sorry I had to bail out early, but I was on borrowed time from my wife.

Nice work - sounds like a great day.   

Definitely a fantastic day to be out there.

A bit of swell, but the wind was down, and as Mike said, the action steady. I only ended up putting 2 big blacks and a sanddab on the clip, releasing a couple of smaller lings, cabby that was questionable, greenling, several chinas, and an olive. I did have a huge hookup that was running out line like crazy, and then it bit or broke the 50 lb. mono leader. I let fly a few choice words in an otherwise tranquil and idyllic setting...

After losing that rig, I switched to a rootbeer twin tail scampi, but it did hold the same magic that Dustin was pitching. Srysly, this guy was on fire - I was in awe after his first hali/ling boated, and then he turned around and did it again!

Mike, your a paddle monster - hope to fish with you again soon.

Dustin, you gave me the proverbial shirt of your back out there (gave me "THE MAGIC LURE" off his own line after I lost the scampi). Not to mention a big tasty fish. Even when you're cashing in your karma your banking more. Straight up brother.

Sean, Eric, Kirk - sorry we didn't get to hang more.

Peter

Sorry for the late reply I was busy cleaning  fish and spreading Aloha to the neighbors...


It was an awesome day with stellar company! It was a pleasure meeting both of you and I hope to fish with you guys again. There was no end to the light jabs, slightly sardonic humor, and good coversation.

 Epic maiden voyage for the new yak.  The only bummer was getting fish blood all over it, that put a real downer on the entire trip.

Mike I really appreaciate you organizing this; I took your advice and purchase a lotto ticket.

obkook thanks for the help; I am going to be looking for a rod like yours, loved the action.

Paddle Monster:


Light house on the lake:


Double:




1st Hali from a yak:


What rods?:


I responded over at the other thread LilRiverMan has pictures of the final haul.

WTG guys ! What an awsome day .

Wow, great pics!  Thanks for sharing.  I want to be smiling like that someday.javascript:void(0);  Pics like that really make me want to go out.  I was at Bean just to see what's it like.  Nice beach and what a great day. 

WhooooooHooooo and a Double Hell Yeah!!! WTG on some stellar fishing!!! U guys were "having it" thanks for the pics and reports!!! Congrats...

WTG ! Nice Halibut.

VERY nicely outfitted game clip you had there.... I'd hate to smell the inside of your hull in a few days tho....

VERY nicely outfitted game clip you had there.... I'd hate to smell the inside of your hull in a few days tho....

Cup of bleach, 3 gallons water. Swish for 5 minutes. Fresh yak. Dustin, how big was the ling I see down in the rod pod? The head is monster.

Nice score guys! You hit a great weather window.

Wow,
What a difference a day makes!
 What a great memory you guys made!
It must have been a magic day indeed!
I was there early Friday morning and after a few hours of playing Hamlet..."To be or not to be....to launch or not to launch........"
 chickened out because of the wind and the fear of fishing the lighthouse all alone...

And now...to see evidence of epic adventure that was close but so far away.....araayyyy.
 Then, to hear the newbie hits a grand slam on the first at bat....w/out even paying his dues...too much!

Congratulations to all you guys.
 You show up whats possible. What we were missing and why we continue to hang in there.
And as for Dustin ...the new guy. He is now overdue for 3 skunks in a row!
 Steve

Nice halibut!  You guys certainly had a good day.  What a great variety of fish all in one day.