Trinidad -- Newbie Success

This L.A. newbie who bought a Hobie last week dragged it all the way up to Eureka this week.  On Tuesday I fished in Humboldt Bay under the Samoa Bridge -- nada -- Wednesday I fished in the Mad River Estuary -- nada -- but really beautiful.  Today I got on the scoreboard -- I went to Trinidad and caught four blacks.  [see pix]  I know they're not THAT big (smallest was 13") but I was using really light tackle. This is my first success in NorCal,  and I did not expect to catch anything today.  I got them on little white rubber lead heads.  (Like Crapie Jigs)  Made a GREAT dinner tonight .. yum.   I'm headed back down to L.A. tomorrow.  I'll be on US 101 with my Papaya Hobie on my black Prius.  I LOVE this boat. (Hobie Sport).  How long do I get to call myself a newbie?

Nice pics & report. I'm fixin to call myself a newb until I feel like I aint.  
Say what's up with all those boats in the pic? Looks suspiciously like a hot bite.

Congrat on your first catches from your new Hobie.  Thanks for the report and pictures Dave.

Hey, that's a great report, gettin' the yak,hauling it hundreds of miles, gettin' skunked, stayin' with it, gettin dinner and it sounds like you're loving it evey minute,   WTG,

I'm gonna think the newb refers to experience and skill level, so even after catching 2 keeper sturgeon from the yak I still consider myself a newb, cause I really don't know what the hell I'm doing skillwise,  but it sure is fun!

 The question of how long is a newbie is newbie is a good one. I've fished Shelter Cove three times in my Hobie Outback and am feeling pretty comfortable now. I've caught a total on nine Snappers and one 5 ft Soup-fin shark. What model of Hobie did you purchase?

Nice job, Trinidad is an awesome spot.  I think the newbie-ness will last as long as you ask more questions than you provide answers.  But it's all good, tight lines!
-beenfishin

WTG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice eating sized blacks!! Yummy!! 

As far as being a newbie...nothing wrong with that!! Enjoy the learning process....I love learning something new every time I go out!!   

Congrats again and thanks for sharing!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Great job on the blacks, and love the report and enthusiasm!  You've been in the ocean on your yak and caught fish - I say you're no newbie.  Sure, there's plenty of experience yet to gain, but you've already shown initiative and excellent energy as well as friendly and spirited communication.  If you're looking to be sure you're no newbie you probably ought to read up on safety gear you could/should have and focus on being able to "save" yourself if you need to - there are many members here who are glad to give advice about what should be along with you in the ocean (wetsuit, spare paddle, VHF, compass, water, flares...etc.).  Also, you should of course be able to "self rescue" by getting back in your boat unassisted in water that is over your head.

You've made a great start in this sport - WTG and, once again, welcome to the Madness.  

PS - Jim:  that's Trinidad Harbor!  Talk about a newbie!    JK, Bro - it's all good.  

Say what's up with all those boats in the pic? Looks suspiciously like a hot bite.

Shhhhh, be vewy vewy quiet, they're catching anchors......

J/K Sorry, couldn't resist.   

Lol. Don't remember all the boats on anchor but honestly I've only been in Trinidad in late fall & winter for surfing so maybe the boats are gone then? jim

Lol. Don't remember all the boats on anchor but honestly I've only been in Trinidad in late fall & winter for surfing so maybe the boats are gone then? jim

It's true - they rent those moorings for the summer rockfish/ling/salmon/halibut season, so they'll largely be empty in a few weeks, and by November it may be barren.

WTG on getting out there and catching some fish
dbradfield. Don't you just love that hands free
fishing?

Jedmo

congratulations on your first fish.  Don't forget to give us a call when you start reeling in those YT's down south.   We might just join you

Nice pics, thanks for sharing. Thi pic of the harbor is beautiful.

dbradfield my SoCal brother, I'd first like to say congrats on catching some good ol' NorCal RFs!! I always enjoy reading and meeting friends/fishermen from various parts of our state. And to hear that you had some success makes me feel good for you brother

I have to give it up to you for driving all the WAAAYYY up north from LA with your yak on top of your Prius, that is a long drive!!

I actually go down to LA every 2-4 wks for my business and have seriously been considering taking my yak down with me on my business trip If you are down to do some fishing down in your neck of the waters with me, please let me know. I would enjoy some company from our brothers down south!!

Thanks again for sharing you report, and I hope that we do get opportunities to fish together

- Daniel