LapuLapu's White Sea Bass Caught 8-29-10 Monterey

Well finally after my 7th try since last year, the sea gods finally let me have her.  After getting shut out for 2 straight days last weekend I was not planning to fish Monterey again.  Then all those reports from Al, Jones, Frank, Daniel and Nudling from last Tuesday got me all stoked again.  
 
All the weather reports I was reading last Friday did not look good at all for either Saturday or Sunday for kayak fishing so I decided to take the boat out instead.  Could not go out Saturday because of a sloooow golf tournament and then too much serveza.  Decided I’ll go Sunday for sure and called Andy (Fishmaster1) but I got his brother Mike instead.  Well, it’s a good thing I did get Mike because Andy was not in a mood to talk after the Raiders lost.  
 
On Sunday morning I was not sure who will actually show up and I was already thinking about going solo just in case.  At around 8, Mike, Andy and Jonathan (Mike’s 9 yr old son) did show up and our unforgettable day OTW got started.    
 
We got to the fleet of about 20 boats spread out all over the place and I could not decide where to stop and drift.  So I asked 9yr old Jonathan to make the decision on where we should stop.  So he pointed right there around 132 ft of water northwest of the second yellow buoy.
 
After drifting for about 30 min. or so while I was fidgeting with my other rod, I hear Mike wake up Rey Rey…your rod   bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…zzzinnnggggggggggg.  I was shaking so much I had a hard time taking the rod out of the holder and by the time I got hold of it I must have lost about half of the line and it was still running.  Finally, I think when it stop a little I still had 30 yards or so left and I was able to start cranking it in and hang on it till Master Gaffer Andy aka: FishMaster1 in one swoop showed how skilled he is with the gaff.
 
After getting the beast on board, I don’t know how I could have done it in my kayak without falling overboard.  I credit it all to Andy Da Master Gaffer, Mike Da WakeUp Man and Jonathan Da Spot Master,  without them I still would be dreaming about my first WSB.
 
Got a video of the catch from when I finally got it closed to the boat.  Sorry for all the nice words and me screaming like a little girl.  You might want to turn down the volume a little when you get to that part.  Too bad we could not get a video of my C3-Abu Garcia reel screaming earlier.  WSB Stat:  46.5 lbs, 52.5 inch length and 10 inch wide.  Gear:  85lb braid, weighted hook and $30 Big 5 rod.

i want one bad!

Way to go brother!!!!!         Man, I could feel the joy and excitement when you got that ghost in the boat.  thanks for the vid, F#$% work, im gettin a sea bass!!     

Dude, that was one sweet ride you took us on. Congrats to all . Lookin good on the kill/gaff Andy. Who needs football after that stuff! 

Congrats and WTG on taking the parade route!  

It was slow for me yesterday - not even the sand dabs were biting and only managed to get 2 squids.

Don't worry about landing it from your yak the next time you're out.   You don't have to get the entire body out of the water - get the head in the yak and then slide the rest in.

WTG!  The video really captures the excitement and payoff for all the patience.  That kind of giddiness and joy is one of the blessings of fishing.  It's like Xmas morning.  I felt very happy for you all after seeing the video.

Rey,
Dream come true. Only a chosen few gets to experience what you just went thru. Congrats bro. I'm so happy for you. Good thing you never gave up hunting for the white ghost. Maybe after I get a taste of it, then I may catch mine so save me some.
For us waiting to be included in the list, we remain hopeful.
Congrats again.
Danny

awesome fish rey, congrats, and andy nice gaff shot, thanks for sharing guys, cameron

Danny here is a pic of the weighted hook I used.  The wsb bent it a little.  The weight brings your bait just at the right depth.

Rey

Way to go ! I'm kicking myself for not going and I'm sure Kiel is doing the same . Nice fish ! Good for you !

HELL YES!!!!!!!!!!

So happy for you Rey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You the man!!!!!!

What a great time hanging out with that motley crew...wish I could've been there with you all!!

Glad I answered my phone on Saturday and gave you Andy's number!!
 

Congrats again!

Sincerely,

Jim

Rey,
You should send email immediately to your utol, my tukayo in PI. I believe he would be ecstatic as well. Too bad when he was around, we didn't score as good.
I may have your video 4 times already trying to visualize everything.
Danny

AWESOME video too!!!!

Andy, you gaffed that beast like an f'ing pro dude!! Great work bro!!!

So happy for all of you!!
 
Sincerely,

Jim

Definitely one of the best gaff jobs I've seen - a great catch all around.  Nice one.   

Way to go ! I'm kicking myself for not going and I'm sure Kiel is doing the same . Nice fish ! Good for you !

Damn, you got that right David.  ...WTG Rey, I am happy for you. 



Kiel