Shasta Lake Slayer Slam 04/02/11

Well the North Valley Slayers made it out to Shasta Lake.  We all met at Phils Prop shop at 0700 hours, and hit the lake by 0730 hours.  BanjoTad, Fisheducator, Codzilla and Son, and MattS were present.

Unfortunately what was slammed was US!  The wind was brutal, with white caps on the lake.  We had to deal with swell and current.  I tried my drift sock, only to have to sweep away in the current, faster than the wind was blowing me!  We marked a lot of fish, and my bait got raked, but no fish.  We braved the elements for several hours, then retreated to the bank for beer and a good visit.  We had a great time over all, making plans for GMS V.

Codzilla was introduced to a turtle.  He was mounting the kayak from shore when he started to tip.  He almost recovered, when a rogue wave hit him and over he went.  He found all his gear but his glasses.  He made the best of it though, and went out for a practice self rescue, which he accomplished with flying colors.

I took my new ride out into the swell to feel her sea legs in rough conditions.  It was fun heading into the swell, but I didn't care for the following seas!  Part of the problem was the rate of the swells.  You would just recover when the next one hit you.  It was great practice.

I found the dual rod holders and extensions on the Hobie made the rails too cluttered.  I just ordered the new Scotty rocket launchers from Hook 1, I can't wait to try them!

I can't wait to do it again guys!  Next time we will have to catch some fish though 

Here are some pictures and video:


Tim mooching


Jeff and Ethen playing in the swell


The launch


Waiting for it to lay down...which it never did


Tad braving the waves for loose beer


Tad caught one, it was a Miller High-life and should have been thrown back.....


Jeff coming in to the "beach" after his self rescue


Jeff's self rescue


Matt playing in the wind

Matt, thanks for the report. NV Slayers are pretty hard-core, getting slammed left and right on a lake!! From those pics, it looks more like an ocean Awesome job on the hookup!

Matt, great post. Ethen and I had a great time, hard to fish, but riding the waves was a blast. Best part of the trip was meeting the other North Valley Slayers. Ethen was shocked that this was the first time we met and they
treated us like we were old friends, even him, a kid. Tad , Tim and Matt, thank you very much for making us feel welcome. Now we have a bug, no a sickness, all I want to do is take my yak out!!!! My wife and younger son can't wait ether. I am glad I got to try the self rescue, I just wanted to do it at the end of the day!!!! Being BUCKED off my yak sucked, ok loosing my glasses sucked, but it was the best thing that could have happened, I learned in one BACK FLIP how I need to rig my yak, and myself. I will post some more pics soon. Tad, Tim and Matt are first class, thanks guys, can't wait to get out again!!!!!

Jeff

That was some rough water!  Great post and wtg, cozilla, for using the experience to get the most out of it.   

Thanks for the report Matt. You weren't kidding about the ocean like condition you
all had to face. Jeff is a natural getting back on his yak with ease. See you all soon
at the GSV.

Jedmo

You guys are tough... the wind was strong here at home so I knew it would be a bear out on Shasta. Those waves come in all dif directions out there. Slammed you were. Glad everyone is safe and had a good time. Hope to get out soon.

Great report, pics and vids!!

WTG for getting out there, having fun and hanging out togteher....that's what it's all about!!
 
 
Sincerely,

Jim

Matt,
Thanks for posting the report/pics/vids.
Did Matt mention it was windy?


White capped 2-3 ft swell at 1 second, winds  N 20-30.

I guess I didn't get skunked after catching 2 Miller High Life cans.
Not my brand so I gifted them to the bankies
Great to meet Jeff and son Ethen
Welcome to the madness guys

Matt,
 Thanks again for the 20 lb bag of your great saltwater tackle
Tad
 
 

I woke up and talked to a buddy who was already out on the Pit Arm w/ nasty conditions, so I took a raincheck on the fishing.  Took the kid out gold panning instead, looks like it was the right decision.  Way to stick with it though boys!  I'll be out this Saturday a.m. if anyone wants to get back out there. 

Oh Toto, I don't think this is Kansas,
It was good to meet you Jeff & Ethan, maybe nex't time we'll get to fish.
It was good to practice rough water conditions, I now have more confidence for the ocean.
As one Yakker said to the other while standing on the bank drinking a beer, look at those dumb a$$ PBers trying to brave those conditions.
It was fun hanging out with all of you guys, see you on the water soon.

Thanks again Matt for the awesome lures, I spent Sun. in the garage (out of the wind ) cleaning out the old saltwater tackle to make room for the good stuff. I can't wait to go catch some rockies now.......

T.L.,Tim

Damn, looks like the wind was brutal!  It sure has been a turbulent "spring" this year, if you can call it spring  .  Wind was blowing just as hard in my area that day too.  Wish you guys get some conditions more conducive to fishing for your next Slayer Slam!

Nice report, pics, and vids.  I love Lake Shasta.  How far were you guys from Ski Island?  We use to camp and fish there every June or July.

  You guys are hard core. Looks like it was ripping up there. My mom and Dad live in Redding, so next time I'm up I will be sure to post a note and hook up with you guys.