27 October solo kayak paddle and trophy dive- report and pics

Hey all,

got a tip that the water might be nice up north and made a run yesterday. Got in the water around eleven am after a long paddle to a brand new area for me. Water was flat and had some green color to it and I was stoked. Dove hard thru the morning and early afternoon without finding a trophy. Some whoppers but not what I was there to look for.  The abs were very sporadic and this is a good thing.

I stayed at it knowing that any dive could be the one that might produce a monster. Around 3pm I dropped down to around twenty feet and onto the side of a large boulder. Saw what looked like a fat 9 3/4 incher then rounded the corner to see an absolute super giant!  I have no idea why I put the ten gauge on him cuz he was way, way over ten inches.  He had the look of an 11 incher and made it on my 11 gauge later back at my truck. Was nervous upon arrivng at home knowing he was gonna have to pass the digital caliper test and he did. 11.035 inches is the official measurement.  He's over nine inches wide and weighed 10 lbs 4 oz. Still can't believe I pulled an eleven earlier this year and yet it happened again! Here are some pics of the giant on the rocks and otherwise. Took some video and this ab will be the star of my second half season trophy video! SRJ

Woaa! Impressive...WTG!

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Wow! That is awesome. Congrats on the lunker! You brightened up my deary day at the office with that great looking ab. It sounds like you definitley put in the effort. Great job!

Man on a mission!  Very impressive, Shannon. 

Got in the water around eleven am after a long paddle to a brand new area for me.

I'm glad you're getting out and exploring it - I look forward to seeing you at GS6 to hear first hand about places I haven't even been.   

As always,

I get stoked to read comments from my brothers. Eric, thanks and yes, I'm excited to share what I've learned about the area this year. Might surprise you.

Have been following the TRW thread and stoked for all you to get after it up there tomorrow. Will be putting it on my calendar for next year and cannot half believe I missed it this year? What the heck is wrong with me. I LOVE TRINIDAD. Zack is new to kayak fishing but he is an outstanding fisherman and will adapt quite well. We're gonna come up next year as a team and join you all.

Have the greatest of adventures up there you all. I'm betting on Eric and Dom- that is money in the bank, though Cajun and Matanaska will be right there. My props go to those with the local knowledge. SRJ

Damn dude, when I saw the underwater pic............................... oh yea! Congrats Shannon. Great motivation for me to get back in the water after 3 years instead of sitting on top of it.

Holy smack down

Holy smack down

+1

Wow. Way to go man. I'd love to see a pic of that monster along side a 7 or 8 inch shell just to get some perspective of the beast! But I doubt you actually have a 7 or 8 inch shell, just monsters around the SRJ house I bet! Take care buddy and keep the reports coming, I'm stoked for you!

Jeff

Gigante!

What is that?

Wow that thing is huge. Congratulations.

Congrat on the giant Ab.  That's a great great catch!  Thanks for sharing your Ab hunt with us Shannon.

      Well done !      how old do you suspect that monster would be ?         You could make abalone Pizza's.

HUUUGGGGEEEE!!!!  Looks like a BOULDER!!!

Congrats on an AWESOME day on the water!!!  11.035