Pacific Grove Salmon!

Now that I am settled back in and somewhat caught up with work, I would like to share a great adventure (short version).  The 3rd week of June, us SoCal folks had reserved camping spots in Big Sur - amazing! I figured at least 1 day I could escape the group for a yak trip, so up it went. About 3 weeks before the trip I posted on this site a hookup request and was referred to Etienne, SackYak. He wrote me a great PM and both of us decided to check the conditions the week of the trip before we decided on a location. Originally we were going to explore the wild waters of Big Sur, but it was for sure to wild with 4 to 5 footers starting the day
The choice was easy, the salmon were running in Pacific Grove so Sat the 23rd of June we meet up. An easy launch, but horrific wind/swell chop about 200 yards out from the get go, if you stopped the paddle you were heading in! We go about 2 miles or so with a fleet of 6 yaks, and 20+ boats. About 10 minutes in Etienne is trolling up Ling's - wow (at least for us SoCal folk)... A long 1 to 1.5 hours later both Etienne and I hook up at the same time, nearly farming them both at the exact same time. We set course again and at least another 2 hours we troll around por nada! Most of the time we were in 200+ feet of water, now its time to head in because we are all tired of the conditions and they are getting worse. We get to about 90ft and I remember thinking, its time to bring in the salmon gear, we are in rock fish territory. It may seem to good to be true but as I am reeling in to switch over, BBBBAAAAAAMMMMM - I am nailed! The fight is on, and I cant help but to think of the HIGH possibility of farming another especially since I forgot my net (packing for 6 people the night before we leave = disaster). That leaves me with one option - Hand line'in, bear hugin, rodeo style landing! After a few short bursts the fish is within reach, he has other ideas and makes another run away from the boat. I truly was amazed the hook didnt pop out at this point, but a 4th attempt proved successful as I throw my rod into the holder, grab the line pulling the fish up, I lean over and bear hug the fish throwing him in my lap as I lay on top of him! I noticed the hook at this point as released, and also notice to my left that my rod was not set in the holder but in the ocean. Just the top eyelet of the rod is in view, salmon under my belly as I quickly reach over and save the Torium 30

The smile on my face took about a week to wear off! Etienne paddled over to congratulate me on what felt more like a delivery of a child   It truly was a life memory, never to be forgotten! I cant say enough about Etienne, his hospitality and fishing group - they were great company to fish with and this would not of happened without you! Thanks again- Ryan

WoooooHooooo!!! Congrats on A beautiful fish!!!! You got to fish with A really cool bro of mine!

Wow! Great job!

True

yeah, Etienne is one class act! I'm happy to hear your trip was a success!
Congrats on your salmon Ryan!

yeah, Etienne is one class act! I'm happy to hear your trip was a success!
Congrats on your salmon Ryan!

+1 about Etienne. Congrats on the nice King and thanks for the report +pictures Ryan.  So when are you going to move up here? 

WOW that is such a great report!!!  Sounds like your lucky day!!!  Boy I need to get out there sometime and catch some pink! 

WTG Ryan!

Great write up!  No net=bear hug, good stuff.  Nice job

Great story, and great fish!

Hugs work!

Good fishing with you Ryan and WTG on the pink love. No pink for me but a decent ling on the maiden voyage of my Eddyline Carribean. Will be heading south to chase tail and will give you a call.

Great report, Ryan.  Salmon trolling with Etienne is on my short list.  Thanks for making me feel close to my bro.   

Thanks everyone! Hit me up if you head to SoCal, we can chase some tail.

Very Kool...

Nice to see So Cal and Nor Cal getting it done....

North meets south = good deal!  Sounds like a hell of a rodeo you had there! Congrats! Glad some our "locals" could help you out.