HMB 7/9 : Ugly!

Launched at HMB Kayak at 6:15 AM.

No other kayaks on the water - I was shocked that no one was pre-fishing the tournament!

When I got out of the jaws of the harbor it was a washing machine.  Paddled out most of the way to the green buoy and tried some drifts with squid on a dropper.  Got a few nibbles but nothing stuck. 

Working my way in closer got a bit disconcerting as big green swells from the NW were breaking over the reef.  The drift was a bit strange and the yak really wanted to lie parallel to the breaking swell.  Things got a bit rougher and I took a few rollers over the side.  Since I was flying solo I cut and ran for the breakwater. If I was fishing with a buddy I would have stayed and tried to scratch something up but instead trolled a big 'chovy swimbait down Mirimar and then a loop through the harbor (there were a couple of small powerboats working the rip near the breakwater which encouraged me that this wasn't a totally half baked idea), but no fish love. 

Highlight of the day was seeing Mr Sea Otter sleeping in a clump of kelp inside the harbor.  I though he was a log and get pretty close. He was surprised that he didn't hear me coming, and I was surprised when the log moved! Very cool.

I don't know what we will do next week if it's this rough.  My Wal DrammII pill kept my breakfast down, but I'm fairly immune to seasickness to start with (I only took it 'cause I hurled while trolling for salmon in last weekend's washing machine)!

Chris.

Next Sunday will be the crowd gathering day for the tournament. really hope the condition will be good. If not, we would be hosed -- fingers crossed.

saturday was kind of nasty in the am also, after the high tide it mellowed out alot. 

regardless of conditions, most guys will get out there. last year at elk the ocean was rough, it didn't stop anyone from trying to win that kayak!  i dont blame you for ducking inside if you were fishing solo, the reefs out there really stir up the swells...   jtf.. 

I went out there yesterday too, but didn't launch until around 11am. jigged near the north jetty between #22-26 and # 39- 45ish. first time out in hmb, so i didn't want to be to adventurous, since i was solo and don't have a wet suit yet. after about 2 hours of fighting the ocean, only a few bites, and i kept on drifting into a (school?) of jelly fish- so i came in.

Paul