A little Northern Hospitality

I have been swapping emails for a while with Paul Lebowitz (aka PAL from KFASC) about a trip to Nor Cal.  Paul was going to be attending a conference in the area and wanted to see what it was like in our neck of the woods.  We had considered mendo, or maybe ab diving, but it all depended on the conditions.  I was hoping things would work out so I could send a little Nor Cal hospitality his way.  I REALLY appreciate all of his work to help keep our favorite launches open.

As I watched the lake and the bouys simultaneously this week I realized that PAL has seriously good karma...the ocean was laying down and the lake was turning on. A perfect storm was in the making.

PAL showed up at the house on Friday afternoon after an ugly experience with Marin and Sonoma traffic.  We rigged up his rods and by 530 we were on the lake.  We trolled the bouy line and then moved over to Crappie Cove were I had heard they were going off at night.  About 600 I was scanning the horizon and I see a bust off in the distance.  Then about 100 yards in front of us a big boil with several hundred fish broke loose.  PAL appeared suprised and delighted to see such an insane frenzy in fresh water.  

PAL was first to launch topwater and was on immediately.  Chris got near the boil and his bait rod went off before he could cast.  I started casting but also had my bait rod slammed...TRIPLE.  Unfortunately the tiny treble on PALs kastmaster wasn't up to striper duty and his fish came unbuttoned after a few strong runs.  PAL tried the kastmaster again...hook up number 2...but again the kastmaster could not hold the fish.  While me and Chris battled our fish, PAL switched rods and chased the fish down again.  PAL got slammed again, but right at the boat.  I could hear his drag zinging as line flew, and then one big surge later...snap. Another one gone for PAL.    Me and Chris finally got our fish to the boat.  Both were nice, but as always, Jr. had the slob of the pair...



Darkness started to creep in, as fish continued to go nuts.  PAL was visibly bummed that he had three opportunities go sour.  We began to troll back to the launch.  We had to get before we would get locked in. We spied a boil on the way to the but before we got there PALs bait rod went bendo.  Finally, PAL was able catch his first striper.  Success!



After a delicous home cooked meal (thanks for being so patient Leah!) we began scheming about ab diving in the morning.  PAL was prepared with a new prescription mask, but was feeling uneasy due to the numerous "last farewells" he had recieved after telling folks in So Cal he was planning on diving the north coast.  I assured him that with the negative tide and the flat seas he would get an ab and live to talk about it.  PAL was excited because ab diving has been closed in So Cal for ages, something we take for granted.  We left for the coast at 0800, and once to the coast I could immediately see it was all good...greasy!

We paddled out to a little honey hole of mine and anchored in 8 feet of water.  Abs were visible from the surface.  PAL had the normal jitters of a first-timer, but after taking a few short attempts and settling down we got to work.  With minutes PAL had his first ab.  Meanwhile Jr. was diving with my good friend RB and working on his first ab limit. After a while we all had 4 nice limits of abs.

Chis on his new surf boat with his first limit...


PAL with some of his his first snails...



While Chris and PAL played in the dinky surf,  me, RB and Leah prepared some of the abs on the beach.  After a fresh ab lunch it was time for PAL to head off to his conference.  PAL left well-fed and tired.  Hopefully PAL was able to see that while Nor Cal is different, we all share the same passion.

Sean... you and your family know how to treat your guests right.

Thanks Chuck.  Paul was a delightful, modest, and interesting guest.  He is welcome back in our home anytime.

Hey Sean, nice pics. Jen and I had planned to come up this weekend but she got whacked last weekend at a stop light. She's a little stiff but okay but our yak mobile is in the shop. Even as I write this, I think the swell is 3.5' over 12 seconds and warm. I am glad somebody got to enjoy the swimming pool conditions, specially a firstimer(Congrates to Pal!). Looks like by Friday the swell is coming back. I noticed you used a fish stringer on the Chris's Abs(Congrates on the first limit!), I might have to steal that idea(if only I could get uni on a stringer too!) Well, gone to Santa Barbara to see some AVP this weekend, but might be coming up with at least two others on a day raid for Memorial day. We'll probably hit Fort Ross (hopefully we'll have the yak mobile back by then). I am trying to get Joel up there as well, but we'll see. I still can't wait to go diving with you in Mendo, hopefully before July. Until then, dive safe and keep the pics coming! -Lee

Lee- Abs on a fish clip are pretty common, but sometimes they won't go on if the holes in the shell are too small.  Lots of uni where we dive, never tried it.  The weather was super nice, and the viz was great, perfect for beginers.  Hope to dive with you soon too.  Bummer about the car, we just got our van out of the shop...BTDT!

Keep up the good work Mayor Sean = you give us (Norcal) a good name  

we just got our van out of the shop

Sean, would that be the famous "Man Van"?  

Joel-Sadly the man van is long gone, I use our Mazda MPV for pulling the yak trailer.

Sean, thanks so much for showing me your beautiful part of Northern California. I had a terrific time - it was hard to drag myself away to my conference after such a great time. Please give my regards to Leah, she is a wonderful hostess.

That boy of yours, Chris, is some hot stick. For those who don't know him, this 11 year old hooked, fought, landed, and bled that 10-lb striper all on his own. I'll post the pic later - rated PG, for blood and gore. Me, I just pull too hard for freshwater fish.  I'm slow, but I learned. The last fish I fought basically on freespool.

I never once worried about sharks while in the water. Ah, the comedians down here. Every fool who heard I was going ab diving had to shake my hand and wish me farewell. See you on the other side, bro. Can I have your fishing stuff? It was different, but I was really into it by the end of our dive time. I can't wait to go again. Here again Chris excelled. That boy will go far. Nice job, dad.

Thanks again Sean. Like I said, look me up if you get the chance to head down south.

PL

Anytime Paul, had a great time.