BIG bite off Santa Cruz Sunday

I met up with Allen B. and a nice couple from Sacramento and zipped out to the mile marker.   Using squid as bait, drifting WSW with the current.

I wasn't too excited about fishing, this was a run to confirm the new sonar transponder mount and general seaworthyness...  I've messed a bit with my boat during the colder months and wanted to try the big salty without any expectations.  Anyway, the boat worked beautifully and my new sonar gives a great view down and on the sidescans.

I saw a number of bait balls while drifting (FYI, squid boats were in the same area last night around 11:00 PM when I checked from the lighthouse).  I kept with the drifting and crossed my fingers.  Time constraints only gave me two hours on the water.

I managed to get a hookup that went something like this:

1) OH MY GOD it's the biggest fish ever ever ever.  (The same adrenal reaction I get when I catch bluegill...  nothing to do with the fish itself)

2) Darn, what a tiny little fish... almost no pull.  Time to reel it in.

3) Fish gets near surface and it's OH MY GOD WHAT A HUGE FISH.  Must be a halibut that has been sitting lazy, right?

4) Then I see the sealion surface nearby -- chewing.  It probably WAS a small fish but the sealion gave me an awful tug.

5) Sealion ATTACKS my kayak.  Really.  Several times.  Thumps from the bottom of the boat and the occasional scrape.  It makes angry noises.  It tries to jump up on the kayak but I'm hollering and swinging my pole like a club and it finally chooses to swim off.

So anyway, I nearly made my wetsuit wet.  Only hookup of the day was stolen.  I have bite marks on my boat around one of the scupper holes.

Any hints on how to patch major toothmarks in rotomolded hulls?

MAN THAT SUCKS!   I'm glad we don't have that problem in the Bay.

Where's the Great White Shark when you need 'em  

Glad you made it back OK at the end  

I used to have sealions bark at me while surfing a lot. IIRC this time of year is mating season so they get rather aggresive. Maybe the sealion was attracted to you   ?

Glad you made it out ok though. Those guys can be vicous.

Maybe he wanted more fish.

The sea otters near the kelp will also readily board you looking for a handout.

-Allen

I used to have sealions bark at me while surfing a lot

.

Just like how I bark at you when you ram into me everytime we paddle next to each other    

Very funny post. I once had a male sea lion charge right at me as I was just gaffing a yellowtail. I lifted the fish just before this massive animal glided only a few inches under the yak. I nearly soiled myself.

Heres how you fix those holes - get a sodering iron and some extra kayak fiberglass material. Call the company who made your kayak, they should be able to send you some scrapes. Then melt the materail in small chunks at a time. Melt 3 plus times to build up the missing fiberglass. Its pretty easy.

Good luck, Adam

I used to have sealions bark at me while surfing a lot

.

Just like how I bark at you when you ram into me everytime we paddle next to each other    

Maybe he's just attracted to you Joel

It's precisely that reason I don't surf!  I like being ON top of the food chain, not part of it!     I am glad to hear you wern't  tipped over.