Rare species sighted in Santa Cruz

Went down to the harbor this morning for supplies.  While there, I THINK I sighted one of the more rare marine mammals for our specific area.

It looked like a Northern Mooch by  Bayside Marine, but I might have been mistaken.  The (presumed) Mooch demonstrarted a definite  tarpon 160 (hatches) and an X-Factor on top.  The species of Northern Mooch I am most familiar with typically displays a prowler 15  as part of its plumage....so I'm not sure..........

Sorry I did not have my digital camera with me for pix and ID from some of our more diligent Mooch watchers on the board.

Still puzzled,


Allen

 

Allen-

That's a rare sight indeed. However, I believe that the Northern Mooch sporting the Tarpon plumage will start to be a more common sight on the waters of NorCal.

Tight lines,

Freddie

What's the bag limit on those?

What a rare sighting! You can generally ID the Northern Mooch by the backwards surf landings  although I'm not so sure they will work in a T-160!

Janice aka "Big J"

It may be possible to lure the Northern Mooch in closer for a photo op with a well placed 4x4.

the best way to find a northern mooch is at night. just follow the loud snoring

did it look like this

It looked like a Northern Mooch

I think you must be mistaken without a picture I can't be sure but since you spotted it in Monterry Bay it must be a Southern Mooch. Northern Mooches never live South of the Golden Gate. Then again Southern Mooches are an endangered species do to lack of breeding.

What's the bag limit on those?

A large lumbering mammal, often mistakenly identified for an elephant seal, the Northern Mooch should always be released unharmed.  Favorite baits include chicken mcnuggets, In-N-Out burgers, & L&L plate lunches.   

The Northern Mooch was recently placed on the endangered list as its voracious appetite and weakness for shiny objects makes it too easy a target.    

As a result of its new endangered status, an extensive tag & release program has been implemented.  Volunteers who wish to assist, please quietly approach the gentle beast & place a tracking code (K1ck_M3!) on its back.  Both tape and Gamakatsu hooks are proven to be successful tagging implements.   

  you guys are killing me 

I've seen one of those before!  They are most identifiable by their loud shriek's while attacking their prey.  Sometimes, the northern mooch is so colorful that the female species is intimidated and will not want to mate.  Therefore, the northern mooch passes the female eggs with no interest.... just intent with the hunt of many species of oceanic prey and fame and glory.  The northern mooch, a most fascinating species...

....just remember that the Northen Mooch is very friendly and approachable despite it's unique appearance - notably wearing an apron that says "kiss the chef" on it......or a black t-shirt with the word "HOOTERS" in front...The Nor Cal Mooch is a very social mammal and enjoys the company of others....especially when it runs out of bait, food, and soda's of any flavor.....beer is often offered by others but is turned down before they can even finish the offering....spam musubi is usually the best way to calm it down when certain hunger arises ......

....As far the Southern specie of the mooch....we don't really know much about it ...yet...very elusive as far as we know but maybe a "4x4" burger form "In and Out" may just coax this mysterious creature out from the depths....

stay tuned for more "mooch" sightings... (Star Trek theme....)

Although mostly a social creature the Mooch does have defense mechanisms in addition to the nighttime nasal war cry. He's prone to blasting sprays of windshield wiper fluid past his windshield onto yours while traveling at highway speeds.


 

He's prone to blasting sprays of windshield wiper fluid past his windshield onto yours while traveling at highway speeds.

Art.....you know me too well  Besides, I only do this to drivers who don't deserve to be driving 

for example:

1) women driving while putting their make-up on...
2) men "electric shaving" while driving...
3) turds on the cell phone while driving SLOW on the FAST lane 

and the worst kind.....
4) morons driving while reading the newspaper 

...think I need a nap