My pix from a GS11 Newbie

Here are a few of my pix from GS11.   

Up until this year my gig as a professor always conflicted with the GS schedule because of commencement ceremonies, so this was my first time. It was an outstanding experience, one I intend to repeat, now that I’m somewhat retired. Here’s how I described it to my non-kayaking friends and family.  “It’s like an outdoor music festival for kayak anglers, without the music, unless you count the Friday night karaoke.” 

Here's a few pix from a GS newbie -



Friday morning on the road in Fortuna, bound for Shelter Cove.  (cue the Willie Nelson)








We pulled up to our camping spot and found we were next to the Kingstroms! -- Sarah rocks it showing her Friday morning catch!









Here's my team mate / camping buddy / great friend, Scott Harrison.  We're about to launch around 11:30 on Friday morning.  I really owe him so much - Basically Scott took care of me. (Of course I need constant supervision.) Thanks Scott — I have no words but deepest “thank you!” I so appreciate everything you did. It was an awesome four days.









Right off the bat on Friday I caught this 23" ling.  "Oh I can catch a bigger one than that!"  (Dave mistakenly thought.) So I released this legal blue ling. -- turns out it was the ONLY fish I caught on Friday.   








Scott caught and released several short lings on Friday but we opted to stay in close, given the wind and the swell.  And apparently that was to be the "calm" day.   









Here's a shot of the campground -- check out the flag.  The fan was blowing by Friday afternoon after we got off the water.








And here's a shot looking out over the water from the top of the hill.










Day of the tournament -- right of the bat I catch this BIG red tailed perch.  It hit a CC herring! -- And thinking the same thing, "Of course I will catch another bigger fish" ... I released it.  Yep -- the kiss of death.  I didn't catch another fish that day.  .  serves me right.   










Because conditions were rather "sporty" we chose to keep it in close and as the day progressed more came in closer to join us.









At about 1:00 we got off the water.  I'd promised Brandi I'd help with Gyotaku fish painting.  We saw others getting off as well. 









Jeremy walking their dog on the beach - checking out how folks have done.








I didn't really have time to take any photos while helping with Gyotaku -- but I spent a great and rewarding afternoon there.  Then I went up for the tacos / pot-luck / awards ceremony and hung out with friends like my good buddy, Byron.




Sunday was a skunkity mcSkunk day for me, but not so for Scott. He got this nice legal ling to take home.  I did see two whales but by the time I whipped out the camera -- no credible photo -- so cool experience, but no proof. 








And then there was THE FOOD! -- Here's a Sunday night meal with Doug, Byron, Greg, Scott, and -- well whoever else showed up.  Pictured here -- rabbit, Brussel's Sprouts, oysters, and (not pictured here) fried abalone.








On Sunday night there was a memorial (not part of GS 11) for a beloved member of the community who was murdered.  Lots of folks from Shelter Cove turned out and they had a bonfire on the beach along with some fireworks.  It was a moment of solemnity for this community member who was tragically lost to senseless violence.






We were camped next to Frank "Ghost" Nunes and I admired his DIY solution for rod holders.  I am especially pressed for space for such on my little Hobie sport so I took a snapshot, with his permission.  (Thanks!)








Monday was quite foggy when we awoke but it cleared enough for us to get out one last time. 








We were able to get out a little further than the previous days for a time, and I caught (and release, of course) and four short lings.  (This was the smallest !! ))









And winner-winner fish-for-dinner ... I got a decent 19" black that I did take home for dinner.







Turn out the lights -- the party's over.  Empty campground, but I will return. 


It was great to meet so many folks in person that I formerly only knew online. Kudos to Eric for pulling off such great event. There are no words other than — deepest respect and thank you.  I should give a special shout out to Brandi for organizing the Gyotaku fish printing for (mostly) the kids. I helped with that and it was such a rewarding and fun thing to do! Thanks, Brandi.    Finally a thanks to the all good friends with whom we fished, broke bread and shared stories.

My take away from the experience?

 — The NorCal Kayak Fishing Community is awesome and …

 — I’m gonna need a bigger boat.

Great report, David.  I'm really glad you were able to be at GS11.