Limekiln 7/31 - Wide Open Rockfish

After one of the longest running hookup posts, it was only SF Alex and I who made it. Launched around 7 AM and headed out to one of Chef's spots. Hooked a big vermillion on a green thrasher on the first drop in 80 FOW. Had trouble setting up the drift due to the changing winds but eventually dialed in the drift and the bite was wide open. No legal lings but some real quality fish including the largest copper I  have ever seen. Looked like a rooster fish with 6 inch dorsal spines. Took a beating getting it on the game clip. We headed in at 945 after catching enough fish for dinner. I haven't been to that spot since Chef passed away. Couldn't help but think he was up there smiling. Seals and whales were particularly friendly. Pics  to follow next week.

Scott

Nice How was the launching and Landing?

Nice How was the launching and Landing?

Joel

I made it out fine. On the landing I dismounted before being hit by a trailer wave. My yak was pushed up the beach and flipped once with no equipment loss. Much better than my last trip to Limekiln. Alex had a tough launch and an easy landing. I will let him tell the story. Limekiln is deceptive and seems to take equipment on a regular basis.

scott

Limekiln is deceptive and seems to take equipment on a regular basis.

Scott, that won't matter anymore....once you get your new Trident Have you heard from Kayak Connection yet?

I've got a campsite booked for the last week of this month.Hopefully the weather and the big lings and reds cooperate.

Yes, a tough launch indeed...and the worst of my kayak fishing career.

To sum it up, I got trashed in shallow water and lost everything. If it weren't for Scott lending me some gear, I would not have fished at all.

Less than 24 hours previous, I swiftly glided off the same beach - same conditions. This launch was a bit different. The kayak flipped over just enough times to empty everything from the deck, little of which I was able to recover. It was early for a swim, and a bit embarassing.

The disaster turned into a great morning on the water. The fishing was incredible and Sur was beautiful as always. Thanks again Scott for the gear and the IPA

 

nice stringer!  WTG guys!!!
but sorry to hear about your lost...

Don't feel bad. Limekiln has a way of imposing a toll. I've seen video of an unfortunate who messed up his launch so bad, he ended up with a dislocation when the kayak slammed him repeatedly. Any launch or landing you can walk away from is a good one. 

Nice haul!

The first time I fished LK, the landing took me by surprise.  Since the beach is so steep, I jumped out, thinking I was going to hit ground, only to go into the drink up to my waist and getting slammed by the next wave.  It really helps to land in front of a buddy who can yank you out of the wash.

Nice fishing guys. Really good stringer there Scott. Quality fish indeed.
It'll be a couple of weeks before I get a chance to go there.

Thanks for the great report and pics guys! Looks like you 2 had a lot of fun down there and caught some nice fish!

Yeah, that beach is pretty tricky. It looks easy enough but it can be quite deceptive. Very typical of steep sandy beaches that are enclosed by rocks. When launching, it is very helpful to have somebody give you a push from behind. And when landing, it definitely helps to have someone on shore to grab the nose of your yak…or help recover items when you roll. Try to sit as far back in your yak as possible when landing on steep beaches; sometimes, I even scoot all the way back to where I'm sitting on the ridge between the seat and tankwell. Then just use your paddle to control the bow  and keep it straight by dipping it in the water.

Although, sometimes it is just unavoidable. Everybody gets wet eventually. Just gotta keep cool. Sounds like you guys totally kept cool and still had a good time despite losing some gear. Well done, Alex!

PK

Way to keep a cool head and get out there to do some fishing despite loosing your gear. Glad a it was a productive day for you guys.

FF

Like I said in my post- I should have gone north.  When driving up the coast by Cambria, you figure you can get in there or drive another 45 to 60 minutes.  The pics of your stringer speak for themselves. 

Joel - Talked to Kayak Connection about the Trident and they told me 11/07. I am not in a hurry since I am still bonding with my P15 and don't have the cash flow to pimp it because of the Islander trip.

Alex - Good fishing and tailgating with you over the IPA. Was serious about building the Calstar rod for you. Even my wife agrees that you deserve it after the LK thrashing. PM me if you are interested. After 5 days of fishing the rod, I will have to say it is really sweet and very versatile.

Andy - Left Cambria at 445 and was ready to launch at 615. Definitely worth the drive because of the number of hookups but I did fish Cambria Rock the next day and caught a Vermillion as big as any I caught at LK. You guys are lucky to live on the central coast.

scott

Don't feel bad. Limekiln has a way of imposing a toll. I've seen video of an unfortunate who messed up his launch so bad, he ended up with a dislocation when the kayak slammed him repeatedly. Any launch or landing you can walk away from is a good one. 

No shit! Ive lost evrything more than once, am getting real good at the sideways surfing method, almost got slammed by my yak, but have walked away laughing every time. Except for loosing all my gear.
One time was more than a little scary, at Muir with two crab rings and a lot of rope that I thought was nice and neat. So when the big wave hit me from behind, it rolled me and the yak, wraped me up in the rope and rings, the water was only a foot or two so it was fine but if it were 10 feet deep... The tourists got a kick out of it.
Oh, and nice stringers!!!