Blind Squirrel finds a nut

[taggermike]

After 40 years fishing in So Cal, 14 from the kayak, I finally caught a legal WSB. The ocean owes you nothing but I can't help feeling that I was due. After kid stuff and honey-do's I launched Thursday at 10:30. Worked hard to make bait and managed 1 spanish for my efforts. Headed around in front of the condo just outside the kelp edge. I dropped my one mack back on 65lb PP with 40lb fluoro leader and started moving south. Got picked up, set the hook, and the fish headed off near the surface on a hard run. Not a YT with the surface run. Then it stops running and starts with big head shakes, then takes off again. Maybe foul hook T-shark? 2 runs and many shakes and the fish comes right up. It circles in to view from under the yak and I'm embarrassed to say that it took me a couple seconds to recognize what it is. I've seen millions of WSB, seriously, but it's high noon, bright sun, super clear water, and I'm out side the kelp. Just not thinking WSB. My new golf club handle gaff got a fine first use. Bled and into the hatch and headed for home. No wieght (guess maybe 40lbs) and only one lame on the cutting board foto. Hopefully I won't go 40 years befor the next one. Mike

[taggermike]

Yes, my daughter loves fish.

[yakman619]

Congrats man; I'm still waiting for the day that I tag something bigger than a rock fish from my yak.

[FARRIER]

Sweet man I am still chasing my first WSB keeper. I've let go a few dinks. Stoked for you!

[steveooo]

Nice! I like that you mixed up the variety, all these YT reports are getting lame :cool: Congrats :cheers1:

[bus kid]

Nice, congrats. :cheers1:

[BlueDeep]

Grats on getting that one checked off the list :you_rock:

[GregAndrew]

Yes, my daughter loves fish.

Classic photo. Nice fish!

[bigbarrels]

congrats:luxhello:

[blitzburgh]

Way to go!!!!!!

[lamb]

Nice, congrats!!!

Sweet to see a bigger Cbass!

All I am getting an opportunity to see this year in LJ are smaller ones... :confused:

Also - everyone please remember, Hubbs/Seaworld will still be stoked to get your White Seabass head for potential tag recovery/their research. It seems like they're having their funding squeezed; it looks like they no longer can afford a full time person for the WSB program (my VMs went unanswered). You can drop your head(s) with the guys at Dana Point Landing market - note the length and weight of the fish, when and where you caught it (depth); they need that data.

http://www.hswri.org/media/White_Seabass_Handout_2b.pdf

[yani]

congrats!!! it's funny when you're expecting one thing,
and up pops another!!

Nice Fish.

[Gigafish]

Nice trophy of a fish. Congrats.

[theluckypig]

:cheers1:

[StinkyMatt]

Way to go Mike!


You got to get a photo of a moment like that! All that time....finally!

:cheers1::cheers1:

[walrus]

Congrats, I hear the longer you wait the better it is.

I hope that's true because I'm still waiting.

[sterling]

Hey Mike, That's AWESOME! I'm very stoked for you.

[Pocoloco]

Nice fish:luxhello:Good report

[kobra]

Congrats on a nice fish Mike.