iethinker
10-07-2013, 06:34 PM
This is a fishing report for Solana Kelp on 10/6/13
The greylight morning was exceptionally cool but nevertheless I launched to the surf at just as the sunrise broke the horizon. As I thought I was clear of the small breakers some bigger sets came in and I found myself peddling full speed to push over the next few waves. I guess that's why the surfers were so much further out. This is when it happened....
A surfer also noticing the nice waves launched and accelerated straight towards me. Within a few feet of collision he aborted and wound-up under the Kayak. I stopped and he surfaced. We gave the mutual "sorry dude" and chatted a bit. Apparently I was straight in the reflection of the rising sun and completely invisible to the surfer. The other surfers in the area all seemed to have a good laugh at this event.
The fishing was mediocre compared to prior times here. The bait of choice (Pacific Greenback Mackerel) were not to be found for many hours. I caught one Jack Mackerel and one Jack Smelt and used this to get things started. Good thing I brought some squid and previously frozen Jack Smelt as well.
The main catch consisted of Calico Bass, Sand Bass including another 17-incher and a red-colored smoothed out Bass-like version of a Sculpin. At least I think it's a Sculpin. Here are two pictures of this Sculpin like fish. If I am wrong on the species then please advise. (He was more red than shows in the photo)
Sculpin #1?
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/mmillhiser/IMAG0198_zps7342e357.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/mmillhiser/media/IMAG0198_zps7342e357.jpg.html)
Sculpin #2?
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/mmillhiser/IMAG0199_zpsa464ceab.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/mmillhiser/media/IMAG0199_zpsa464ceab.jpg.html)
Throughout the day it was apparent the hoards of commercial lobster boats were cutting a lot of kelp from their traps. The cut strands were drifting everywhere. My kayak being anchored to a kelp strand became an island of cut strands several times over. Wind was very light and the water was almost glassy for most of the day.
The greylight morning was exceptionally cool but nevertheless I launched to the surf at just as the sunrise broke the horizon. As I thought I was clear of the small breakers some bigger sets came in and I found myself peddling full speed to push over the next few waves. I guess that's why the surfers were so much further out. This is when it happened....
A surfer also noticing the nice waves launched and accelerated straight towards me. Within a few feet of collision he aborted and wound-up under the Kayak. I stopped and he surfaced. We gave the mutual "sorry dude" and chatted a bit. Apparently I was straight in the reflection of the rising sun and completely invisible to the surfer. The other surfers in the area all seemed to have a good laugh at this event.
The fishing was mediocre compared to prior times here. The bait of choice (Pacific Greenback Mackerel) were not to be found for many hours. I caught one Jack Mackerel and one Jack Smelt and used this to get things started. Good thing I brought some squid and previously frozen Jack Smelt as well.
The main catch consisted of Calico Bass, Sand Bass including another 17-incher and a red-colored smoothed out Bass-like version of a Sculpin. At least I think it's a Sculpin. Here are two pictures of this Sculpin like fish. If I am wrong on the species then please advise. (He was more red than shows in the photo)
Sculpin #1?
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/mmillhiser/IMAG0198_zps7342e357.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/mmillhiser/media/IMAG0198_zps7342e357.jpg.html)
Sculpin #2?
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/mmillhiser/IMAG0199_zpsa464ceab.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/mmillhiser/media/IMAG0199_zpsa464ceab.jpg.html)
Throughout the day it was apparent the hoards of commercial lobster boats were cutting a lot of kelp from their traps. The cut strands were drifting everywhere. My kayak being anchored to a kelp strand became an island of cut strands several times over. Wind was very light and the water was almost glassy for most of the day.