3rd times the charm

[h-james]

I launched at 5:30, in the dark, at LaJolla on Aug. 3rd. As usual, I unleashed my paddle as a launched so as not create a hazard in the vent of a flip. I get out a little wet, but intact. I do not, however, put my leash back on my paddle.

Anywhoo....I meet up with SDfishin..Alex right after launching. And since he is the veteran, and one hell of a nice guy, he lets the new guy tag along with him.
Make a few spanish macs at the kelp line and begin to cover some distance in search of some fish.
At 10:30 the sun burns thru the clouds, and my reel starts, "ZZZ....ZZZZZZZZZZZZ!" And just like that I am fish on. Forgot my gaff, so I have to thank Alex for the gaff.

In the middle of the short fight with the fish, I was so stoked about the fish and the post-gaff elation of having actually caught a yellow that didn't notice that I lost my Hobie paddle over the side of my PA14. Bummer!

This made for poor control during my landing, and I got dumped. I saw that one coming, and stowed my gear beforehand. Only lost my Oakley polarized glasses that I was wearing.

This was my first yellowtail off the yak, and I consider it a small price to pay to the sea for the chance to have caught this beauty.

Thanks again, Alex. When you can, can you forward me the on-the-water pic, please.

And If anyone comes across a Hobie paddle, it might be mine!:)

Tight lines,
James

[Geno Machino]

Congrats on your first :yt:!

The yaker community seems to be one tight-knit helpful group!

WTG!

Geno

[FISH11]

Congrats on your first. It will be the one you remember best and will taste the sweetest.

[Matt_Magnone]

Awesome dude!

[Rav3n805]

Congratulations! Don't the paddles float?

[Dannowar]

I had a pa for years and never touched the paddle. It's a crutch. Use the mirage drive. Nice fish.

[eekamouse463]

Haha I was there heading out that day. That's my blue hobie in the back ground . Congrats btw!:reel::reel:

[svendawg]

I had a pa for years and never touched the paddle. It's a crutch. Use the mirage drive. Nice fish.

That being said, one should never be on a Hobie mirage drive kayak without a complete paddle. The mirage drive is pretty reliable, but they do fail

[HobieScot]

Congrats on the nice tail!

[addicted2sp33d]

:cheers1:

[kayakfisherman]

wow, James

What a great story. Congrats on your first fish!! I'm
sure that memory will be with for a long time.

Glad you hooked up with Alex, a true gentleman.

[DanaPT]

great story. sorry about the equipment, im sure not the last thing you'll lose.

[surfisher]

Nice yellow! Alex is the man! Fun dude to fish with for sure! :cheers1:

[captnblood34]

Wait Hobies have paddles?:confused::confused::confused::confused:

[TJones]

That being said, one should never be on a Hobie mirage drive kayak without a complete paddle. The mirage drive is pretty reliable, but they do fail

Replace it with a good paddle . Worse case senerio on a pa is the mirage drive fails . And then your putting your money on a stock hobie paddle to get you home . :paddleersmilie:. It will let you down . Congrats on fish .

[sdfishin..alex]

Hey buddy congrats again on the fish was nice fishing with you..if you could pm me your number so I could send you the pics