Giving the Yellowtail a rest.......

[THE DARKHORSE]

After seeing a Dorado that was caught last week ( with my own two eyes) well within kayak range, I thought I would go have a look. My original plan was to take out the Hobie Adventure Island, the full sailing model, complete with two outriggers. Coming up on my departure time, I had second thoughts. My main concern was to accurately pinpoint my range, before getting in over my head. I tried to figure out the worst case scenario, and prepare myself to overcome the challenges. When I fish I can get focused to a fault ( Fishing induced ADDlol), and can become my own worst enemy. The thought of chasing a porp school with breaking fish till dark, and leaving myself stranded 25 miles offshore ran through my mind. With the possibility of an afternoon glass off, I decided to simply pedal, and not take out the full sailing model. This would give me a better idea of my true range, without the aid of a sail, and better prepare me for the worst case scenario.

I recently had a helping hand in putting a fellow kayak angler (Smokey) on his first Yellowtail, and an hour later his second (afternoon bite).
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/062_1_.JPG

He was pretty pumped (remember your first?), and since then you can see the fire in his eyes. While doing his first happy pedal back to the launch we spoke a little about offshore fishing from a kayak. He told me to keep him in mind if I ever find myself without a partner, and one week later I gave him a call. We planned to launch from the south mission jetty at 4:00a.m., buy sardines, and head 20 miles straight off the jetty, in search of exotics. His voice took a slightly higher tone when he repeated back to me "20 miles" ? :eek:

Nine miles off the jetty the bottom drops out to 1,500' and the water has a good 40' of vis. We are searching for that paddy holding fish, maybe even one with birds. After keeping a good pace, for close to six hours, we are 17.5 miles off the tip of the mission jetty. Not one group of birds, breaking fish, free swimmers, or a decent paddy to show. Plenty of smaller paddies holding tons of micro-bait, but no proper signs. We decide to troll a couple of the horse sardines to atleast make it seem like a fishing trip.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/002_1_00.JPG
Notice La Jolla on the left, and Point loma on the right, with mission beach disappearing with every mile. (mid sleigh ride)

My first sardine is slammed within ten seconds of running in free-spool, and I was excited for a minute. The fish ripped drag straight down, but the sharky feeling became more and more pronounced. Soon after I have a 80lb Blue Shark, all lit up with purple hues below the kayak, beautiful. After donating a pack of Owner ringed hooks, the beauty faded, and bait conservation kicked in. I decided to save the bait for our shot, a paddy, birds, breaking fish, something. We came across a few pods of whales, Rissos, and acres of porps, but never found a paddy that was holding. Around 1:30 p.m we started to do the math, and had concerns of making it back by dark. We were fortunate, that the current had taken us on a northwest track, heading toward La Jolla, and had a good west wind at our back. The trip home was much faster, and I kept my eyes open the whole way. Hoping we would maybe find something closer to home, but no luck.

Back at the launch, even without a fish to show, it was hard to keep from pounding my chest like Tarzan. Our pedal range was bigger than I thought, and I still had plenty in the tank for more. The most humbling part of the experience, wasn't the giant whales, or the fading land in the distance, it was the fact that a 56 year old kayak newbie (fresh off his first Yellowtail) kept up with me (my new hero).

[steamroll]

Insane! That is a long trip!! :paddleersmilie::paddleersmilie:

[linghunter]

Sounds like some trip! (even for a Hobie) You guy's will get them next time.

Paul

[esdees]

Another nature trip, oh well. Are you going to try the sail next time?

[kurt]

Same results I had on Sunday. Those blue sharks do put up a decent battle. Good effort. Try dragging a bait tube for makos!

[deeberdave]

You guys are surely supermen! Sounds like a good time,testing the limits
and then beyond. Thanks for the post.:notworthy::notworthy::luxhello::luxhello:

[Zed]

Don't call 'em whale tours or you'll have to pay a fee at the launch.

[yaky yak]

Darkhorse, I am impressed. I am thinking of a long paddle to the 14 mile bank. Your paddle(or peddle) was vary inspirational. A friend and I last Tue. Paddled out 6 miles from Dana(15 miles over all)in search of exotics that had been sighted as close as 3 miles for not. I am interested in how your sail works out. I was thinking of getting one to take some pressure off my shoulders. Your my new idol.

[peguinpower]

I'm totally impressed. If you got out 17.5 miles one way, then a Catalina crossing would be no prob. Great adventure! /bing

[THE DARKHORSE]

Don't call 'em whale tours or you'll have to pay a fee at the launch.


lollollol Sad, but true.

I'm thinking of starting an "instant fisherman" (as seen on T.V.) guide service. I could have a full set of eight "Instant Fisherman" rod and reel pop ups, Just "let's(click 1) go(click 2) fish(click 3)" :cool: (two payments of $19.95, includes waterproof fishing tips :rolleyes:) in one backpack, and save $500 a month. Probably the fishing rod of choice, when the MLPA is finished butchering the coast.

[THE DARKHORSE]

I'm totally impressed. If you got out 17.5 miles one way, then a Catalina crossing would be no prob. Great adventure! /bing

I know a guy that did it on a Hobie, and I thought he was crazy. After my trip on monday, I think it would be a piece of cake, really. The wind was up at 4:00 a.m out of the west, with a crossed up swell, and we made great time, even with the conditions.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Another nature trip, oh well. Are you going to try the sail next time?

I was pretty excited about the sail, until I saw the "true range" with the simple Mirage Drive system. I know the pedal system is cake for cruising around La Jolla (almost no effort), but I wasn't sure about serious coverage. We never pushed it, just a steady pace, and I never even broke a sweat (cloudy weather). We checked the gps occasionaly, just to giggle a bit. I honestly think with some ambition, or a good sign of life, 40+ miles is not only possible, but my goal for the next trip (baby steps).

With out a doubt, the sail would come in handy, especially for the ride home. With proper wind conditions, you could easily double your range, and pull a spread of jigs at proper speed. In this case though, I have way more interest in the "unassisted fish" ,and my goal is a Tuna before summer is over.

[peguinpower]

I was pretty excited about the sail, until I saw the "true range" with the simple Mirage Drive system.

I bought a touring like kayak to get the range. But after seeing your report, I am going to revisit my Revo and see how far I can go with it.

thanks!

[Dan W.]

Best of luck, I'd love to see you do it! With that range and conditions going the way they are I have no doubts you'll pull it off.

[rastrev]

Good try Josh, maybe next time. :kayak-surfer:

[Iceman]

Definitely gotta go the minute you hear it is on, in close. Too unstable. That is a helluva peddle. I paddled out 6 miles off Newport yesterday solo. Pretty lifeless. Couple paddies at 3 and 4 miles. Boats were going much further west. None stopping long within eyeball of me. I trolled a swimbait the first couple miles, then slow trolled a pair of dines, hoping for a breezer between paddies.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/IMG_0968.JPG

[THE DARKHORSE]

Good information is priceless when it comes to man powered trips. I was considering lanching out of Newport, as I feel most of the life has moved up the line, so thanks for the look. I'm watching the strong onshore flow with ample cloud cover of the past couple days, and expecting a slight drop in water temps, but optamistic that some new paddies will slide into range. When the next push of life (if there is one) swings in, I will drop what I'm doing and go (damn squid bites :D).

[reddog]

you da man:adore::adore::adore::adore::adore::adore::ador e::adore::adore::adore:

[Dan]

Nice work guys. I heard of two Mahimahi's taken by kayak yesterday straight off Cbad powerplant about 4 miles.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Nice work guys. I heard of two Mahimahi's taken by kayak yesterday straight off Cbad powerplant about 4 miles.

:luxhello: Dan, I really appreciate it, especially info coming from a kayak angler. I bet they were stoked, dorito-bull status is an awesome trophy from the plastic fleet.

I now have a couple green pins on the map off Carlsbad, so thanks. My little map with pins of success from the last week looks ridiculous, it looks like I'm playing the game "Risk" by myself, it's war.

[forefrazier]

Good information is priceless when it comes to man powered trips. I was considering lanching out of Newport, as I feel most of the life has moved up the line, so thanks for the look. I'm watching the strong onshore flow with ample cloud cover of the past couple days, and expecting a slight drop in water temps, but optamistic that some new paddies will slide into range. When the next push of life (if there is one) swings in, I will drop what I'm doing and go (damn squid bites :D).

First of all...VERY IMPRESSIVE work to get out that far and still feel like you had more in the tank.

Second, for me personally after seeing the dodo size out of NPH half way to CAT yesterday on a 3/4 day trip, I would pass. Exotics are cool..but 20-30 mi. of paddling/pedaling just to say you caught a 3-5lb dorito off a paddy is not for me. By the way, lots of schools yesterday but not much biting. Finding the right paddy in a PB is one thing...... having to "paddy hop" in a yak to find the biters after it took you 6 hours to get there...PRICELESS!

Good luck and be safe.

[THE DARKHORSE]

QUOTE BY: FOREFRAZIER
for me personally after seeing the dodo size out of NPH half way to CAT yesterday on a 3/4 day trip, I would pass. Exotics are cool..but 20-30 mi. of paddling/pedaling just to say you caught a 3-5lb dorito off a paddy is not for me. By the way, lots of schools yesterday but not much biting. Finding the right paddy in a PB is one thing...... having to "paddy hop" in a yak to find the biters after it took you 6 hours to get there...PRICELESS!




I agree with you half way, but from my experience when you see Doritio's around, keep looking. Sometimes it's only little guys, but you never know. More than likely a couple of bulls are close by, with the possability of Tuna, and Marlin love those little things.

I'm one of the lucky few to have already caught a Dorado "unassisted from a kayak", some say it was the "first ever". I'm guessing an Indian in a wooden boat took one off Black's for that title, many many years ago, but I'll take it.

Catching a 5 lb Dorado isn't my goal, but few things can compare to the beauty of seeing a Dorado below the kayak. I'm a C and R guy by nature, so I will pull out the 12 lb Shimano Chronarch set-up with the circle hooks, if that's all I can find. As far as the school having lock jaw with 60 guys on a sportie, giant twin diesel engines thumping, tossing sardines, or a pile of boats trying to get them to go, "no comparison to the stealth of a kayak". I've seen a sportie drift a paddie a few times, while chumming hard, and not one biter out of the group. Then we stay back a while (waiting in the skiff), chunk a little, and troll well outside working in, to find a WFO bite.

[lamb]

:iagree:

Big At&T long distance there Josh, amazing. Brave. Sorry no luck.

Nothing wrong with shorter trips on the kayak. :cheers1: All on the side, that is Boat'rUs territory.

I also heard Josh pulled a dodo out of LJ that one year. I never saw the pic though. :D

[frugalfisher]

I only wish I could paddle that far... maybe a Hobie is in my future..

[mc08066]

After fishing the last couple of weeks on a PB and one day on a mothership/PB out to the 9 mile bank. I can definitely echo the words
that the schools are closer then you think. My friend Gabe caught a small dorado 2 weeks ago on his kayak at the 9 mile bank and if the bait had not rolled we could of easily continued with both kayaks in the water. Just for your information the 9 mile bank is 14 miles out. Up on returning home we stopped on a kelp 4 miles off the point of Point Loma that was holding dorado's. This would of been a very easy paddle for most of individuals. If you are heading off shore, go to the 9 mile bank and fish around it:yt:. If you find a kelp holding dorados don't be fooled to think that there is not something bigger. Last Thursday at the 9 mile, we ran into two kelps holding doritos at first. Next pass it opened to dorado's. Our last pass ended with YFT upto 40lbs and bigger sized dorados (15 lbs). If you are lucky enough to get infront of a school of breezing porposes, flyline sardines and hold on for the onslaught on YFT. Check weather and take precautions if you are heading off shore by bringing along a friend or two. Handhelds VHF, PDF's and GPS are a must. If you can leave really, really, really early your chances will improve. Just make sure you have navagational lights if in the dark. Bring a squid jig just in case. Also mako's have been active recently especially by patties.:eek:
Good Luck.
Jimmy

[Dave I.]

Darkhorse,

I may not be very experienced, but i am a little stupid/brave. If you need/want another buddy on the next trip, and can give 2 days advance notice i would be down for your next long range yak attack.


Dave

[THE DARKHORSE]

As far as this original post, we didn't hit the 9 mile bank as we took a West/Northwest track from Mission bay.

I just woke up from 12 hours of much needed sleep after 17 hours of hot pursuit. I couldn't sleep with a report from the day before of YFT in close, and managed an hour and a half before I woke for the trip at 1:00 a.m. I launched around 2 a.m. from San Diego bay (Lawrence street) sunday morning, with hopes of making it to the 9 mile bank by greylight. I brought extra lights and another Hobie tagalong to be safe. After tipping the guy $4 for a kayak scoop, and asking nicely for a little help as we had a long journey ahead of us, he scooped out "one more sardine" :rolleyes:. Why not flip me off :the_finger:, or just say no? I had bigger fish to fry, with nothing but YFT on my mind, so in the dark we were on our way. Rounding Point Loma in the dark with a mirage drive isn't fun. We kinda got lucky, and found a channel relatively close to the point, saving time from going around the kelp. Well off the point by greylight, but not even close to the 9 mile, I was a little dissapointed. I had heard of the Tuna under the porps from days prior, and wasn't focused on finding a paddy so much. At 6:30 a.m. I see breaking fish, and they aren't porps :eek:, up and down then gone. The acres of porps are close behind though, showing a couple of minutes later. The porps would "fly" through super fast, with boats trying to get in front all morning, but these opportunities were far and few between. I was seperated from my partner (1 mile), as I came across some jumping bait. The jumping bait was something I hadn't seen yet while this far out, as the meter is blank most of the time. I was heading towards it and was stopped by a greyhounding Striped Marlin coming straight for me :eek:. I was about 200' away and by the last jump he was about 75' off my bow, coming in hot. I wasn't set up for Marlin, with 3 light line setups of #12, #18, and #25 flouro, and my Ulua with #40. I wasn't thinking clearly, and didn't want to hook him on the light line, so I threw my silver jig about ten times fanning the area. I knew I would have a better shot with live bait, and had to tie two knots with #40 flouro. This took precious time, and something I would regret all day. Why I didn't just cut my jig off, and tie one knot with the straight #40 Izorline I don't know. I guess, the thought of hooking a solid #150+ Marlin on my Ulua wasn't the ideal scenario. I never saw this fish again, marked the spot, and kept heading offshore. By the time I find my partner he is having trouble, and I guess his three prior knee surgeries came into play, as he is now paddling the Hobie Outback. He is having a good time though, using the precious sardines to catch Mako's :rolleyes:. He has decided that's it's not safe with his condition, and heads in at 8:00 a.m., so I continue my trek to the 9 alone. Maybe alone for the next few miles, but as I make it to the 9, birds, porps, and boats everywhere. I'm pretty pissed off, thinking what could of been had I been here sooner. I focus on the birds and porps, trolling infront and through them over and over. A couple of schools had some awesome marks between 60'-100' below the porps, zipping all around (Tuna). I dropped silver jigs on these schools and troll a weighted sardine at 60' on a 8' #25 flouro leader, and a flyline with #20 flouro, but never get a strike, atleast not from Tuna. This action dies off in the afternoon, and a couple of nice boaters had given me a whole new cured bait supply, keeping the dream alive. I came across the most beautiful paddy I had ever seen from the plastic, a paddy with incredible life around and below. I chunked up-current for close to 20 minutes with my entire first crop of rolled sardines. I had quite the frenzy of bait around the paddy. I never got on top of the paddy to have a proper look, hoping to not disturb my shot. After chunking for a while and sending in baits, I start to troll the outside working in. I finally get on top to have a look, and geez, if I only found this paddy days prior. I'm sure YFT's, and many Dorado once lived here. The paddy was 30' long, 5' wide, and was extending 50' below. A whole city of bait, but no predators, except a Mako that kept patrolling the area, no thanks. I keep heading in straight towards the #'s with the Marlin from the morning. Well short from the spot, it happens again. I'm freaking, as I see a billfish coming out of the water heading straight for me :eek:. I turn my rudder for the second time of the day to keep from being speared in the chest, no thank you. On the last jump I get a real good look at the fish, with his bill as fat as a baseball bat, and the most incredible purple color, it's a freaking huge swordfish. I'm now set up with a #40 rig on the shorter stout rod, and got a greenback from the boater earlier. As I'm grabbing the greenie, I notice a tiny "tin-can" with a micro outboard a few hundred yards behind my prize. He's got to be close to being spooled, and is screaming at me that he's hooked up with a Swordfish, no S*^t. We both trade looks of "what the hell are you doing out here", and they chase this fish into the distance to never be seen again.

I've only seen one Marlin before from the kayak, last september, a couple miles off the pier in La Jolla. I thought to myself, "what are the odds of seeing two billfish in one day"? I came to the conclusion, obviously more likely when inshore/offshore, than fishing in La Jolla all the time. To make an already long story short, the kayak exotics score for the season stands at 0 and 2. I land back at Lawrence street a little past 7:00 p.m., and as my bow hits the sand I take a series of naps for the next hour before unloading. The wake from passing boats splash the side of the kayak, waking me up a few times, and if anything I found my limit. An hour and a half of sleep and 17 hours of nonstop pedaling, almost did me in, but all I can think about now is heading back out with a 50W reel to finish what I started. :shot:

[Afran]

YALL CRAZY
:you_rock:

[linghunter]

And :you_rock:. Had you put a hook in that guy you may have had to sleep on the water.

Paul

[lamb]

wow, great story.

Great effort Josh - I'm sure it will pay off soon... :cheers1:

[dgax65]

Crazy, awesome, incredible....all that and more. You're really pushing the limits of kayak fishing.

[strackle99]

That is one helluva paddle/pedal. I keep telling myself I am going to have to get me one of them Hobies. Hmmm

[Shorty]

You must be as mad as a cut snake to peddle out that far, keep up the good work :notworthy:

I wonder what the range for a paddle craft is ? Nobody would attempt to paddle that far would they ? I need a beer and a lie down after five miles paddling :D

[Zed]

Thanks!
Alright, one more try off DP. Another PB encounter with yft under the dolphin; too close not to go look again.

BTW I'm 0-3, but saw some cool chit. In spite of your report the 50VSW stays home.

[LocoKayako]

Z,
Let me know when you plan on doing this. I'm game.

gabe

[tackle dummy]

INCREDIBLE!!! Take a camera with you!

[esdees]

Seriously! Time to get a head cam, Josh! That's probably the only way most of us will get to see anything like that. You the man!

[THE DARKHORSE]

First the Epirb, then the helmet cam, priorities. I spoke with a friend yesterday about my trip, and he kept saying, "dude, you need a camera". I agree, but in both cases with the jumpers, it was a "get the hell out of the way situation", seriously. Especially with the Swordfish, a truly frightening experience, amazingly beautiful, but an amazing display of power as well (shaking hands, heart in your throat stuff). The idea of pulling the digi out of your pocket, and having to focus according to distance, is really hoping. We all know this from trying to get good whale shots. Whales are huge, and pretty slow, but challenging to photograph, even though they surface over and over, in a predictable direction. If I had my camera ready in hand (on burst mode) I could of got some amazing shots. Especially on the last jumps coming straight for me, as I wouldn't have even had to focus the camera, crazy.

The helmet cam is the only way to go, to capture these rare opportunities. Especially if you consider the amount of work that goes into these trips. I'm out here to catch these fish, and taking a photo is way back on my list of priorities. It's only when you get home, and didn't have a true shot anyway, that you start thinking "man, if I only got some photos". :doh:





Seriously! Time to get a head cam, Josh! That's probably the only way most of us will get to see anything like that. You the man!

[Dennis]

Trip(s) INSANE! Can't wait to see the payoff, Josh.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Thanks!
Alright, one more try off DP. Another PB encounter with yft under the dolphin; too close not to go look again.

BTW I'm 0-3, but saw some cool chit. In spite of your report the 50VSW stays home.


We all know about Murphy, and bringing the proper gear almost guarantees you won't see crap. But, please, I'm begging you, I've been kicking myself ever since. It's a horrible feeling, so painful, and listen to all the reports of Marlin within 5 miles. It's not :icon_bs:, the fish of a lifetime is waiting for all of us. I'm not special, those fish didn't jump for me. I was just in the right zone, by accident. Why not be prepared, if you choose to go where big fish live? I know, you might feel silly bringing proper gear:cool:, but the alternative is much much worse. The guys on the "tin can" were on a 30W with #30 test, baited the fish with a Sardine, and almost got spooled right in front of me (with the aid of an outboard engine). Toriam 20 with a 100 lb Striped Marlin on 40 lb Izorline, sure no problem. A Swordfish of 300 lbs+, dream on.

I hope you don't see one, if just bringing Inshore gear. On the other hand, if you do, plan on regretting your decision for the rest of your life. I wouldn't wish this feeling on my worst enemy.

[Zed]

Meh. It's just fishing. Regrets keep you coming back --wrong lure, wrong heading, wrong line class :doh:.

My largest yak reel (inshore/offshore) is a tld20 w/300 of 40 (maybe the BajaSpecial is stronger, but I don't always bring that). The lever is useful. Usu that is a cd14 or cd18 troller or maybe a dropper, but it's with me. I'd like to see a tld explode in my hands. (Take that Murphy!)

I've seen the stickboats outta Dana working out in that area off the point for sure. Rather fool a yft for my time spent, though.

[Billy V]

Keep a Mirage Drive repair kit and tools aboard just incase something backs out or breaks.

There's one in the 08 catalogue.

Do Kayaks qualify for Vessel Assist policies ?

[THE DARKHORSE]

As I tend to giggle at the "over-prepared", if there is such a thing. I've never had a TLD explode, but I've heard of it happening (graphite frame). Then I see guys like Blue Water Jon, who have caught a number of Marlin from a kayak, and prefer the light weight of the TLD's. He has also brought up the argument of never needing to put more than 18 lbs of drag, while on a fish from a kayak. Although, I think he is now fishing with a Torsa, maybe lesson learned, who knows? :rolleyes:.

Billy: As far as Vessel Assist, I thought about that. The idea of simply calling them twice a week to tell them something broke (rudder cable, pin, something), and I need a 40 mile ride in, would easily be worth the price of admission :doh:lol. Although, I think your vessel needs to be registered, and the plastic fleet won't qualify.

[dgax65]

First the Epirb, then the helmet cam, priorities. I spoke with a friend yesterday about my trip, and he kept saying, "dude, you need a camera". I agree, but in both cases with the jumpers, it was a "get the hell out of the way situation", seriously. Especially with the Swordfish, a truly frightening experience, amazingly beautiful, but an amazing display of power as well (shaking hands, heart in your throat stuff). The idea of pulling the digi out of your pocket, and having to focus according to distance, is really hoping. We all know this from trying to get good whale shots. Whales are huge, and pretty slow, but challenging to photograph, even though they surface over and over, in a predictable direction. If I had my camera ready in hand (on burst mode) I could of got some amazing shots. Especially on the last jumps coming straight for me, as I wouldn't have even had to focus the camera, crazy.

The helmet cam is the only way to go, to capture these rare opportunities. Especially if you consider the amount of work that goes into these trips. I'm out here to catch these fish, and taking a photo is way back on my list of priorities. It's only when you get home, and didn't have a true shot anyway, that you start thinking "man, if I only got some photos". :doh:

Some options:

HelmetCamera.com (http://helmetcamera.com/)
http://www.helmetcamera.com/hcimages/NeopreneCap_400.jpg

Video
Kayak Surfing (http://www.helmetcamera.com/Video/kayak.wmv)
Body Boarding (http://www.helmetcamera.com/Video/bodyboarding.wmv)

Oregon Scientific (http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/browse.asp?cid=6&scid=14)
http://www2.oregonscientific.com/assets/product/photos/ATC3K_rg.jpg

video
Rollercoaster (http://www2.oregonscientific.com/assets/Video2/rollcoasterv2.wmv)

VioPOV (http://www.vio-pov.com/)
http://www.vio-pov.com/images/home/home_back_orange.jpg

Video
BASE Jumping (http://www.vio-pov.com/vio_movie_gallery/gallery.php?category=Other)
MTB Downhill (http://www.vio-pov.com/vio_movie_gallery/gallery.php?category=Bike)

Sportzshot (http://www.sportzshot.com/helmetcameras.php)
http://www.sportzshot.com/images/PVS3_mountedcamera_123w.jpg

[gary sullivan]

Josh, I've been reading with amusement your adventures on the high seas. I can only imagine what PB's out 10-20 miles must be thinking when they come across you in a little plastic boat looking for fish to catch. You are definitely one of the pioneers in extending this sport into the offshore realm. I don't want to read of local kayak fisherman Josh Pruitt lost at sea, so be smart and be safe and best of luck to you. :you_rock:

[THE DARKHORSE]

Josh, I've been reading with amusement your adventures on the high seas. I can only imagine what PB's out 10-20 miles must be thinking when they come across you in a little plastic boat looking for fish to catch. You are definitely one of the pioneers in extending this sport into the offshore realm. I don't want to read of local kayak fisherman Josh Pruitt lost at sea, so be smart and be safe and best of luck to you. :you_rock:

I appreciate your' concern, but what the Pruitt family lacks in intelligence, we make up for in mental strength. My grandfather was in the Navy during WW2, and was lost at sea for six days. Wearing a PFD, but no life raft, food, or water. Somehow he was found, and survived to tell the tale' (true story). I didn't realize the signifigance of this until I was much older, having spent my share of time at sea.

The moral of the story is : If it's in the paper on monday "kayaker lost at sea", wait till the paper comes out on friday "man found swimming with a YFT on a gameclip". ;)

[Billy V]

I'm sure if you were to go missing there would be plenty of us maniacs that would come looking for you.

FisH On Dude :paddleersmilie:

[Zed]

And of course we'd have to slide up with a bait out once we found you bobbing w/ the other flotsam. You gotta be holding, by that time.

[blackcloud9]

^^^^ Zed you are killing me! LOL


Great job pushing the limits Josh. At least you've saved yourself from the
regret of not trying. :)

These fish are like a moving needle in a haystack. You're an unfettered
optimist with enviable spirit.

Obviously, timely info on where the fish are is a start. Perhaps a call to
976-BITE (think Sponsorship) to get you a phone call at the very
moment something happens nearby would help immensely.

I'd imagine that would be good publicity if they could get a kayaker on one
of those local YFT. And, hopefully this opportunity will last into September ....




http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/images/flippers_2b.gifhttp://img126.imageshack.us/img126/6659/kotbk1.jpg

[Handymansd]

I have heard enough!:mad:

The possibility of tragedy is closer than you think, if you don't quit worrying about Epirbs, and Cameras, and glory, and get yourself equipped with the proper basic safety gear and common sense! I went out with you and quite frankly you are going to get yourself or more likely someone else hurt or worse! You showed up very late, with no thought to your safety or that of your "wingman". I listened to you berate me, my kayak, my bait tank, my gear, my poles, my reels, and even my VHF! (you don't even have a F'n radio, gps, compass...!):mad: You can't figure out how to use your GPS/FF, and constantly had to ask where we were?!?:( You have no experience in the area that you led us, thus leading us through numerous heavy kelp areas in the dark,and clueless to our depth or location. You have a P.O.S. PFD that won't float a sardine and you keep it stowed inside your yak (it will help you there:rolleyes:).... no bilge pump, no radio... and no common sense to stay in contact with your wingman! You never leave your partner, especially if they are having problems! Idiot! And you want to be a guide?!?!:eek: Are you kidding me?

Josh, congradulations on being a great fisherman! I mean that.

But be careful about luring in others that do not know any better than to trust you and your judgement and getting them hurt. Be reckless by yourself! Catching fish is one thing, but leading someone else into your reckless abandon is another. Offshore fishing can be done in a kayak, and in a safe way! I went Solo to the N nine yesterday for a great day, I am sore in ways I did not know your butt could hurt:o but after initial disappointment with a 24-26" bonie:eek: (thought it was a tuna), I now have my first YFT on a kayak. A story for later... The point is, it was done safely and in a responsible manner! You really need to learn that side of kayak fishing before you can talk down to those around you. Use your head...posting on these boards about stripped marlin 2.1 miles off the point (that is where you said you spotted your marlin) with the result of getting unprepared kayakers out there is just plain stupid! :shot:

Especially, when I was with you, 150 yards away, and no signs of Marlin, or bait, or any fish, of any kind, at that point in time. I'm tired or hearing your "fish" stories. I don't belive you. The fact that you have hugely exagerated our trip Sun mornig pisses me off! It was a great time and alot of fun... once you paddled off. I cannot attest to anything after you left. But you do not have to have a fairly tale fish to have fun out there. Sorry for busting your bubble, but enough is enough!:icon_bs:

Screw your head on straight before you get someone besides yourself hurt out there.

[kurt]

I wanna hear about the YFT!

[LocoKayako]

I wanna hear about the YFT!

Me TOO,TWO, TO,TAMBIEN!!!!!

[madscientist]

I have heard enough!:mad:



At least you weren't accused of trying to snag WSB in the ass with treble hooks or of winning tournaments with frozen fish. :rolleyes:

Congrats on the tuna. That's very cool.

[tylerdurden]

Please tell us more about the yft Chuck :eek: .

[blackcloud9]

HandYFTmanSD, do share!

[THE DARKHORSE]

Hardcore Chuck lollollollollollollollol

The guy who told me he was sooooooooooo hardcore, and I couldn't go over 1.75 miles an hour without ever losing you, and headed for the barn by 8:00 a.m. (one morelol). You are a joke.
Everytime I turned around you were "DRIFTING" out of sight (everytime). It was pretty funny though, watching your bow barely above the water line, packed full of ice and crap, good thinking. Was this what first pissed you off, when I reccomended you maybe move the weight to the back? I was very nice about this, constantly waiting for you, constantly:rolleyes:. I remember telling you "maybe this is a hidden blessing, since the possibility of passing the golden paddy in the dark". This was my attempt to stay positive, and make you feel better about being a 200lb anchor attached to me.

Listening to you tell me the bait is fine, when I can hear it freaking out in your tank with a timer. My tank with four times the flow, and you get pissed when I ask to put them in mine. You telling me : "I've never had problems with the kayatank", well now you have. Begging you every 15 minutes to please just check on them, and you getting pissed everytime, pretty funny. As a wingman, I thought we had the same goal: Do everything we could to make it to "the zone" with as much lively bait as possible. You on the other hand let your' tank fill up with dead rolled bait, with the pump turning off and on, good job. when I finally came up to you to save the remaining bait, I was horrafied when I looked in your tank. I don't know if you just like to be cruel to little fish, or were just trying to sabotage the trip, but pretty funny if it wasn't on purpose, good job.

Like any trip, I don't use the sonar/GPS combo unit when navigating the bay or going to the pier, sorry if you feel the need. Pretty easy to just hug the shorline, just like we did. It wasn't exactly pea soup fog, more like a beautiful clear night, with the brightest full moon I ever saw. I was clear to tell you that I wasn't familiar with the point from a kayak, and crossing it in the dark was going to be a challenge. I didn't see the point in both of us using the sonar while crossing a mat of kelp, boy that's risky. I only asked you the depth, so we could maybe pick up the pace if outside the kelp, and never asking our position. Why would I need our position if Point Loma is clearly right behind us (it's HUGE) ? My plan for the trip was to save the battery in case I had to Come back in the dark, I don't need to watch kelp, I'm not that easily ammused (safety first). I realized we got real lucky, as I had to cross the surface kelp with the paddle, and couldn't use the mirage drive on the way in. So save that track, as it's the best one, dumb luck I guess.

As it approached 5 a.m. it became clear we were going to be no where near the nine by sun up. Again, I keep circling back again and again, seeing what I can do to help you. Then I find out you are dragging jigs in the dark, pretty smart lol. I can't believe as a wingman who is always way behind, it seemed a good idea to "hay I'm gonna troll multiple jigs in the dark", seriously dude.

Did it hurt your feelings when I told you days prior that the Tuna were hitting tiny jigs, not your giant Rapala Magnum? Did it bother you when I told you "all you are going to catch was sharks with that"? Sounds like pretty sound advice to me, but hey your super smart, atleast that's what you told me. By the way, what did you catch, smart guy?

My 56 year old wingman from last week never left my side. We kept a safe distance to simply not cross lines, without me having to say a thing. We did everthing we could to save bait, and quit feeding the sharks. I don't know if you caught that, but they weren't the target species? Anyone looking for an awesome wingman, give Smokey a call, the guy is hardcore, never cried, and couldn't be more safe.

I have no idea what you are talking about in reference to me talking crap about your gear. You have a set of Seeker black steele rods and 5 Avets, sounds good to me.

I wouldn't be surprised in the least if you couldn't see a Marlin jumping, not in the least. You were no where near me when that happened (MORE LIES). I started screaming at you minutes later as you were coming into screaming range (still far off, so don't lie), as I would like to be warned of such a sighting. I've caught plenty of Marlin, and am a good judge of size, and know how to catch them. Which is why I didn't put a bait in the water with the light Tuna line. This is when I finally turned on the sonar/GPS combo unit, and marked the spot, as I didn't see a need one second sooner. Not to mention this is my fourth sonar/GPS combo unit, and they are simple to use by the way (more lies). By the way Chuck, quite a few Marlin are taken from that area, so "don't try to act like you have any idea what you are talking about" (ask around). My favorite quote from you was: "well you should be hooked up by now, if you saw a marlin".lol I'm gonna write that one down, and tell it to every salty captain I see, good one, smart guy.

As far as the PFD, I have what is legally required by law, and have a bad habit of being very comfortable in a kayak without wearing one, sorry. I surf 6 hour sessions with no problem and would never have a problem swimming a couple of miles, never saw the need fishing within eye-sight of the kelp in La Jolla, sorry. I would never tell anyone a PFD isn't a good idea, and would reccomend they wear it at all times, so again you lost me on the safe issue.

Yes, I've been looking at Epirbs, VHF with internal GPs, everyday as a matter of fact, and didn't want to rush into a cheapy radio, sorry. I would prefer to buy the best, and have piece of mind for trips like this in the future. The part of me not being safe is pretty funny though, as I've never gone inshore/offshore without a wingman with a radio, and a bilge-pump. You assured me you had tons of lights, and we had multiple headlights and a giant spotlight each. Yet by 8:00 a.m a few miles off the point, you said "this isn't safe", I'm outa here.

I would love to see your gps track from your' solo trip to the 9 mile bank, fourteen miles out, since you never went over 1.7 miles an hour, and never made it past a few miles last time, and brilliant idea going solo, REAL SAFE. One morelol

THE ONLY THING I DID THAT WASN'T SAFE WAS TO BRING THE WORST WINGMAN IN THE WORLD. HARDCORE CHUCK :biggrinjester::icon_bs:

[Dan]

Congrats on the YFT Chuck!!

[Corey]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/wingman.jpg

[dos ballenas]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/picture.php?pictureid=7&albumid=2&dl=1219267736&thumb=1 (http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/album.php?albumid=2&pictureid=7)
Start by removing the sod and storing it on a plastic tarp. Then, rough out the tree hole with a pointed shovel.


http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=8

Next lay a shovel or rake handle across the entire hole and measure down from it to get an accurate depth measurement. once deep enough to bury your arrogance climb in and begin to think things over,

http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/0004HIHIHG.jpg

add enough water to drown, and see what blossums...


yft you say, nice:kayak-surfer:

[reddog]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/wingman.jpg
lollollollollollollol

[Zed]

Well, this took a turn.

Nice work handyman! You da man! Guess you're likin' the new boat?
You rode in CO, you know those saddle-sores go away, right? Congratz!

2:45 PM 08/20/08
You KNOW the pic request is in. You get 72hrs. :)

[dorado50]

At 56 myself ,I would and could make this journey in a heartbeat. I would bring pleanty of water, a pfd, compass, and a flashlight. An experienced seaman (such as Josh is) knows about wind and currents, swell directions,drift , etc...and even star navigation thus increasing the odds of survival. With this needed knowledge and the above items survival is an afterthought, I want that yft!! :kayak-surfer: ps. there are two sides to every story than theres the truth, I think I know it. My quote for the day " take risks not to escape life but to prevent life from escaping"....

[Handymansd]

Ask and ye shall receive:


http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/DSC026311.JPG

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/DSC02636.JPG


I also have the point to point log to show speeds depth time, true heading, etc. I do not need to lie, Josh. This is supposed to be something people do for fun. This is not the first time you have had really nasty things to say to people on this board. I had given you the benefit of not having heard these things from you myself and I base my judgments of people on my own personal experiences with them. This time I have to say I was way wrong.I am not the greatest fisherman, nor the greatest paddler / peddler. Nor even the best fish story teller, I am guilty of exaggerating the facts sometimes as I think we all are to some degree. But I have caught some big fish I am proud of, I go on many mothership and guided trips, I spend a very large amount of money for this hobby. I enjoy the time I do get to spend on the water; as it is at the cost of time with my family. Having you around me is unfortunate, as I try to surround myself with people I can trust.

Having said that, I will no longer give any business directly or indirectly to your "Sponser", Fastlane Sailing, as I will not support anything that has the non-family values attached to it that your attitude does. They could have gotten their value better for sponsoring a "no fish team" member!

Good luck with the rest of your fishing endeavors, and I hope they don't get anyone hurt! So please... talk crap, mouth off, post away, whatever... but stay away from me on the water or off with that attitude. 'nough said:leaving:

[dgax65]

Ask and ye shall receive:

Having said that, I will no longer give any business directly or indirectly to your "Sponser", Fastlane Sailing, as I will not support anything that has the non-family values attached to it that your attitude does. They could have gotten their value better for sponsoring a "no fish team" member!



WTF? How did I get dragged into this? I'd be offended if I wasn't so stoked about the possibility of a sponsorship.lol oh yeah :the_finger:

[esdees]

WTF? How did I get dragged into this? I'd be offended if I wasn't so stoked about the possibility of a sponsorship.lol oh yeah :the_finger:

"no fish team" not "team no fish." They're actually out of Normandy. Let the rivalry begin!

Nice GPS trail, Chuck!

[dorado50]

Holy crap !, yea that is a long ways!! On second thought, I think I'll mothership it...:p

[dgax65]

"no fish team" not "team no fish." They're actually out of Normandy. Let the rivalry begin!


Team No Fish will always catch fewer fish than those Norman punks. We have a reputation to uphold. :boxing:

[metalbob]

nice long paddle/peddle! good for you, I wanna hear about the yft

mb

[DESTROYER]

I was super reluctent to post a reply or even be a part of this thread all together. I am going to play peace maker here so bare with me. What's the purpose guys of bashing others on the computer? We are all fisherman and we all kayak do the love of it. Far fetch stories and tall tales have always been a part of a fisherman's lifestyle. The fish that got away is always bigger than the one landed. How many times have you heard, "you should have been here yesterday"? We may not all get along and we may not all agree with each others meathods of fishing but thats what make each one of us individuals. I've met just about every single one of you that post on BWE and I got to say that non of you are bad people. If I was an outsider looking in, post like this and the ones earlier this year would turn me off of kayak fishing. These post are a misrepresentation of the sport. I think that most of it is:icon_bs:. Brent obviously runs this web-site and I'm sure the last thing he wants is a pissing match on an open forum, we're as bad as girls. Many of us look to this website to gain information, read stories to pass time at work, and to see if the bite is going off. Many of us have wives and kids and live through reading your stories because we can't get out more than once a week. I think that whatever happened on the water between Josh and Chuck is between Josh and Chuck. Many of you might not think much of what I have to say, but I think the best meathod of calling others out is in a PM or too their face. I've read this thread and I found it amusing just like a childhood fight in the school yard, but then I started to feel angey because of where this is heading. Brent has worked hard to try to get all the kayak manufactures to come together and some of us have been lucky enough to representatives of those manufactures. I'm no :Angel_anim: but I think we can all keep the mud slinging to a minimum! My 2 Cents!

TL-Matt Moyer

[Grego]

Excuse me just for a second, just gotta be able to say I was a part of this thread for future "on the water" talk. Thanks, carry on. :gnorsi:

p.s. Hi Chuck:ciao:

[THE DARKHORSE]

I couldn't agree more, and have nothing but respect for Brent, OEX, BWE, and all the moderators that work very hard.

No lashing out here, as I've learned from my mistakes. For the record, I've never, just come on the internet and said nasty things about anyone. I'm guilty of "responding" in a very poor fashion, I openly admit that, as it's the truth. A "knee jerk reaction" that I apolagized for, and again, I'm truly sorry.


Now for the Handyman : First off, big time congrats on the YFT, I told you it was a matter of time, and I'm truly stoked for you, if you caught one. Just like I would be if Brad or anyone else caught one, that's a true kayak trophy.

Like I said, no lashing out here, I learn from my mistakes. Chuck, you are the one who chose the route of "defaming my character on the internet", "instead of saying anything on the water," anything. How about a phone call (you have my number), an e-mail, or going with the popular P.M. method, all would of worked great.

This post of yours is nothing more than a psycho attempt to put a few needles in my voodoo doll. For the life of me, I have no idea what you are so upset about, again you said nothing on the water, and this wasn't the first time we shared the pond. We have shot P.M.'s back and forth for quite a while, I've openly shared valuable information that you were able to capitalize on, and helped you any way I could. You have my phone #, e-mail, and the option of P.M., yet you chose to "attack me on the internet", classy.

I distinctly remember, running out in waste deep water in the dark a month ago, to help you with a yardsale in 18" surf, and dragged your kayak up on the sand, to help you out. I distinctly remember showing concern, and helping you look for a rod and reel two weeks ago (different situation), even though I was losing precious time during an "early bite", to help you out. I also spent time in the afternoon (checking the gps #'s), even though I was sunburnt to a crisp, to try and help you out. I had a friend snorkel there in the early morning, successfuly talking him out of going to the cove, to help you out. For what? I never expected anything from you, I would of done the same for anyone. What did I have to gain from my actions?

My family and I are very tight also, and you and I have never discussed family values, nor have I expressed any actions to prove otherwise, so again, please don't lie (especially on the internet). Saying these kind of lies, with absolutely nothing to back it up, is a new level of low, even for you, Chuck.

Then, when I didn't think you could stoop any lower, you throw a curve ball. Bringing Fastlane into this is the only reason for my reply, as otherwise, I know the original post is 100% true, the entire play by play, with no reason to defend it from the haters. But, to make an attempt to bring harm directly or indirectly to the Lane family, is a whole nother level.
Without a doubt, the most honest, genuine, strong family, I have ever met. Truly inspiring people, with golden souls, who's reputation precedes themselve's as local royalty. I'm only aware of your one purchase (bait tank) from them, that you successfully returned for a full refund. Then you chose to post about the terrible design and your disgust, poor.

As far as being sponsored, I'm not sure what it takes to qualify. They never gave me a penny to speak highly of Hobie or Fastlane. Everything positive I've said about them is 100% my honest opinion, I just say it like it is. They basically let me barrow them, and test ride at will. I liked the kayak so much I was simply hesitant to bring it back, and if I had to, I would buy one full price, I love them. From anyone I know that has done business with them, the story is the same. I hear awesome testimonials of service, from people I've never met, that makes me proud to be associated with them.

[screaming reel]

Soap opera drama, sounds like what I hear everyday at high school
(usually between the girls, different issues though). I remember meeting you Josh awhile ago and asked you if you posted on the kayak sites on the web, you pretty much slammed the sites and said proudly that you never posted on those sites. Then I started reading your posts soon after. Good Posts by the way! But kind of a strange transformation. From anti webfisher to master webfisher? What?

Moyer says it well - whatever happened between you two out there is between you both. The only problem though, is that you made this public and both of you started whining about you experience, and each other.
Fun! good entertainment, great journey. Don't take yourselves toooooooo serrious guys!

Plenty of fish right now to go around.

Handymaid I think you are a little harsh on words, but Josh you come across as arrogant.

Do you really want to catch a YFT or Dorado. Or is it because you really want to say you caught a YFT or Dorado.

I heard Kayak Fishing is going to be in the 2012 Olympics, maybe it can be settled there.

Enjoy it while you still can - People

[Dan W.]

Congrats on the YFT and the awesome paddle! Do you have any pics of the fish?

[Rusty]

This is like Jerry F'n Springer online. My wife read this post and now I can't go fish the 9 on my yak.. She thinks I'm gonna come home in a body bag. :mad: I've got enough YFT on the sporties that I don't really care to get one on the yak unless its a personal best anyway, and I doubt it would be coming from the 9. The only reason I would do it is to say I did it anyway. Over it.

Chuck - That is bad ass !!! Congrats... Well deserved.

Josh - You'll get yours soon, no doubt.


:cheers1:

[Shorty]

Well this started out as one of the most amazing trip reports i have seen, never thought by the end of it i would have to call Super Nanny to bring the naughty chairs over :D

Still an amazing trip,,i hope you get that VHF and EPIRB soon Josh :)

[El Burro Blanco]

Seems like arrogance and LJ fishing guides go hand in hand. Must be a requirement to get the commercial launch permit.

[dorado50]

You missed the party about two days ago, but at least you did show up! Thanks for the report...

[El Burro Blanco]

You missed the party about two days ago, but at least you did show up! Thanks for the report...

Why do you always post right after I do? Does my ass turn you on?

[Tman]

In the ocean depths off Madagascar, obsolete fish
keep their laggard appointments. In the depths of the
human mind, obsolete assumptions go their daily rounds.
And there is little difference between the two, except
that the fish do no harm.
- Robert Ardrey, 1908 -1980
The Territorial Imperative

[reddog]

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll40/crivera175/images-1.jpg

cant we all get along