Favorite Fish of 2008?

[Holy Mackerel]

It is that time to post up your favorite fish of 2008, maybe with a lil story behind it... KAYAKS only, no stinkin Pbers!! :sifone:

I caught this fish with a lot of my buddies on squid during that incredible bite, what a morning, just bendo rods everywhere.... I had a "doctor appt," but my truck somehow drove to Ave de La Playa instead, figured it was a sign, so went fishing instead.... 29lbs 11oz bled....

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/cmfierro/Fishing%202008/P1019238.jpg

Check out the scar, pinche speardivers!!! :argh:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/cmfierro/Fishing%202008/P1010044-1.jpg

[LocoKayako]

Nice Chris!

My favorite fish of '08, for me, that is easy. This fish will always be memorable as it was my personal best, and a tourny winning fish benefiting a cause that has impacted my family and I.

The tail:
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/Broom_Tail.JPG

The fish:
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/Halibut2A.jpg

Never thought I'd land a flattie over 40#.

:cheers1: to all and many, many more fish in '09.

Gabe

[Iceman]

Good post Chris! You handed me some fresh dead back in February that I pinned on a white Sumo. Bested my previous 53 pound WSB by .2........53.2 pounds and good for 3rd in last WCW WSB jackpot:D

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d151/Iceman619/2-21wsb2.jpg

[spooky007]

This is my fish of 08. PB and first legal C-Bass!! 56 lbs on a blue and white tady 4/0 with a gulp squid!!!:confused:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s192/spooky007/Fishing/wsb1.jpg


Al

[kurt]

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/senorlenguado/IMG_0177.jpg

Gotta love squid in August. :wsb:

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/senorlenguado/IMG_0175.jpg

I can't remember if this one was on fresh squid or on the glow iron. One crazy week.

[Zed]

kurt you look like someone just insulted your croaker.

[tylerdurden]

LJ spottie, because it was completely unexpected and a first for me.
:reel:

catching a legal slam within 24 hours is a close second, but that's more than one fish.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r203/evilclone619/IMG_3877.jpg

[landwhale]

Most memorable fish of the year

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p40/1519green/WSBLJ2-1.jpg

[ship 4 brains]

I talked to a few guys at Fred Hall. I had always been curious about yak fishing. It looked fun, but I have been fishing from a private boat for years. That was fun too. Well, I finally found a used yak in June and love it. No reason to go back to the power boat. This is my first fish from my new yak.

[bellcon]

Awesome fish guys
my favorite in 2008 (and i will always probably call it my favorite)
is this guy
caught on the back side of Catalina, in August camping with the boys
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff159/bell6pac/P8020056.jpg

[french111@sbcglobal.net]

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w98/redd_072/003.jpg

This was in April on the water 0600 and off by 0900.
One of my best day, one @ 19lbs and the other 26lbs.
Those of you that Hali fish, know both are equally my
favorite.

Redd

[KennyHill]

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj323/kennyhill951/ATT00001.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj323/kennyhill951/IMG_00131.jpg

My 1st and only thresher, caught on May 27.

[T Bone]

My best fighter so far,10# bonie at SCI.Hopefully I will do better this year as I plan to put in the time at LJ.

[T Bone]

Heres the pic

[forefrazier]

My first "big" fish from the kayak made it all worth it and started this insatiable disease to float around on a piece of plastic and share good times on the water and off with other yakfishaholics...2009 is going to be a good year!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/forefrazier/P8090101.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/forefrazier/P8090098.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/forefrazier/P8100104.jpg

[anjcomp]

My 1st WSB's, Caught at Newort kelp

http://www.pacificdatastorage.com/prodimages/IMG_0662.JPG

[esdees]

My favorite of '08 was a 47 lb white caught on July 21. That was a perfect morning before work.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/cmfierro/Fishing%202008/IMGP2047.jpg

[steamroll]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/steamroll/AugustYT1.jpg


Caught this on day 3 of a fun bite at the end of summer. Special guest appearance by Josh's lucky shoe.

[lambadmin]

I wonder what's December post of the month going to be... :D

Here come Chris with a killer thread... :notworthy:

I ought to have something to contribute, le'me go through the pics.

HAPPY NEW YEAR people, let there be lotta fish in 09!

[yakrider]

I'm with you, Adi...
hard to pick THE best...
HMMMMM?
this may take some research....

[Mike McFann]

C&R excitement :reeling:

[Bill Lane]

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc183/sdsurf2002/P1010027.jpg

[yakrider]

This was quite the year for me....
many "first of the yak" species check off the list...
several new personal bests...
lots of fun trips and good times...
after carefull deliberation...
this one has to be the most notable...
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t307/yakrider519/P4260092-3.jpg


not the biggest fish of the year,
but at the time it was a new personal best butt...
and....

























how often have I had my picture on the front
page of Western Outdoor News...uh...lets see...uh...never...
(Thanks Paul)
this was quite a treat...
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t307/yakrider519/PC310921.jpg

[Dan]

This was a good day for me and the boys from work.

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

[Matt]

Hands down my favorite fish, in my favorite spot, out with some of my friends on a nice calm day!! Put up an absolute blast of a fight and tasted just great!!!

[Spyder]

My most memorable catch was on August 24. It started out with me and my wingman Sherm launching in the dark and me jumping into my yak and onto my gaff :reddy::doh:.

The day turned out ok though. Caught my PB flattie on a big green back. That was the day I gaffed 2 butts.

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/attachments/inshore-islands-fishing-reports-southern-california-usa/108206d1219686001t-8-24-personal-best-halibut-off-la-jolla-p8230103.jpg (http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/attachments/inshore-islands-fishing-reports-southern-california-usa/108206d1219686001-8-24-personal-best-halibut-off-la-jolla-p8230103.jpg)
http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/attachments/inshore-islands-fishing-reports-southern-california-usa/108207d1219686042t-8-24-personal-best-halibut-off-la-jolla-p8230104.jpg (http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/attachments/inshore-islands-fishing-reports-southern-california-usa/108207d1219686042-8-24-personal-best-halibut-off-la-jolla-p8230104.jpg)

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

This one for a couple of reasons.
My first ever Pike, caught on the last cast of the day, first day ever running white water, but also it was caught about five hours after I almost drowned in the river. Glad to be fishing another day.
http://forum.kayak4fish.com/modules/gallery/albums/album02/P9120042.sized.jpg

[steveooo]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/bigsteveorr/P2190079.jpg


Nice weather, Epic bite, Double Hookups, Toad Yellow

[forefrazier]

This one for a couple of reasons.
My first ever Pike, caught on the last cast of the day, first day ever running white water, but also it was caught about five hours after I almost drowned in the river. Glad to be fishing another day.


At first glance, I thought "why the helmet"? After reading the post, I understand! Thanks for NOT drowning and NICE pike! :cheers1:

[lamb]

Wow Jim, I haven't heared that one... Sure glad it all ended OK.

Sweet fish all!!!

Now, for my favorite fish in 08...

It's got to be THAT day...

LA JOLLA FISH PORN!

Directions to view for all of you with small monitors:


scroll right,
then left,
than right...
you get an idea :D
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/images/trophies/la_jolla_kayak_white_seabass_yellowtail.jpg

[lamb]

LOL, look at the King, got his tail already bagged, on ice...

:D

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

Wow Jim, I haven't heared that one... Sure glad it all ended OK.



It was close, the most scared I have ever been in the water, but the camera never stopped rolling so it will be in the movie. The basic story is that we ran a rough spot of rapids, I got dumped then stuck in a hole, had to be pulled out by another kayaker. Thank God he was there and had the skills to side surf in the hole while I grabbed the side of his boat.

That shot of yours is SICK Adi. What a day. I didn't fish LJ near enough this past year, spent more time on the bay or out of town.

[THE DARKHORSE]

I thought about this question for a couple of days and was torn, quite a few memorable fish to consider. Even though this wasn't my largest White Seabass or a 36 lb Yellowtail caught on 18 lb flouro (a close second)...this would have to be THE ONE.

I was neck and neck with my closest competitor for the WCW title, with two Yellowtail of 36 lb's and 34 lb's for the month, but the pressure on my shoulders popped like a balloon when I sunk the gaff in this girl. I finally opened that beer I kept in my dry bag all month to soak up that feeling, victory! :luxhello::party::luxhello:
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/100_0944.jpg
The only problem with catching White Seabass over fifty pounds...tough to avoid the double-chin in the pictures.

[yakrider]

and dose chooz are da chit mang!!!!!!:you_rock:

[lamb]

I thought about this question for a couple of days and was torn, quite a few memorable fish to consider.

I had a pleasure of personally seeing that fish. Well, the tail of it. It was impressive enough. You sealed that win in style Josh. :reeling:

Beautiful night, last day of last year WCW. Numero duo sucked, he wasn't even in town fishing. :)

What a season, lots if tension. :)

I am wondering where did that season WCW #1 spirit go.

[Iceman]

I am wondering where did that season WCW #1 spirit go.

:arne1:

[wavster]

...I am wondering where did that season WCW #1 spirit go...

I don't know much about season #1, but I personally think that this year's
format doesn't exactly create any sense of pressure or urgency.

I'm not knocking the tournament or anyone, I just think that without
a monthly submission, it's kind of like "well, I've got all year to get that fish".

...now back to the favorites of 2008...

[JrBasser]

I loved this version. It allowed for a much larger group of BWE members with other priorities to participate, while still giving odds to those who put the time in to find that certain fish, as is shown by the victor who not only won by points, but probably doubled the on the water time of even second place as well.

I didn't get to fish too much this year, but I have to say my favorite fish of 2008 had to be the 78 pound mud marlin i got under the coronado bridge. No pictures as it was a solo mission but had a buddy in a boat get a weight for me. But definitely a fun night and a memorable one. Kept getting up in the pilings and I'd have to paddle away in free spool and throw it in gear and pull to get enough leverage to get him out. Once he was in open water I got him up and laid him on the deck and he had a wing hanging over about a foot into the water on each side.the trident has a perfect deck to bring up big batray like this onto their stomachs and have them face you. the flat surface of the rod pod keeps them safe and calm, and I can get my hook out of them without getting stuck. Further more, sliding the beasts onto the deck when your 6 inches from the surface isn't very stressful on them and you can slide them right back in just as easy.

[dorado50]

Early this year (2008) I caught my favorite fish off the Thetis Bank about 15 miles offshore. Not the biggest of fish but the most challenging for me. At least four seals feed here and they knew the drill! It was wide open yellows,but bringing them whole to the kayak was a different story. Eventually my brother would feed the seals while I fished a half mile away,thats how I got this one on deck!! Thanks Bro.....




http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8316/thetisyellowsf08019wx9.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6453/thetisyellowsf08020ox8.jpg

[Sherm]

My favorite was this YT caught while fishing with Nathan and Jim (my wingman) off LJ. Adi came by on his boat and floated me some candy bait. Next thing you know. Bendo!!!! It was an awesome day on the water that day with warm conditions and grease calm water. This was the trip before Jim gaffed himself in the ass.

[jasmin]

Hi, Happy New Year all!

I've got my favorite at La Jolla one day last summer. She was 44#.

What kind of fish is it and is it good to eat? :D

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/544/jasmin_halibut.jpg

[steveooo]

Holy smokes thats a huge halibut:eek:

[Dennis]

WHAT THE HELL? Is that a blanket Jasmin?

I didn't want a double chin shot.. So you all get a "crouch n feet" picture. 39lb birthday fish...

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/2-6-08_015.jpg

[THE DARKHORSE]

WHAT THE HELL? Is that a blanket Jasmin?

I didn't want a double chin shot.. So you all get a "crouch n feet" picture. 39lb birthday fish...

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/2-6-08_015.jpg

This was the Yellowtail that thought he was a BSB, right?

I watched that Graphtech bent into the water for some time, and I almost pulled my hair out watching you "patiently" gaff that fish :p. I remember telling you: "Dennis, how am I going to win this thing if you keep catching my fish"? :D

[gary sullivan]

I managed somehow to miss the January to July bite but finally hit paydirt in August with the twins. I'm holding them low to eliminate the double chin but can't hide the cowboy legs.http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d126/walkernut/P8040032.jpg

[DESTROYER]

A couple of my favorites. I had a good year even though I wasn't on the yak all that much. My personal best 31 & 29...Thanks for making me go that day Matt F. The Marlin was 3 months ago and will becoming to you on DVD in the Spring. The last one was an epic day for most, all i got was this picture on my camera. Unbelievable day for Dave Easton:), by far my most favorite picture of the year! Hope your not mad I posted them.871

[Arne]

I'm torn between Litup1s double (now that's some fishporn), Esdees' morning glory shot, or anything Jasmine's posing with ... all very cool.
Here's my favorite duo of the year:
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h98/hedgeassist/doubleyellow-34-37.jpg
:arne1:

[dos ballenas]

What a great year... big fish all around. Its a toss up for me... Early febuary was sick with my pb yt at 32 lbs, but I'd have to say this fish was my favorite... La Jolla can be over rated...

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=45

[rastrev]

Lots of great fish so far. Hands down my favorite fish of '08 was my first :wsb: ever. The :yt: kicker on the :jig:definitely made it even more memorable.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/551/fishingjuliy08_044.jpg

Happy Paddle :paddleersmilie:, Off the water by 7:30. :sifone:
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/551/fishingjuliy08_048.jpg

[LocoKayako]

Trevor,
That last pic is awesome!!!:cheers1::you_rock:

Gabe

[dorado50]

Damn, some big ass fish caught last year!! I'm guessing Matt's photo of the jumping stripey to be photo of the year? Just an awesome shot.......

[Jason]

This is my favorite catch of 2008...

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/584/1stYakTail.jpg

My personal best YT weighing 28lbs. I caught it at LJ on a Spanish Mac in August.

I was so stoked to get that fish after being off the yak for six years.

Jason

[DESTROYER]

Thanks Dave! That one for sure is getting blown up and put on the wall. Jock is an awesome photographer. There are plenty of other ones that got me jonesing for the bite to get going. Trev's is pretty sick with the big red dreads!

[Trout]

I lived on Oahu, but fly over to Kona to fish a few times where I got this one... a white ulua that was just shy of 50#.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii20/Troutylaroo/Fish/uluasm.jpg