Ghost Fever...

[THE DARKHORSE]

Well, it's that time of year again as we transition from sixty-five degrees and sunny everyday to seventy three degrees and sunny everyday...spring is here. The water temp is holding right around sixty, but you can just feel the change in the air. The first wave of Barricuda has showed up with what seems like a new wave of life. I'm still hopeful we'll get that last big Northwest swell, but the way most of the winter went I'm glad I have fishing to keep my mind off the swells that never came. That said, I'm thankful we had a lackluster surf season because the fishing from last fall through the colder months has been spectacular. I'm not saying you could just plop yourself in front of the condo with a dead-stick iron or simply drag around some Mackerel to no avail, but for those who pay attention to the ever changing patterns and willing to hunt, the stock of fish in La Jolla is thriving. As of late I could see beautiful bird piles outside that would of had me pedaling as fast as I could two weeks ago, but Yellowtail are available year round and I try to prioratize my trophy hunts. This is the time of year to put that fresh spectra on. Maybe spend a little more time with the weighted carolina rigs along the kelp and hunt for that elusive fish who might take you years to catch. White Seabass are the Bluefin Tuna of kayak fishing, equally annoying as they are beautiful. Fishing for them reminds me of when I was a deckhand on private boats with Bluefin jumping all around the boat and boiling on all the Anchovies I threw in the water, but wouldn't even touch 15 lb flourocarbon...smart fish. White Seabass are much smarter than most will ever know. Sure, during a squid-bite in water over a hundred feet, with live squid on the bottom and a limited amount of light in the early morning hours, your chances go up a notch. But, for those who have spent years waking up at 4:00 a.m. and trolling the kelp until they're blue in the face with nothing to show, you probably get the Bluefin analogy.


Some people tend to confuse the amount of White Seabass swimming around by the small number of them caught. We all know the stock of these fish has been on the rise since the gill nets have been pulled, but the hard work from the awesome people at Hubbs is obviously working. Being a sight fisherman, trust me, over the years I'm blown away by the increasing numbers of fish I see swimming below. White Seabass in particular are so damn smart, even with the skilled divers who have quite the advantage over the guys with spectra and patience, their numbers are without a doubt destined to explode in the years to come. Even if we didn't close one inch of precious coastline from "the only people who really care about this fishery", the fisherman themselves.


Here's a fish who let his guard down for a split second, the question is will you be there for that moment in time?
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/j3_1_.jpg


A local angler who I respect for more than his fishing skills recently mentioned the proposal of a possible plan B, maybe focusing on the legal route to save our precious fishery from the obviously corrupt, over funded bias jury we face. I know quite a few anglers who'd be willing to donate a healthy chunk to something that made us feel like we have a shot. From what I've gathered we have plenty of evidence from investors who would qualify as having a "conflict of interest". Not to take away anything from what our great representatives are doing for the kayak community now, but a battlefield has many fronts to cover. Paul you cover the front, we'll flank them from the back.


Here's a fish of a lifetime that even though they're in great numbers most will never see one attached to their hook.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/She_s_still_out_there_released_.JPG
Released to fight another day...probably paired up by now with an attractive male.

I'm well aware of the survival rate of these fish, even though supposedly properly handled with circle-hooks, netted and carefully taken to large fish tanks a percentage of them don't survive. Some will say "you see, even if you let them go they will die". My opinion is if you take a magnificent, brilliant fish, away from their home with the schools of fish they consider family I'm surprised any of the larger smarter fish survive the shock of relocating to a confined tank. I'm very thankful to the awesome people at Hubbs for the obvious effect they've had on the current White Seabass stock. The fish that are relocated to tanks are responsible for more fish being put back into the system than a whole school in the wild if you consider the quantum leap advantage they have by taking away the predators during the formative years the fingerlings face. I'm in no way saying you should lift a big White Seabass out of the water for a photo opportunity, especially if you haven't handled thousands of fish before. This fish was brought to the surface in a minute, hooked in the corner of the mouth, dragged with oxygen rich water for a couple of minutes, then carefully lifted for a super quick photo opportunity. This fish had a giant belly that I would of loved to show off with a lifted pose, but notice that belly is fully supported by my leg and hidden. If done properly and quickly it's possible to slide the fish up and over your leg with a tiny fraction of their weight and less stress on the fish. I've heard the crap about "oh she came to the surface belly-up, I had to take her", but so do Black Seabass even if brought to the surface in a couple of minutes from 30' of water. I think it's the instinct of playing Opossum as much as it could be fatigue. I've released countless Black Seabass without ever having to puncture the air bladder (a big no-no due to the probability of infection) and plenty of trophy White Seabass over the years. I'm confident that any white Seabass who didn't have to endure baby-drag for an extended period of time will release just fine with proper handling. Especially if caught from shallow water and dragged for a while with fresh oxygen over the gills.


Here's video of the best possible feeling derived from a fishing adventure, a feeling most will never let themselves enjoy.
http://larryl.com/images/WhiteSeabass/JoshPruittWhiteSeabassSpring2009.wmv

[linghunter]

F work:mad:! Next time I leave my phone in the car.

Paul

[Dan]

Way to push the Limits!

[esdees]

Very cool vid. Thanks for sharing.

[Sebastian]

Awesome video!

[Fiskadoro]

Great Video... especially the end :cheers1:

Jim

[jimbo]

:wsb::wsb: :notworthy: Well done!

[blackcloud9]

Nice fish Josh. Just amazing to watch.

Better Quality Remix - http://larryl.com/images/WhiteSeabass/JoshPruittWhiteSeabassSpring2009.wmv


Well, it was like a dream to watch her swim away like that. Happy.

Obviously I got to witness this unique event, and the timing is perfect. I'm
looking forward to presenting three Kayak White Seabass Seminars at
the Fred Hall Show, Del Mar, this weekend.

Show times are this Friday at 5:30 pm, Saturday at 12:30 pm and Sunday at
12:30 pm

Lots of great speakers and information, new kayaks and gear, I encourage
everyone to come join the fun. (Waterboarding is strictly prohibited, I
actually saw nothing.)


:wsb: It's time.


Larry

[Geoffkoop]

Very cool photos and video!

[JPSURF]

Very cool stuff right there Sir!!!!!!!!!!:you_rock:

JP

[joyjiggin']

Thank you for filming and posting that video! Feels like I was there!:)

[DESTROYER]

Insane! Nice Release Josh! I got's to get me one of them this year. 45# is my biggest. Absolutely Fish Porn....:sifone:

Moyer

[blackcloud9]

Blumpkin, reasoning was probably that he was helping friends catch bait,
and got bit reeling the bait in.

I seen it. :sifone:


[Josh fwiw don't take the bait, act like a WSB]

[Matt]

Well Josh, doesn't need to take the bait. The fish was released and swam off just fine. I know Josh and will hands down say he is one of the most ethical fisherman I know plain and simple. Larry was there and just testified to what happened 'nuff said. :cheers1:



OH YEAH NICE FISH, BETTER THAN THE DINNER I WENT TOO!!!

[Tman]

Nice feeesh there Josh...:wsb:see ya soon...

[driftwood]

So that's what i missed out on. I should of just dealt with the wind and gone for it and met you at the spot. WOW! catch and release - the fish Gods are smiling. Thanks for helping me hook up my first 50 lb WSB last Wednesday. Did you like the way i realeased it?:proud: im sure it survived to live another day. Your fishing techniques are very methodical and definetly not main stream. Which for me now makes the WSB, and in the words of Hemingway, "elusive but quite attainable"!

ps - My wife says that I need to keep the next one I catch because she loves WSB.

[bellcon]

:luxhello::wsb::cheers1:
way to go Josh... you should think about starting a guide service...i am just saying


and the video was cool
thanks blackcloud9 i could not get the first link to work

[Vikingj]

Magnificent! Thanks for taking time to present such a thoughtful post with video & photos.

[yakrider]

:you_rock:what a day ...I hope to get to come down and play again soon...
the fish will just have to wait for the work to get done...

great story and awesome release...
two years ago...
the fish in my avatar was a result of an epic two week bite...
I had the good fortune to experience some C&R on some nice WSB..
what a great feeling...thank you for reminding me of my experience...
can't wait for the day I get to release a 40lb yellow...
'cause if I do, it'll mean the freezer's full....

[Pescavore1]

That's amazing work with precision of a surgeon. Awesome!!:luxhello::notworthy:

So that's what i missed out on. I should of just dealt with the wind and gone for it and met you at the spot..

Too bad you did not meet up with Josh. That fish could have been yours. Come to think of it, Josh's last 2 WSB could have been yours.:musicus:Stop putting off your trophy hunt and get out there!!!

[Tman]

Josh I think somebody may need to poke a pin in your head:you_rock:

Only Andy can get away with that one....:doh:

[Billy V]

Good show of Sportsmanship Josh.

Watching her swim away in that Vid was awesome.

[roosta]

Great post Josh,

The feeling of releasing a beautiful large fish like that one is definitely a good one. I think that you bring up a very good point on the catch and release front. The MLPA's are looking to close La Jolla and much more of our local coastline (No fishing what so ever!), but I wish our representatives who are arguing for us would bring up a catch and release proposal. I would release every fish that I caught in the future if I could still fish La Jolla instead of having it shut down. As long as you handle the fish like you described in your post I am sure that they survive. Another option would be slot limits like they have on the east coast... Don't shut us down, there are other options.

Anyways man, good job on bringing that to light and congrats on those awesome fish.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Josh I think somebody may need to poke a pin in your head:you_rock:


Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Here's a fish of a lifetime that even though they're in great numbers most will never see one attached to their hook. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The point in this sentence is that there are tons of these larger models around even though very few are caught (smart fish), as in the stock is doing well. I would gladly trade my next opportunity at one of these magnificent fish to someone who has been eluded for years.

On a side note, the video has been edited to make your coffee taste that much better, enjoy!

[Tman]

I would gladly trade my next opportunity at one of these magnificent fish to someone who has been eluded for years.

Will have to take you up on that one...

I have been trying to put the Fishcatcher on one for years...

I do agree with you though about the return of these fish. Many, many years ago, I was out fishing with a neighbor on my favorite spot (on a PB), using visual guides as to where my spot was.
His boat had a GPS, and he kept asking me the coordinates. I lined up my view points at the spot where the best I had ever caught was a short WSB.

He's working an iron, and hooks up with a 42 lb'er. Posts it on the radio, and people met us at Dana Landing to see the fish. Unheard of at that time.

Hubbs is doing a very good job, I personally (not this year) have seen schools swim through the kelp...big 'uns. I have toured the facility, and through a biz contact, got to see what they are doing behind the scenes. Remarkable. I remember looking at the breeding tank with a 100 lb female, and then realized I was drooling.

I personally think the limit should be 1 per day, period.

Great write up. That is all.

[blackcloud9]

I was going to do a special video edit for showing at the Fred Hall show,
but goofed around on the PC last night and remixed it already.

WSB Release Remix - http://larryl.com/images/WhiteSeabas...Spring2009.wmv (http://larryl.com/images/WhiteSeabass/JoshPruittWhiteSeabassSpring2009.wmv)

Its better quality now because it's not compressed onto PhotoBucket.
This was shot on an older, $120 Canon digital camera, still best viewed
in a small window.

It's 17 MB, so it takes a couple of minutes to download.

[tthor]

Well said and well done Josh. Hubbs has done a wonderful thing for the WSB fishery. I too believe the numbers of WSB in La Jolla and all along the SoCal coast continue to rise based on the reports over the years. My brother while free diving on Saturday said he saw the largest school of WSB he has ever seen, 20+ fish all over 30lbs. I am still looking for my "fish of a lifetime" since releasing my last WSB, a ~35-40lb fish some ten years ago. After missing some epic bites while being involved with my daughters sports the last few years, I am in pursuit mode now for that true trophy.

Tom

[Willy]

I've work with the Hubbs project on the SD Oceans side, helping with the fingerlings in the pens. The greatest feeling is watching those little guys swim free when we release them into the wild. I say to each scoop I drop into the bay "Go free little guy's, 'cuz I'm comin for ya"!
One of the originators of the WSB project had to wait almost 40 years for the good karma to catch up, and got his 1st white last year.
Note to the fishermen, If you catch one, please take the head to a local bait shop in a bag. There are a few shops that participate, ask around to find wich ones, I always go to Dana Landing, that's one shop I know will take them. The head is then given back to Hubbs and scanned. We stick a little radio tag into each fish's head when they are little, and you'd be suprised the data we can get back from a mature fish's head.
Some of our released fished have been caught ten years on, in Santa Barbara, Catalina, they get around!
SD Oceans is all volunteer and could always use folks helping out the WSB project and others, if you are handy, or can dive and would like to help clean off the pens/nets, feed the fingerlings, or help with the release into the wild, it's a good feeling to help out.
http://www.sdoceans.org/ They will have a booth at Fred Hall
BTW, Great Post Josh.
You inspire many more than you may realize

Willy

[steveooo]

Wow. Two WSB:wsb::wsb:. Thats so cool:you_rock:

[Geoffkoop]

I wish our representatives who are arguing for us would bring up a catch and release proposal. I would release every fish that I caught in the future if I could still fish La Jolla instead of having it shut down. As long as you handle the fish like you described in your post I am sure that they survive. Another option would be slot limits like they have on the east coast... Don't shut us down, there are other options.

My thoughts exactly.

[DESTROYER]

Josh- The funny thing about fishing. In this last weeks WON there is an article by Bradon Hayward about WSB and I quote Allyn Watson owner and operator pf the six pack Dreamer "Watson likes to use 40 or 50# mono or spectra to a piece of heavy mono or floro; actually, Watson thinks Flirocarbon is a waste of money. He thinks that seabass are so stupid that it doesn't matter.

This just shows you that every angler has there own opinion! My opinion is: Whatever helps you catch fish. I for one think like Josh. I believe that WSB are intelligent and are very sensitive to noise and vibrations. Therefore, I never run my bait tank or my depth finder while fishing for these ghost. Take what you need and throw the rest back:cheers1:

TL-Matt

[ezcompany]

what a great read Josh. Very well deserved catch, even better of you to release such a handsome fish! Thank you for the awesome read and video

[Fiskadoro]

This just shows you that every angler has there own opinion! My opinion is: Whatever helps you catch fish. I for one think like Josh. I believe that WSB are intelligent and are very sensitive to noise and vibrations. Therefore, I never run my bait tank or my depth finder while fishing for these ghost.

When the fish, chew wide open they do so because they are being stupid, if your targeting them when they are not wide, when they are not stupid, they are very hard to catch.

The Dreamer makes it's money chartering Seabass trips, sometimes a little mythology amoung the masses is good for business.

Anyone can pull up to a wide open bite and catch fish, the trick is getting them to bite when they are not wide open. When they are around, whether they are being stupid or not.

Someone gave me a hard time about posting a reference to Josh's fish on another smaller Kayak website, saying that the report would put a hundred boats on "the bite" and they would cut off all the kayakers fish.

My thought was: "How Naive!!!"

First off if a hundred boats showed up they would not stay long as they could never get bit in the current conditions. Second the kayakers fishing around the boats would be fishing the wrong area, and never get bit as well.

Ultimately fishing is a game, a thinking process. Those who don't think may get some fish at times doing what they have always done, or what everyone else does. Those that take the time to read the situation, and figure out what's really going on can catch fish when others can not.

No doubt you have heard the saying: "If a tree falls in the forest, and no-one is there to hear it does it make a sound?"

Well if the Seabass move into the kelp in a prespawn pattern and no-one sees them or better yet figures out how to catch them are they really there?

Well I would say definitely so, and the guy who figures out they are there, and on top of that figures out to get them to bite when no-one else can using the standard methods.... well that guy is going to catch fish even if others can't.

The truth is right now there are hundreds of thousands of seabass up and down the coast holding in their prespwn pattern in kelp beds from Conception to Loma.

They are not actively feeding, they are waiting for the temp to rise a few degrees and trigger the spawn. If the temp rise matches a squid spawn outside the kelp at a given location You'll see a traditional epic bite outside that kelp. That's a crap shoot, and even if it happens it will only last a few days.

The deal is all those fish are out there in the kelp right now even if they are not wide open on squid, and they will be there until the temp get's up to the right temp to trigger thier spawn.

It's a prime opportunity for those who can figure out how to get them to bite, and your not going to see that in the western outdoor news.

There is a difference between finding the bite, and getting the fish too bite, and that is lost on most anglers.

One thing I like about kayaking is it teaches you to fish for the fish that are there rather then running all over the place burning tons of fuel, looking for fish that are just being stupid to begin with.

If you can get them when they are not stupid, you can get them anywhere.


Jim

[Rhyno1]

Very cool video, and great C&R.

Hey Yak Rider you forgot one other way you will be releasing a 40lb yellow, cause you already had your limit (5) would be the other reason to let em go! Besides you could always get a bigger freezer!

[THE DARKHORSE]

When the fish, chew wide open they do so because they are being stupid, if your targeting them when they are not wide, when they are not stupid, they are very hard to catch.

The Dreamer makes it's money chartering Seabass trips, sometimes a little mythology amoung the masses is good for business.

Anyone can pull up to a wide open bite and catch fish, the trick is getting them to bite when they are not wide open. When they are around, whether they are being stupid or not.

Someone gave me a hard time about posting a reference to Josh's fish on another smaller Kayak website, saying that the report would put a hundred boats on "the bite" and they would cut off all the kayakers fish.

My thought was: "How Naive!!!"

First off if a hundred boats showed up they would not stay long as they could never get bit in the current conditions. Second the kayakers fishing around the boats would be fishing the wrong area, and never get bit as well.

Ultimately fishing is a game, a thinking process. Those who don't think may get some fish at times doing what they have always done, or what everyone else does. Those that take the time to read the situation, and figure out what's really going on can catch fish when others can not.

No doubt you have heard the saying: "If a tree falls in the forest, and no-one is there to hear it does it make a sound?"

Well if the Seabass move into the kelp in a prespawn pattern and no-one sees them or better yet figures out how to catch them are they really there?

Well I would say definitely so, and the guy who figures out they are there, and on top of that figures out to get them to bite when no-one else can using the standard methods.... well that guy is going to catch fish even if others can't.

The truth is right now there are hundreds of thousands of seabass up and down the coast holding in their prespwn pattern in kelp beds from Conception to Loma.

They are not actively feeding, they are waiting for the temp to rise a few degrees and trigger the spawn. If the temp rise matches a squid spawn outside the kelp at a given location You'll see a traditional epic bite outside that kelp. That's a crap shoot, and even if it happens it will only last a few days.

The deal is all those fish are out there in the kelp right now even if they are not wide open on squid, and they will be there until the temp get's up to the right temp to trigger thier spawn.

It's a prime opportunity for those who can figure out how to get them to bite, and your not going to see that in the western outdoor news.

There is a difference between finding the bite, and getting the fish too bite, and that is lost on most anglers.

One thing I like about kayaking is it teaches you to fish for the fish that are there rather then running all over the place burning tons of fuel, looking for fish that are just being stupid to begin with.

If you can get them when they are not stupid, you can get them anywhere.


Jim



Especially in this sentence. : " The Dreamer makes it's money chartering Seabass trips, sometimes a little mythology amoung the masses is good for business."

If fishing with live squid during a feeding frenzy at greylight, another story. No doubt, Allyn Watson runs a top notch White Seabass six-pack outfit, great captain, awesome overnight boat. But, there's a reason you don't see that boat parked off the La Jolla kelp.

I'm not into mythology, so let me save some of you a few years of experimentation. Your line choice is a critical variable when fishing for large White Seabass, I'll leave it at that.

[screaming reel]

Caught 4 big ones 2 years ago on my standard 20 lb stren high impact walmart $ 5.99 cheep line. Stronger than you can imagine. Bait presentation is my theory to success. None last year though - although I pulled the hook on one at the gaff.

Nice job on the fish!

[PAL]

I wish our representatives who are arguing for us would bring up a catch and release proposal. I would release every fish that I caught in the future if I could still fish La Jolla instead of having it shut down. As long as you handle the fish like you described in your post I am sure that they survive. Another option would be slot limits like they have on the east coast... Don't shut us down, there are other options.

I'll give you the short answer. If you'd like more info afterward, I'll start a thread that lays out the major rules the MLPA's science team imposes.

Personally, I'm in favor of C&R - these days I'm a bass guy, virutally every one of them swims away healthy. And there is a proposal with limited C&R in it, the package submitted by UASC. Great! We'll all get to see how the science team and DFG rule makers score it.

I don't expect it to do well. The SAT will likely determine that anything with C&R provides low ecosystem protection. The DFG will say C&R is an enforcement nightmare.

Now don't throw darts at me - these aren't my rules. Here's something to keep in mind. The MLPA stands apart from traditional fisheries management, where slot limits and other regulations come into play. This thing is a habitat protection program.

As an aside, yellowtail and WSB are not considered likely to benefit greatly from MLPA closures. Why? Neither can be contained within a 9, 15, or even 18 sq mile reserve. That means there is a chance you'll see some MPAs that don't allow bottom fishing, but for YT and WSB, it'll be game on as normal.

[redyak07]

Josh,

Congrats on the fish! I don't post to many comments on here. I myself have pulled many seabass both whites and blacks. All released. I have 5 kids from 1yrs. to 13yrs. I would like for them and there kids to be able to catch fish like I have. The stories we all heard about when our dads and grandfathers of how good it was. We all can make a difference. I don't want anyone to be able to tell me that I can't fish here, because this place has been over fished. Thanks for the video Josh, its a great start!




Its even more rewarding to see them swim away.

:cheers1:

[blackcloud9]

Oh shoot I guess I've all been "poaching" Black Seabass, bocaccio, short
calicos and halibut and small white seabass "illegally" too all of these
years, and then releasing them carefully. Yawn.

And oh crap, the secret's out on the mysterious objects. Could it be
the bread he was using to chum up the mighty breadball eating bait (hint
hint), or, just dinner, or maybe a sponge? You decide. Watch the video
again.

The truth is I know plenty of guys who would've been yelling "who wants a
42 pounder" while they were still reeling. Josh didn't flinch. Listen to the video.

[Matt]

FUNNY STUFF BOYS!!!! All these people lobbing insults and insinuating things don't seem to have real names.......wow way to stand by your convictions! If your gonna lob insults, insinuate nasty things, call people names, be mean...etc....at least have the courage to stand up and be a MAN. Put your name down! Don't hide behind anonimity, stand by those convictions! Don't create a fake account, post a inflammatory post and then hide......


MY REAL NAME IS MATTHEW FALLON

[cioppino]

1064

Look at it this way. If you spend more of your time online complaining than actually fishing, chances are you are going to catch fewer fish. No need to be bitter about it.

The simple fact that there are more and more big fish being caught and sometimes released should be evidence of a thriving fishery. One that has come way back with commercial fishing restrictions, restocking efforts, size restrictions, and take limits. If people never posted images of big fish because they were simply not being caught, I think that would be a better argument in support of closures.

Nice video, pics, and story.

[driftwood]

What do you expect from a guy who calls himself CHICKEN?

[lamb]

Nice work Josh, WTG on the release!

Nice video Larry! No wonder you were out in the woods on Sunday... :) That wind was nasty.

I was happy to get a shot to try over the weekend. No luck.

I have seen a familiar face proudly sporting OEX shirt on Saturday though, with a nicely remodeled deck. He wasn't even riding an almighty Hobie, he was on a good ol' eXtreme. :D

I was fortunate to be able to help him release some of his trophy... ...through my digestive system. :D It was delicious.

Whazup with a freshly registered DFG rules interpretor characters? Post a cool report, catch a big fish.

[jasmin]

I'm ok.

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

:sifone:

Big thanks Nate for the assist.

[Matt]

HELL YES YOU ARE JASMIN!:notworthy:

[Willy]

Three types of kids go to a magic show:

The first type is the gullable kid; they love the show, they think the magic is really magic, they cheer the magician.

The second type is the kid who knows the magic isn't magic, but craft, and that kid too enjoys the show, but for what it is, entertainment. He too appluads the magician. What a showman!

The third type is the insecure kid; the one who sits in the back, muttering 'oh, that's just a trick, I can do that, I know how he does that, that lion dosen't have teeth, that bird is fake...' but is really jealous of the showman. Really wishing he had the guts and talent to do his own show, but knowing inside he has neither.

Funny, that third kind of type always goes to the magic show anyway...

Gotta love psuedo-intellegent people who propose a riddle, and then never give one. Who criticize the magician, and can't do a show of their own.

Food for thought,
Willy

[wiseguy]

Three types of kids go to a magic show:

The first type is the gullable kid; they love the show, they think the magic is really magic, they cheer the magician.

The second type is the kid who knows the magic isn't magic, but craft, and that kid too enjoys the show, but for what it is, entertainment. He too appluads the magician. What a showman!

The third type is the insecure kid; the one who sits in the back, muttering 'oh, that's just a trick, I can do that, I know how he does that, that lion dosen't have teeth, that bird is fake...' but is really jealous of the showman. Really wishing he had the guts and talent to do his own show, but knowing inside he has neither.

Funny, that third kind of type always goes to the magic show anyway...

Gotta love psuedo-intellegent people who propose a riddle, and then never give one. Who criticize the magician, and can't do a show of their own.

Food for thought,
Willy


Willy,

Very, very well said.:sifone:

[Quilted Germ]

My only question is...why post if you feel the need to photoshop the pic? I can already tell this is going to make someguys get all chapped, but it just seems a little odd. I'm sure we'll get a good explanation that will put the nay sayers to rest. Hopefully this wont stop Dark Horse from posting in the future as his posts get me fired up to get out there and fish.

Gregg Patrick Hartness

[Spinal Tap]

Jasmin,

How much did it weigh?

purty fish.



I'm ok.

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

:sifone:

Big thanks Nate for the assist.

[MalibuJohnny]

I am always up for a good riddle. Josh has not only landed a toad but two. One legal take and one illegally as defined F&G. F&G calls it illegal take but in layman's terms we call it poaching. Josh you may have 15 buddies that support you magnificent release but lets think about. Often times seabass are not that hearty. Lets not give more reasons to these yahoo environmentalists to shut down our fishery. You post on a public forum your kayak in prime seabass area with a toad on the back still fishing the same secret method that you used to kill the first one. Your intend is what matters. Where you fishing for yellowtail or halibut of trying to get some footage of you in action?

Oh wait a minute I heard you were catching bait... That makes sense. Anyway you are the only one that knows if you were poaching or not. I would just recommend not posting it to the world in the height of people trying to take away all of our fishing privileges. Being a steward of the ocean is what it is all about. If you truly honor the fish you take you should have the integrity to do things by the book.

Back to the riddle.....

1062

1063


Guesses on Josh's crazy secret methods????

I think he uses a white towel attached to a dropper loop on 65lb red cajun spectra with a green dacron topshot tipped with a bushel of garlic.

Other thoughts?

:confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:
Can you or someone explain these photos? They do appear to be “fixed” or “tampered” with. Common now didn’t we learn from the last guy?
ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p>
In our lives we try to fine a group or herd to belong to. We as humans need to feel that sense of relationship. Like the “mid-life” biker who during the week is an accountant and on the weekend a “bad ass biker” I guess we can get caught up in our “fame” of which we create!
<O:p></O:p>
I don’t doubt the talent of the angler…in fact I think its way to much self created “fame”
At the end of the day we all hope to catch the big one…it’s OK if you don’t too.
<O:p></O:p>
Fishing is fun and I do it to relax with my kids…go back to keeping it simple; don’t congests it with un-truth and Photoshop!

[dorado50]

Not saying anything about anyone, but I do agree with Andy in that boating a fish over the bag limit is not good. That picture is great in that to release an over the limit fish bring it boatside,remove hook if visible or in most cases cut leader as close to mouth as possible. Once you handle an over the limit fish you are technically in violation(at least my common sense tells me that). By the way I have not seen this video,only commenting on Andy's pic. Fish on........

[blackcloud9]

If you know Josh, and I have for years - way before he was DARKHORSE -
then you know that every detail always matters to him. He has a gift for
analyzing and understanding fish.

Whether it is in how a bait is presented, or, how an annoying distraction
in a great picture NEEDS to be fixed.

The irony is, most anglers that he talks to will scoff at the level of detail
he INSISTS ON when fishing, or when fixing his pictures.

It's really difficult to argue with his results, and he could just let results do
the talking.

I was lucky enough to be in the right place to watch the excitement, partly
because I'm content to smile and enjoy somebody else's magic show with grace.

And before you jump on the jealousy bandwagon about not being there guys,
realize that there were three other very experienced kayak fishermen within
talking distance, using the same exact techniques and nobody else got a strike
in many hours. So realistically, hard to describe as an "epic bite" in my opinion.

[dorado50]

Again Larry, having an over the limit fish in your possesion is a violation for everyone.By the way I do know Josh(surprised?).

[j mo]

Screw the regs...Unveil the secret? I want to catch one of those WSBS!:biggrinjester:

[MalibuJohnny]

Common now... epic is John Wayne or Bruce Lee! Good angler! not epic!

I call 'em as I see 'em!

Why doctor the photos? besides breaking the rules... to prove one greatness?

Iam going fishing!

[blackcloud9]

2001. (a) It is unlawful to take mammals, birds, fish, reptiles,<O:p></O:p>and amphibians outside of established seasons or to exceed any bag<O:p></O:p>limit or possession limit established in this code or by regulations<O:p></O:p>adopted by the commission. Violation of any established season, bag<O:p></O:p>limit, or possession limit may be charged as a violation of this<O:p></O:p>section or of the specific code section or regulation that<O:p></O:p>establishes the season or limit.<O:p></O:p>

</PRE><O:p


86. "Take" means hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt<O:p></O:p>to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.
</PRE>


</PRE>

Correct Dave. I am in "violation" if I "hunt" or "catch" a BSB or short calico. Technically, 56 mph is a "violation" in a 55 zone too. I'm just sayin ' y'all : )
</PRE>

Love you guys! : ) See you at the show!
</PRE>

[screaming reel]

You Rock Chicken ! Speak your mind! Good point! Everyone is entitled to their opinion even if it is their first post. Come on people he brought up a good point.

Josh why did you continue to fish? You profess your ethics often. I think for the integrity of the board and the sport and all the people who congratulate you often you should explain why you kept fishing after you caught your limit.

I released a big one without taking it out of the water and watched it swim away, very cool indeed. If the ego comes before the welfare of the fish then it is wrong. If it is illegal to catch a fish after landing one, it is wrong. You are becoming a guide, right. Watch how you "teach" others.

Once again, if a fish caught us and held us underwater for a little bit when were pregnant, with our pregnant belly being pushed what would that do for our survival rate. Doubtful if we would make it.

Play by the rules boys. Slam me if you wish - I have a tough skin and will remain hidden behind the cloak of the computer.

[j mo]

Hey Blackcloud,

In an earlier post you said "(Got some reds and sculpin fishing deep plastics 120 to 160'. Didn't catch any live bait, didn't bring wsb bait. BTW Decent calicos and halibut off the beach lately, see photo album)"

Ive been in the hunt for some time now for a WSB with no luck, can you share what bait you use? (I assume Squid???) Feel free to PM

Thanks,

[CandyCatcher]

You guys have such a great fishery down there....

I love to fish it...as much as you do.....


Why dont you spend some of that energy spent "pissing on others parades" on something more worthwhile.....

LIKE SAVING THE FISHING GROUNDS.....

Have you taken the time to send in your letters? Put the stamps on it and gone to the post office???

Then why spend so much time "hiding behind" your pcs and pissing on others parades.....

right or not???? Not your place to decide!!!

Go Fish!!!! or Save Your Fishing Grounds!!

Or it really wont matter....will it???

my 2 cents -

Randy Janush

[Bigfoot Suit Guy]

nice fish

[lambadmin]

Well said Chicken Dinner!

Way to tap yourself on the back Slappy... :rolleyes: In this particular subject discussion, where you're sending us this strong ethical message, doing it via 2 nicks discredits it all. Cmon. Josh said he was fishing for bait when he hooked the 2nd one; he released it, and it all ended well. We don't need you, who never before had anything to say or cool stuff to share, to convince us with your 2 nicks that he was laying.

We all know the rules (or at least we should all know 'em), so does Josh. We can all judge for ourselves, so can Josh. No need for mob lynching.

I believe Josh sincerely cares about our fishery. I know in fact that he released more big game LJ fish over the years than a good number of us caught to begin with.

But when he says "thousands of WSB", I call BS! :icon_bs:
:biggrinjester:

[Quilted Germ]

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"Do the right thing."

quote]

This is all that matters.....

[-scallywag-]

wow!!!! i thought i was on BD for a second?? STOP YOUR WHINNING!!!! or the very few seasoned, fortunate anglers who spend most of their time fishing and still post WILL stop posting, or better yet start posting false reports and bogus techniques....ooohhh and if you don't know how he was catchng them why don't you paddle over to him and ask??? (although if you fish regularly he has given more than enough hints to figure it out) GOOD LUCK GUYS!!!

[nmbrinkman]

If this was anyone but Josh it wouldn't of made it a page and a half. Jealousy is a bitch. Like someone said earlier. Some sit appreciative of the catch, while others criticize because they themselves can't to it to the degree of the guy on the stage. I don't know Josh on a personal level nor do I have anything to gain by taking his side. I just think this is all a bit ridiculous.

[Rhyno1]

Ghost fever is contagious...and now you all have it...bad! Get out and fish already, its the only cure known! This thread has more legs than a centipede!

[Trophy Killer]

Chicken Dinner wouldn't it been a better idea to pm Josh about your thoughts than to behave like a envious person or did you think it was time to come out the closet and post?

[Dave I.]

I'm trying to figure this out, I can have 5 bass in the live well and keep fishing over my take limit, as long as i don't keep more than five. I understand BSB are protected and can't be pulled out of the water, but were does it say we can't pull a WSB out for a picture, let alone catch more than one at time if we only keep one.

It is truly sad, that the post by chicken was gone before i even had a chance to finish my reply.
And i hope no one else took the poaching claim as legit, otherwise every pro bass fisherman should be in jail.

Dave Ischy

PS, Nice fish Josh, looking forward for another chance to head out for Tuna on the yak this year, really upset i missed last year.

[dos ballenas]

Nice fish Josh:notworthy:

[Podaker]

nice fish josh, these people bashing you just wish they could catch as many fish as you release. see ya out there.

[KennyHill]

nice fish josh, these people bashing you just wish they could catch as many fish as you release. see ya out there.

:iagree: Keep it up dude!

[DESTROYER]

Hilarious Thread! How can anyone judge ethics by reading a thread. Question: If you have 2 lines out and you double hook up on WSB and you land both of them and release one, is that illeagle? That fish is doing great, I'm sure. I've seen a dozen of pictures of some nice Sheepshead that were pulled out of the water and then released when they were closed and no one hassled those people. I've known people in the past that would have gaffed that fish because they didn't know the retention.

I agree with a post earlier in this thread. Spend your energy trying to keep our fishery open. Tight Lines to all!


Moyer

[dorado50]

If this was anyone but Josh it wouldn't of made it a page and a half. Jealousy is a bitch. Like someone said earlier. Some sit appreciative of the catch, while others criticize because they themselves can't to it to the degree of the guy on the stage. I don't know Josh on a personal level nor do I have anything to gain by taking his side. I just think this is all a bit ridiculous.


To me this thread is'nt about Josh at all, except that he caught some awesome wsb recently, which to me is outstanding!The reason being is that he does'nt play armchair quarterback like some and gets out there and fishes. Basically this thread went to "when is an over the limit fish over the limit", that is at what point should an over the limit fish be released before it becomes a violation? To me this is not "ridiculous" but rather an effort on my part to understand. And also so that maybe others in a similar situation will know when and how to release.

[j mo]

Agree,
To me this thread is'nt about Josh at all, except that he caught some awesome wsb recently,

And being relatively new to the sport I’m confused by this. If I’m lucky enough to catch a WSB, should I fear accidentally catching another one? Should I move away from my spot change bait etc.?
<O:p
Iceman posted the "proper form" for release but noticed he has WSB on deck already and one on the line. Was he in violation? (I guess the Iceman pulled his post???)<O:p
<O:p
This is a great site for info on gear, technique and tackle. There are allot of really cool folks on here that have been very, very helpful especially Josh. I hope it stays that way and doesn’t turn into BloodyDecks 2.0 where you have to sift through pages of insults and shit talking to glean info. I hope it stays humble......<O:p
<O:p
I hope to have the high class problem of catching two WSBS in one day and wondering what the hell to do!

best,
Josh

[Quilted Germ]

To me this thread is'nt about Josh at all, except that he caught some awesome wsb recently, which to me is outstanding!The reason being is that he does'nt play armchair quarterback like some and gets out there and fishes. Basically this thread went to "when is an over the limit fish over the limit", that is at what point should an over the limit fish be released before it becomes a violation? To me this is not "ridiculous" but rather an effort on my part to understand. And also so that maybe others in a similar situation will know when and how to release.

I agree, it's not about any one fisherman, but about what to do and what not to do. Being new to the sport, I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong, that's all. This site has been more than helpful in many aspects and I hope it continues.

[FISHIONADO]

I've learned from this discussion and will be careful about certain situations in the future. I've found this thread to be very valuable for raising visibility on how to follow the rules. I had never thought through some of these situations and could have easily erred on the water. Peace everyone.

[FISHIONADO]

All I have to say about all this at this point is, How many of you out there have in the past fished for trout and had your limit in a short time but continued to fish because you drove all the way out to some lake in the middle of nowhere and your going to make it worth your time, or gone out for lobster and had you limit but your buddy didn't have his yet so you continued to catch lobsters hopping for larger ones and giving the smaller ones to your buddy so he could get his limit or even being over your limit at home in the freezer, so you could stock up on them for later into the summer. Now is that not a violation in itself, to continue because you caught your limit too soon or to stock up on lobsters to last for a few more months? So judge yourself first before throwing stone at others.ffice:office" /><o>:p></o>:p>
<o>:p></o>:p>

I've never done any of those things you mentioned. I did catch a lingcod on a fish trap at the bottom of a sabiki rig once, lingcod were in season so I took it home and ate it. Someone responded to my post showing that I was in violation with more than two hooks on a line for lingcod. I had read the DFG regs but missed that point for lingcods. I am sorry about that violation and would never allow it to happen again. Many people learned from that post also.

I do go 80mph on a 65mph freeway often, but I don't see the relation to this issue.

[blackcloud9]

(Careful, the CHP reads these boards looking for speeders.) : )


Fishionado,
I didn't learn anything here except that when people misuse the term
"violation" and "poaching" and they are simply being inflamatory, their
posts get removed. Thanks BWE for monitoring and keeping this a
worthwhile message board.


gcsasher, the difference is that both lobster examples happen to
be law violations. This isn't that .. or, maybe somene can help me.


D50, "Once you handle an over the limit fish you are technically in
violation(at least my common sense tells me that)."

I want to understand this "law" that says you have to stop fishing
completely when you have a limit of some arbitrary species, and/or
the law where it says you cannot lift a fish out of the water before
releasing. I have been fishing for 40 years and have never heard of
such a thing from any reliable source.

Please, please PM me if you have a solid, qualified answer. I posted
the text of the DFG's "Take" law above and it's ridiculously vague,
so some clarity from an attorney would be refreshing.

[dorado50]

All I have to say about all this at this point is, How many of you out there have in the past fished for trout and had your limit in a short time but continued to fish because you drove all the way out to some lake in the middle of nowhere and your going to make it worth your time, or gone out for lobster and had you limit but your buddy didn't have his yet so you continued to catch lobsters hopping for larger ones and giving the smaller ones to your buddy so he could get his limit or even being over your limit at home in the freezer, so you could stock up on them for later into the summer. Now is that not a violation in itself, to continue because you caught your limit too soon or to stock up on lobsters to last for a few more months? So judge yourself first before throwing stone at others.ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>


Obviously any intellectual stimuli or conversation resulting from my above post ends here.

[MalibuJohnny]

If you contribute to this thread:

Be honest<O:p</O:p
Don’t boast<O:p</O:p
Tell the truth<O:p</O:p
Don’t use Photoshop<O:p</O:p
Don’t expect everyone to praise your skills<O:p</O:p
Expect to be held accountable<O:p</O:p
This is a small world…someone is always watching!<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
I will never get as good as all of you, and that’s OK… because I get more out of this than I could have ever imagined.<O:p</O:p

[Iceman]

Obviously any intellectual stimuli or conversation resulting from my above post ends here.

See Dave,:D I figured this out yesterday and pulled my posts. I also cleaned up some others that did not belong:sifone:

[Fiskadoro]

S I figured this out yesterday and pulled my posts. I also cleaned up some others that did not belong:sifone:

Cool :you_rock:

[nmbrinkman]

To me this thread is'nt about Josh at all, except that he caught some awesome wsb recently, which to me is outstanding!

To me this is not "ridiculous" but rather an effort on my part to understand. And also so that maybe others in a similar situation will know when and how to release.

I agree to a point. I enjoy Josh's reports and don't try to read into it anymore than what it is.

You rarely see people creating fake usernames or coming out of the woodwork to criticize anyone but some of BWE's "top performers". Those "one post wonders" are what made this thread ridiculous. And like Matt said earlier, lings and sheephead have been boated out of season and posted here. Not nearly the response as displayed here. That is why I threw in the "anyone but Josh" comment.

I also happen to believe that this train left the realm of understanding and a vicarious learning experience pages ago. I read it and enjoyed it when he first posted the report. It went south from there. I may not have done the same but I honestly don't care about the violation in question. There are more productive things to do than "hate" on one person.

I think we're on the same page here... Maybe you misinterpreted my point.

[KW]

Great job Josh! I'm envious big time as I came up empty on the wsb yesterday. I was the guy launching right behind you in the blue Scupper Pro.

I got into a epic ling bite when I gave up on the croakers a little deeper out yesterday. Maybe I was in violation as I was trying to limit on reds but kept getting ling bit every other fish? Who cares......

Seriously, I have seen a Hell of a lot worse... guys handing off fish from boats and yaks....Also gaffing fish with a legal ghosts on the hatch and then floating the smaller (dead) one so they can keep the bigger prize.....

Great video of the release as well... you could have very easily stoked out another yak by handing off that fish, but you did not....Epic job man!

KW

[-scallywag-]

this is a sticky subject; after reading josh's original post, with his knowledge, love and caring for the fish, "I" feel that he did nothing illegal....but after some thought and comparison to the guy on BD who caught a BSB, pulled it onto the deck of his PB, took some pictures THEN released it I can start to see where the line is blurred....the only obvious difference, josh loved that fish and teated it like his own child, plus technically, it was never "on" his boat:cheers1::cheers: :banghead:

DARKHORSE - Please don't stop posting your reports and pics....use photo shop, don't post your techniques or spots, we don't care....i know i have learned a ton from this post as well as others you have written. Plus you inspire everyone to do thier own research, try new techniques, post thier own pics/reports, and most importantly to LOVE THE OCEAN :canabis: (now i sound like a dang hippie)

[driftwood]

Some people are self made. Josh by choice made himself a fish whisper.
"If there is a need fill it" Josh fills that need very nicely and helps many to catch their first trophy a dream come true worth every penny!:cheers1:
I was with Josh yesterday and he pulled up a monster WSB and imiditly released it. He never offered it to none of his cliants because he would just say.. Catch your own. And by the way, Josh came in with zero fish yesterday but some of his cliants did hook up :cheers1: (50 pound WSB)
Soon the limit on WSB will be 3 daily and many of you will be coming in with 2 or even 3 WSB on your kayak or boat. So here is a rhetorical question. Just because its legal does it make it morally correct?

[FISHIONADO]

I've known Josh for several years and consider him a very ethical fisherman and brother. I didn't recognize an issue at all until the Chicken person pointed it out. Once recognized you've just got to say, I would do it differently next time. Live and learn and share with others so they can avoid a mistake. Peace all.

[Tman]

Oh chit, what'd I miss....:doh:

I remember getting bashed for letting Clay keep his first Calico...a 22"er...

Now, if you'll excuse me, gotta go and cook up some duck that I snatched, er, I mean, that followed me home from the Ralph's on Poinsettia...collapsed right as he got to my place...imagine that... :sifone:

[dos ballenas]

and the bartender said, can't you donkeys read the sign, no mulling around!

To sum it up, just do the right thing and nobody will get their panties in a knot:p

Everyone has their own opinion, and most are like assholes: stinky.

If it had been me, I would have immediatley stopped fishing after catching that first wsb.

Followed it up with a cold beer and some time spent reflecting on the fish I had just silenced, sent my condolences to the fish gods and then paddled in.

But thats just me. And in my opinion, any other response would be disrespectful to the fishery.

No matter how thriving you "THINK" the wsb stocks are Josh, it was still a bad call. I mean no disrespect, your fishing skill as always amazes us all... but your judgement was once again questionable, nice edit of your post by the way.

Nobody can say for sure if the released fish survived. After an experience like getting torn through the kelp, many fish are in shock. A tired and disorientated fish can become easy prey to the numerous sharks which are known to follow white seabass schools.

See the post by Jim Day... there were lots of sharks around the day that beautiful wsb was released by the "fish wisperer"... granted, if that fish found a nice piece of Macrocystis pyrifera to curl up and take a long nap in, then the fish most likely survived.

In my opinion that wsb wasn't feeling so hot when he swam SLOWLY away. No matter how long it took to get that picture and pull the fish carefully out of the water, it was too long in my opinion.

Sorry guys, I was feeling a little left out not contributing to this rant... as I am usually the first one to call someone out, I feel much better now, oh internet, how I love thee.

see you on the water!:wsb::wsb:, and maybe :wsb:

Owyn

[chris138]

Bump to the time that La Jolla's greatest hero got heckled by some kooks, and one very smart oceanographer. ;)

Funny how even back in 2009 people we're talking about how BWE is just not like it "used to be".

Who else misses reading the work of the Darkhorse?

PS- I saw this legend at the launch the other day... guess what... he still catches more fish than the rest of us.

Cheers!

[dsafety]

I am with you Chris. I personally learned a lot from being around our friend and mentor. It is too bad that the Darkhorse has gone, well, dark, but many of the best fishers from back in the day have done the same thing.

Wouldn't be great if, despite the steadily worsening fishing conditions around here, the kayak fishing community could revive itself in protest? I am not suggesting actual protests but maybe a revival of the open communications and friendly competition that made things so great back just a few years ago.

I for one promise to post a report, even if it is a skunk, whenever I go out. Hopefully others will do the same.

And Josh, please remember that for many of us your epic posts and on the water instructions will be fondly remembered by many of us forever.

Thanks for the shout out Chris.

[blackcloud9]

Good times! I shot all the photos and video that day with Josh.

Here's that video, posted on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/90193556

[DESTROYER]

I am with you Chris. I personally learned a lot from being around our friend and mentor. It is too bad that the Darkhorse has gone, well, dark, but many of the best fishers from back in the day have done the same thing.

Wouldn't be great if, despite the steadily worsening fishing conditions around here, the kayak fishing community could revive itself in protest? I am not suggesting actual protests but maybe a revival of the open communications and friendly competition that made things so great back just a few years ago.

I for one promise to post a report, even if it is a skunk, whenever I go out. Hopefully others will do the same.

And Josh, please remember that for many of us your epic posts and on the water instructions will be fondly remembered by many of us forever.

Thanks for the shout out Chris.

Social Media killed the website based reports. I hung up the kayak after doing it for 13 years in its infancy but you are welcome to follow my adventures on IG destroyer619 or ballastpointfishingteam. I sometimes miss being on the yak but launching into cold waves at 4 a.m. LOL. Josh for sure was a fish whisperer. I still find myself checking BWE weekly though. Hope everyone is healthy and safe:jig:

[chris138]

Good times! I shot all the photos and video that day with Josh.

Here's that video, posted on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/90193556

Larry awesome thank you for sharing!

[chris138]

Social Media killed the website based reports. I hung up the kayak after doing it for 13 years in its infancy but you are welcome to follow my adventures on IG destroyer619 or ballastpointfishingteam. I sometimes miss being on the yak but launching into cold waves at 4 a.m. LOL. Josh for sure was a fish whisperer. I still find myself checking BWE weekly though. Hope everyone is healthy and safe:jig:

:notworthy:

[Fiskadoro]

.....Anyone can pull up to a wide open bite and catch fish, the trick is getting them to bite when they are not wide open. When they are around, whether they are being stupid or not.

Someone gave me a hard time about posting a reference to Josh's fish on another smaller Kayak website, saying that the report would put a hundred boats on "the bite" and they would cut off all the kayakers fish.

My thought was: "How Naive!!!"

First off if a hundred boats showed up they would not stay long as they could never get bit in the current conditions. Second the kayakers fishing around the boats would be fishing the wrong area, and never get bit as well.

Ultimately fishing is a game, a thinking process. Those who don't think may get some fish at times doing what they have always done, or what everyone else does. Those that take the time to read the situation, and figure out what's really going on can catch fish when others can not......

Funny seeing this post a decade later.

I've met a handful of fishermen like Josh in my lifetime. Incredibly talented, but also generous. I remember those trips like yesterday. Josh had the fish patterns so down he'd position himself in the kelp right where they would cruise through, right on the surface, where you could see them. Sight fishing he called it. He'd rig his asian market squid in such a way he could make it swim as if it was still alive, then patiently sit until he could stick it right in front of it's nose at just the right moment.

He showed me it all, and I soaked it up like a sponge, but he could still outfish me doing it every time.

Above I talk about some peoples naive arguments against Josh and against helping others, but in the end I was naive thinking you could have an open dialogue about such things.

This post was kind of the beginning of the end for me, in that it started a fight that never ended and eventually so poisoned the well that it was no longer fun. I fish other places now where I don't have to deal with awkward on the water confrontations, or people vandalizing my truck at the launch, but I do miss Josh, and those late nights on the cold water.

[h2ofishfo]

Man how time flys . I remember day after these posts the water would be particularly busy . People hated and loved this site . People Loved the reports And hated the exposure it would bring to lajolla . No one had a clue to what social media was going to bring . But to each there own

[the dude]

Definitely a very sharing dude and a legend. I'd PM him a question, and he'd send me like 6 paragraphs of the most solid sought after information gleaned from all his time on the water. Glad to hear he's still slaying monsters on the sled.