Signs of life...

[THE DARKHORSE]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/DSC02269_1_.JPG
Misery loves company, so good luck sleeping :).

I think the secrets out, the Croakers have moved into the kelp along the coast. On this particular day a Sardine kept beaching himself along the outside edge of the kelp as if he was scared of the water below...it looked like a pretty good place to fish. Even though I'm lazy and only fish the local kelp, my intel from Santa Barbara down to Imperial beach have all been telling me the same story. I don't know if there was an extra healthy squid population in the depths all winter, but the population of huge females is strong to say the least. I've shared a few of my trophies this spring, but a number of trees have fallen without someone to hear them. Much like fishing during the squid bites, I feel obligated to fish when a certain grade is available. You will never have a better shot of catching a fifty pound Yellowtail than during those times when they're stuffing themselves and have their guard down. These low light conditions at the sea floor with their favorite food is the time the majority of these trophies are caught. The battlefield of boats is something I would avoid years ago, even though I knew what kind of fishing was going on. The truth of the matter is I would rather fish all day to find that one trophy just before sunset, without a boat in sight. But, for years all I could think of was that fifty pound Yellowtail I had on the end of my line fishing twenty pound flourocarbon. I had her just out of gaff range three times, but each time the Yellowtail of my dreams laughed at me moving back to a safe distance cruising the bottom in 30' of water. I've relived this nightmare for years and think of it every time I drop down to the invisible stuff. I suppose my recent heartbreaks will serve as great therapy, since that sight of watching my prize shake the hook at gaff years ago is starting to fade. I have the fresh taste of tears to savor from a couple White Seabass that could have been twenty pounds over my personal best. I wish I never saw them, but I did. Consequently having to go get a glass of water at three in the morning, waking up with sweat on my brow, with that damn visual of a straightened out hook. The current WCW number one (Jasmin), was on hand to help as I took off my waders and swam down without a mask trying to retrieve one of these fish. Even though I have a great breathhold, topping out around three minutes. Swimming down in your underwear without a mask in five feet of visability didn't help my cause. After a few attempts I was able to pop a number of stringers and follow my spectra down to my fish. Only to feel her last shakes of freedom and see a silver flash five feet in front of me, only to swim back up with my hook in hand. I wouldn't have done this for any White Seabass over fifty, but this fish was more than worthy. The good news is if she's not in the arms of an expert diver now, she's still out there.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/LJ_WSB_LJ_046B.jpg

Here's my partner in crime for the day, the best website guy I know. Consequently the only other kayaker out this day. Even though my fish was a little over fifty three inches, his fish was ridiculous. Don has a 1' stainless gaff which I'm sure works great for tired Yellowtail yakside, but not when they're kelped heavily 8' down. I could see this beast at color and simply made sure he didn't pull too hard while I did everything I could do to help out. I ended up getting a little wet with my arm burried up to my shoulder with a 4.5' gaff to get his fish of a lifetime. Being an only child I had quick thoughts of "that's my fish", but gladly shared a celebratory cold one with Don on the happy pedal back.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/DSC02274_1_.JPG

I love my job!

[The Great Blumpkin]

SWEET!!!

http://www.projo.com/sharedcontent/east/parts/bodyimages/christmas/20041220_330.jpg

[ratdog]

incedible, congrats.

[bellcon]

now thats a report!
:cheers1::cheers1:
looking good!!!

hey Don
get back to work:D
and leave some fish for the other Dons in the world:D

[wildcat]

The girth / gut on that one in the second photo is rediculous...Great read dude, you got the gift..

[NextBite]

nice :wsb:

[Bpcode3]

:notworthy: Great catch

[dorado50]

Love the new outfit........:D

[shogan]

Got my 50lb + 4/10/04... and figured that the good weather combined with the calander would bring some nice fish to gaff. Just wondering why no one else is sharing.... or where they are sharing?

[Smokey]

Great story, awesome fish. :you_rock:

[fishchaser25]

Great report bro. Hay what R the specks on that seccond fish. it is freakin FAT.:you_rock::cheers1::you_rock:

[THE DARKHORSE]

Great report bro. Hay what R the specks on that seccond fish. it is freakin FAT.:you_rock::cheers1::you_rock:


The weight of that fish will be a mystery for eternity. My scale was at home and Don doesn't have one. Don and I spoke about getting an official weight, but Don's take was that this isn't a tournament. He didn't care about the weight and simply honored the fish for being the magnificent creature it was, a trophy to be proud of. I will just say that his fish made my trophy over fifty pounds look like a Speckled Trout. He kept telling me how small my fish looked compared to his, trying to make me feel bad for harvesting her. I didn't even want him pulling his kayak up next to mine on the beach :D.

[kansas]

Wholly Mackerel. :luxhello:

[PB fisher]

dinner for a month

:wsb:

[Holy Mackerel]

3 minute breathold, swimming, not static, impressive, that is better than any freediver I know! Nice fish too.

chris

[aftahour]

great report and pics.. what monster :wsb::wsb:

[Adam12]

Amazing!

[nabeeko]

nice looking fishies:cheers1:

[yakrider]

:you_rock:HOLY CRAP

[Tman]

3 minute breathold, swimming, not static, impressive, that is better than any freediver I know! Nice fish too.

chris

Ya, nice catch...;)

[THE DARKHORSE]

3 minute breathold, swimming, not static, impressive, that is better than any freediver I know! Nice fish too.

chris


I don't remember saying I could swim without a wetsuit, no weights or fins in 59 degree water for three minutes on one breath. I said a 3 minute breathhold, which was timed in perfectly calm warm water, after properly prepping my lungs. It should be obvious that jumping in ice water will more than cut your oxygen level in half, then kicking down with no fins or weights and spending precious energy will give you twenty seconds at best. But, thanks so much for clearing that up, Chris.

[Holy Mackerel]

Even though I have a great breathhold, topping out around three minutes. Swimming down in your underwear without a mask in five feet of visability didn't help my cause.


You are being really sensitive there Josh. :p

Not that it matters, but you stated you have a great breathhold topping out around 3 mins, it does not say anything about static training in calm waters, so I was astounded by your breathhold. That is all, nothing more, nothing less.

chris

[MalibuJohnny]

I don't remember saying I could swim without a wetsuit, no weights or fins in 59 degree water for three minutes on one breath. I said a 3 minute breathhold, which was timed in perfectly calm warm water, after properly prepping my lungs. It should be obvious that jumping in ice water will more than cut your oxygen level in half, then kicking down with no fins or weights and spending precious energy will give you twenty seconds at best. But, thanks so much for clearing that up, Chris.

Again! You never stop with the elaborate expansions of detail! Sweat on the brow, glasses of water! Ha! reads like a novella! Your some kind’ a superman! :leaving:

[lgdpt]

chris - I read it the same way.

I freedive and have lots of friends that do.....I was thinking "what a load of BS". I swam and played water polo all the way through college and nobody I knew could do that... These were guys on full scholarships who were invited to Olympic trials.

Josh's explanation clears it up.

[slayersmith]

Awsome post!!!!

Take it easy!

Aaron

[Fiskadoro]

Again! You never stop with the elaborate expansions of detail! Sweat on the brow, glasses of water! Ha! reads like a novella!


Ahhhhh my favorite style of personal attack. :you_rock:

People make accusations, if you explain yourself then people attack you for explaining.

D_____ if you, do D_____ if you don't kind of thing.

So what's the real issue Johnny? The fact he can type, the fact he's catching big fish, or the fact he's helping others catch them as well :sifone:

[MalibuJohnny]

Was it a swat or a simple comment? I read all the post everyday.

Some are worth comment and others no... The way I see it " A sandwhich is a great sandwhich, with more meat and less bologna"

I am not a follower, cause I don't like the view!:the_finger:

[driftwood]

Was it a swat or a simple comment? I read all the post everyday.

Some are worth comment and others no... The way I see it " A sandwhich is a great sandwhich, with more meat and less bologna"

I am not a follower, cause I don't like the view!:the_finger:

And what have you brought up to the table lately? Not even enough for a fish sandwich. Go fish!

[j mo]

That one :wsb:in particular is massive. Your fortunate that you can fish as much as you do.

Personally I'd rather read your eloborate reports than "caught big fish on iron on 4/21...see pic"

It's ironic that people "jones" for detailed fish reports, but when the few who actually take time to post them actually do, they get shat all over....

[MalibuJohnny]

When you post in a public forum, you open yourself for debate. ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
Not to mention open yourself up to the various “miss-leading” and “Photoshop” expansions of the truth. Shouldn’t they not be exposed?<O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
Might I add that I am a fellow Kayak Fisherman and have been for about 5 plus years now. Chasing the “Ghost” as you romantics put it, is really not what everyone here is about? Its about fishing…ego’s are the thing that get hurt here. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
Personally, I prefer to see Dads out there with there family having a great time fishing. At least you can believe the smiles on the kid’s faces. I know my two girls do! And I will teach my newest Yakker the same. She will be here on Thursday. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
A little girl that my wife has blessed me with.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Anyway…I will refrain from adding my two cents, and will recede into the background of the web, wiping my sweaty brow, reaching for a glass of water, which will cool my hot and heavy breathing, after my deep and seemingly endless dive down into the labyrinth of giant kelp, to release this magnificent creature so she may return as the ghost we all dream about….<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
The end:rolleyes:<O:p></O:p>

[DENNYh]

Your funny.

[dsafety]

Wow! This discussion has turned interesting.

All I can say is, Josh, keep the stories coming. Many of us are living vicariously off of your exploits. We are envious of your skills and proud to have you as part of our little community.

Bob

[fishchaser25]

Wow! This discussion turned interesting.

All I can say is, Josh, keep the stories coming. Many of us are living vicariously off of your exploits. We are envious of your skills and proud to have you as part of our little community.

Bob

I have to seccont this post. we greatly appretiate your posts. keep it up bro.:you_rock:

[Billy V]

Wow! This discussion turned interesting.

All I can say is, Josh, keep the stories coming. Many of us are living vicariously off of your exploits. We are envious of your skills and proud to have you as part of our little community.

Bob

I get a good laugh when someone pounces on a word, or written phrase made by Josh. LMAO.... The guy is always helpful to people on -the -water for all the right reasons. ___ He is a regular guy who is passionate about fishing.

"Don't hate me because I'm Beautiful" :)

[MalibuJohnny]

You gotta love this one though!

"suppose my recent heartbreaks will serve as great therapy, since that sight of watching my prize shake the hook at gaff years ago is starting to fade. I have the fresh taste of tears to savor from a couple White Seabass that could have been twenty pounds over my personal best. I wish I never saw them, but I did. Consequently having to go get a glass of water at three in the morning, waking up with sweat on my brow, with that damn visual of a straightened out hook. The current WCW number one (Jasmin), was on hand to help as I took off my waders and swam down without a mask trying to retrieve one of these fish. Even though I have a great breathhold, topping out around three minutes. Swimming down in your underwear without a mask in five feet of visability didn't help my cause. After a few attempts I was able to pop a number of stringers and follow my spectra down to my fish. Only to feel her last shakes of freedom and see a silver flash five feet in front of me, only to swim back up with my hook in hand. I wouldn't have done this for any White Seabass over fifty, but this fish was more than worthy. The good news is if she's not in the arms of an expert diver now, she's still out there."

Where did the rest of this go?


Nothing personal Josh,

I just find myself reading your posts asking myself why I don’t imagine fishing the way you do. Kudos’s for your assisting others in the search for the (trying to be nice here) elusive “trophy” or “ghost” as so many will attest too. But that’s the way I feel… I will try to be more open minded when reading your postings, and I may have a drink or two to get in the mood J (just kidding) when reading the next “Tall Tale” (just kidding again)
<O:p
So keep it up! and I will not say anything nasty again ;})
<O:p<O:p</O:p
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/ /><st1:City alt=</st1:City>Malibu</ST1:p Johnny!:o<O:p</O:p

[Fiskadoro]

Lack of imagination or just experience?

[MalibuJohnny]

Who has removed all the other related comments on the site hummmm. somethings fishy here!
When you post in a public forum, you open yourself for debate. ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
Not to mention open yourself up to the various “miss-leading” and “Photoshop” expansions of the truth. Shouldn’t they not be exposed?<O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
Might I add that I am a fellow Kayak Fisherman and have been for about 5 plus years now. Chasing the “Ghost” as you romantics put it, is really not what everyone here is about? Its about fishing…ego’s are the thing that get hurt here. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
Personally, I prefer to see Dads out there with there family having a great time fishing. At least you can believe the smiles on the kid’s faces. I know my two girls do! And I will teach my newest Yakker the same. She will be here on Thursday. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p> </O:p>
A little girl that my wife has blessed me with.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Anyway…I will refrain from adding my two cents, and will recede into the background of the web, wiping my sweaty brow, reaching for a glass of water, which will cool my hot and heavy breathing, after my deep and seemingly endless dive down into the labyrinth of giant kelp, to release this magnificent creature so she may return as the ghost we all dream about….<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
The end:rolleyes:<O:p></O:p>


About me:
<STYLE>body { margin-left: 0; background-color: FFFFFF; background-image:url(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9687/waterqc1.jpg); background-position: top left; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed;}</STYLE><STYLE>table, tr, td {background-color: transparent;border: none;border-width: 0px;color: 000000;}</STYLE><STYLE> div table tr td font {visibility: hidden;} div table tr td table tr td font {visibility: visible;} </STYLE>I'm a Fisherman, Artist, Sculptor, Inventor, Small Boat builder, Kayaker, Kayak designer and builder, Intellectual/Dyslexic. I read, I write, I build things, I listen to strange music...but I also love the Sea. I'm a mixture of traditional simple vices, and new ideas. When I'm not in my building something (creating), I'm somewhere out on the Ocean.

"Mans relation to the Ocean is as old as civilization. Some go to churches, some look for spiritual guidance from guru's or Gods, I go out on the ocean. For me there is something spiritual about being on the water, and I do not think I am alone in this. I've fished since I was a child, and being out on the water gives me more of a sense of scale, beauty and oneness to the greater picture, then I could ever get from a crowded building or "sacred" text.
We are living in changing times where man will have to redefine his relationship with his environment. Huge gas guzzling boats and the rampant overfishing of past generations, is now unsustainable. If we want to enjoy the Ocean for generations to come, we have to become stewards as much users, in our interactions with it, and find new ways to do what we do without damaging the resources we love. In that spirit I tend to push the limits of small craft fishing, and kayaking: trying new ideas, new more economical and eco-friendly ways fishing, and simply being on the water.

All the images and media on my page are my own: pictures of my kayaks, my boats, the fish I have caught and trips I have taken. I would prefer that no-one use them without my permission. You can find what I'm up to including my latest fish reports here on my blog. "

I think that the Intellectual/Dyslexic speaks well of you!

I hold my ground on all my comments!

My last post was a real attempt to lets everyone know that I have backed off... so ( I will be nice)

END

[dorado50]

Personally, if one were to really read Josh's posts and savor every word you would find that in most of his reports he reveals at LEAST one or more hints as to how he catches these fish! I learn something from every one of his posts. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE FISH!!! Learn by reading....so Josh don't stop cause you are making me a better fisherman,thanks.....

[Fiskadoro]

(CP'd from my webpage)....All the images and media on my page are my own..... I would prefer that no-one use them without my permission.

Oooops... I guess this is all due to a reading comprehension problem.

I'm not sure why you think my personal page has anything to do with this discussion..... but if your going to quote from it without permission you might as well at least post a link...

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=451418044

or an image, or two, or three....

http://s02.imagehost.org/0449/yak22.JPG

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/4764/yak10sl.jpg

http://s04.imagehost.org/0427/37IMG_51152.jpg

[Brian s]

That thing is a pig :cheers1:

[MVC]

I usually do not get involved in these discussions but I will put in my 2 cents. Josh has always been friendly with me eventhough I am not a La Jolla local. He was aware that my son broke his hand playing baseball and he ask me about my son the last couple of times that I saw him on the water. I find him friendly and helpful and last time that I saw him he even pointed me toward the fish. Eventhough I did not catch a large white sea bass, thanks Josh for your help.

[dorf]

I still think you should publish your stories Josh.
You have a gifted talent for describing your incredible gift of fishing.
I'd put your books on my coffee table.

[dsafety]

When did this forum turn unfriendly.

Jim's kayak is beautiful. A lot of love and hard work went into building her. I would probably drown using a sit-inside like that one but it is certainly a work of art. The builder should be very proud.

Bob

[Geoffkoop]

Wow... I was wondering why this thread was going on so long.
When I first came to this site, Josh helped me a ton... multiple times. IMHO a great guy. Keep it up Darkness, I love the stories!:luxhello:

[JPSURF]

You know it is funny i go to different sites and love to read posts. But when i see a post with multiple pages there always seems to be one name involved.:doh:

And it isn't you Josh. I enjoy reading your reports and envy the fish you catch. I only hope to catch a trophy one of these days and hopefully it will be Friday:luxhello::luxhello: keep the posts coming.


JP

[Fiskadoro]

Jim's kayak is beautiful. A lot of love and hard work went into building her.

Thanks Bob!! I love that kayak, even though I do not use it as much as I used to, the plastic ones are just far better suited to the surf..

You know it is funny i go to different sites and love to read posts. But when i see a post with multiple pages there always seems to be one name involved. And it isn't you Josh.


You may be right!!!

Maybe you could start a thread with a poll, or contact the owners of the website with your concerns. :grouphug:


Personally... I got better things to do, like get my gear together, since I'm fishing tomorrow.

Good luck!!



Jim

[THE DARKHORSE]

The same five haters will always be the same five haters (we all know who they are). :linesnap:



I lose sleep over seventy pound White Seabass and fifty pound Yellowtail, not guys with small penis syndrome. I appreciate the support and all the kind words, but don't worry about me guys. My reports are written with the intent of inspiring others, to get them off the couch and help them catch a fish they otherwise wouldn't have.

[Fiskadoro]

The same five haters will always be the same five haters (we all know who they are). :linesnap:

I hear that one!!

Man.... it appears my problem is I'm sleeping too soundly, like right through my alarm :biggrinjester:

Looks like I'll be coming down tomorrow..... Guess I could still fish local :rolleyes:

Good fishing to you and watch your toes :D

Jim

[dorado50]

Haters aren't necessarily a bad thing, keeps the blood flowing,and hopefully inspires one to excel even more. What is bad however is sleeping through the alarm when the plan was to fish....:doh:

[Hunter (The 80's Man)]

I lose sleep over seventy pound White Seabass and fifty pound Yellowtail, not guys with small penis syndrome. I appreciate the support and all the kind words, but don't worry about me guys. My reports are written with the intent of inspiring others, to get them off the couch and help them catch a fish they otherwise wouldn't have.


I AM INSPIRED.
TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER! :reel:

Rob