Just another Whale tour...

[THE DARKHORSE]

While it's hard to argue that size doesn't matter, regardless of what she told you. I've found, mainly from my time on the internet---people just love to argue. It's almost as if it's become a sport unto itself, no? Kind of like the simple practice of being safe and using common sense on a kayak. It's a new sport; haven't you heard? And apparently there's plenty of eager folks, armed and ready with an opinion, educated or not---for the next fence post that will listen. You know that saying argue with a fence post?

It's one thing to stand up and be proud of something you truly believe in. Take our freedom for example. Many, many lives have been lost to preserve our rights we enjoy today. For those who have risked their lives to do, well, exactly that---preserve our freedom---I'll take this opportunity to give a sincere, thank you! Then again, it's another thing entirely to argue for the sake of arguing. Which is what I see more often than not, these days. Pure comedy, from an outsiders perspective. At least, for a while. Then what might seem funny at first, looks more and more, well, sad.

I don't know, maybe that's just my perspective? A perspective from the jaded view of surfing everyday, for hours on end, at multiple spots according to the tide---the past few months. If you haven't poked your head out of that cubicle lately, it's been going off! Enough so, that I've shed most of that extra internet-weight. All twenty to thirty pounds of it. Which certainly helped get my mind off the stagnant, overly bait-rich fishing conditions this Winter suffered from. Most internet-fisherman could probably care less, but without question, Winter is my favorite season to fish for Pelagic species. And no matter who you are, this Winter was tough to say the least.

Like most folks, I've never seen conditions like this (buried in squid)---for so long.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/Ready_for_battle_.jpg
I remember being of the opinion that, there's no such thing as too much bait. Well, I was certainly wrong in that respect. And this season proved that, over and over again. To the point where I simply told guys to wait for better odds of success---and dare I say, quit fishing for a while. In hindsight, that could have been the best thing that ever happened to me. It built up that fire inside, again. The fire to scan open-water for days on end, with zero signs, looking for that one little clue. There's been days over the years, when a couple meter marks, at a certain depth, would decide the trips of glory the following days. Days, that other anglers get to join in on the fun---without all the work involved. Yes, productive fishing for Pelagic species requires a significant amount of work. Hard work! Especially, consistent productive fishing for them. If this is breaking news for you---I'm sorry to burst your bubble.

The good news: If you've read this far, in the fishing reports forum no less, listening to some guy rambling about unrelated topics---you just might have what it takes. Anything's possible, right? Just like your parents told you---you can be the president of The United States if you put your mind to it, Johnny! Apparently, you have the ability to bob and weave through the bull-$h!t. Which unfortunately, is a big part of life.

I left the house, bright and early yesterday with a plan. A plan, to enjoy all of God's creation. And again, I was humbled by what I saw. In short, it was magnificent! Breathtaking at times, really. I felt humbled by the sheer beauty of another incredible sunrise. The moon was replaced by the sun as the offshore breeze blew me to my intended location. With the help of the Hobie Mirage Drive, of course. A couple of times the Lowrance HDS raised my pulse, as giant Whales breached in the distance. Some of which were massive, while others were clearly new to the pod. This might be one of the few cases when bigger isn't necessarily better. The smaller Whales always bring a smile to my face, but I'm sure someone out there prefers to watch the larger models. Perhaps we could start an internet debate about that? Sounds like a good time, but I'll just watch from the sidelines as usual---I'm not a fence post! A few giant herds of porpoise, much like the Whales, reminded me how small a six foot, two hundred pound man really is. In the grand scheme of things---we might as well be a mere, grain of sand.
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http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/Whale_Tours_.jpg
I'd strongly suggest the Whale Tour, but then again ---this is my kind of Whale!

[WahooUSMA]

Damn.......Niiiice

[roby]

Haha...that thing is sick.

[Kaijuu]

That's a beautiful whale you got yourself.

[Iceman]

It's almost as long as your gaff!!!:D Very nice!

[Ndavissd]

Moving from that literary post to that result !!! Writing like like you fish excellent ... Thanks for the story and pic

[krmaxima]

omg very nice fish

[bellcon]

lost 20-30 lbs... Looking good!

Gained ?lbs of WSB looking even better!

Way to go brother Josh
:cheers1:

[StinkyMatt]

Nice phot, congratulations!

Forcast for this weekend:

300 kayak guys chasing whales!:D

[Pescavore1]

Whale done!!!

Will you start offering whale tours too?

[T-Rex]

Very nice biscuit! :cheers1:

[GregAndrew]

entertaining as usual. That photo of the squid seems to pop right off the screen! Is that a humpbelly whale?

[Amish Ed]

NICE! Glad to know others around here surf too. But, this winter's surf has left me wanting. I only get monday and tuesday to surf and/or fish and it seems like I'm always getting fading swells. Urgh

[driftwood]

Never argue with an idiot.The people watching might not know the difference. Who's got time to argue when there so much fishig to do and so little time?

There's a fresh one!!!

Nice Job Josh.

[Rav3n805]

Nice write up...and :wsb:

[herbo]

A great write up!!!!!! fantastic pics, keep 'em coming:you_rock:.....H

[TCS]

Nuke the gay whales for jesus!

[tagyak]

I'd strongly suggest the Whale Tour, but then again ---this is my kind of Whale!

whaled said :notworthy:

[Nic D]

that there is the White Pacific Sea Whale Bass!



Lets see:

√ Black hat
√ Blue yak

I pretty close to ya, I might just get one this year! and if it happens to be like that, I just might quit fishing!
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ok lets not get carried away.

Great fish Josh. weight?

[dorado50]

Now thats putting the whopper back in BWE!! :eek:. I admire your perserverance. Can't wait to post up my first this year,if I can remember how to catch!:eek:. Conditions are slowwwly changing.

[GBF]

That's sick............nice going!!

GBF

[deepdvr]

Ahhhh......I'm glad the first darkhorse commercial of the year has come sooner than later. Well done amigo. He didn't have any jewelry hanging out the side of his mouth, did he??? :notworthy:

[Fiskadoro]

While it's hard to argue that size doesn't matter......

Size doesn't matter to those that have the size :biggrinjester:

Great report and commentary, I certainly appreciated it, ultimately it's all about the fishing. Nice color on that fish, speaking of size just looking I think I just got "inspired" :sifone:

Thanks for the post hopefully I'll see you down there soon.

Jim

[walrus]

Yes, productive fishing for Pelagic species requires a significant amount of work. Hard work! Especially, consistent productive fishing for them. If this is breaking news for you---I'm sorry to burst your bubble.

You're the hardest working man I've ever seen.

I expect Greenpeace will anchor the Rainbow Warrior off the coast when they see you're catching those whales.

Wow!

[mtnbykr2]

nice fish, very well done on the report, nice reading, that's definately the right kind of whale, fish for dinner anyone???:you_rock:

[old_rookie]

Thanks for the story and report. Impressive work.

[j mo]

Hey that fish looks kinda farmiliar!:rolleyes: Glad you found the 'wolf pack'; I knew it just was a matter of time.....

[theluckypig]

:cheers1: that's a fish!

[blackcloud9]

Since there were two kayaks out front until after sunset, I assumed that
meant something was stirring. That's not likely to be tourist, so figured it
was a "consumptive" :). That would make for a long Josh-like marathon
day - nice work on the whitey!

Also noticed that a strong current had all the kelp laying down that day.
Good to see they are on-schedule.

This year has been wfo trouting, too good to pass up.
http://sdfish.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=104161

I'll have to give the salt a whirl.

[Sherm]

nice ghost Josh and a great write up. I hope people understand how much time you put on the water Josh to find those type fish consistantly. I wish I had the time to put in that kind of effort.

Also....if you ever fish with Josh............bring plenty of water and food with ya. I've never met anybody who can spend so much time in the seat of a yak. He makes my 7 and 8 hour bug trips look like a stroll in the park.

Beautiful fish Josh.

[Tandem Assassin]

[QUOTE=THE DARKHORSE;75188] "If you haven't poked your head out of that cubicle lately, it's been going off! Enough so, that I've shed most of that extra internet-weight. All twenty to thirty pounds of it".


Josh - I haven't poked my head outside my cubical for 18 months and my only slice of pie is your post which seem to be few and far between lately.

I fish LJ everyday in mind and remember every cast, bait ball, and hook-up. I haven't tied a hook in over 12 months as I traded in my life's passion for the all mighty dollar and I haven't been the same since.

I miss LJ and all the pleasures it gives to those who spend time with her. I hope to catch up with you in the future and am waiting on that book I suggested you write a while back.

Hope to share a few stories soon. :jig:

[ratdog]

Well done Josh, thanks for sharing.

[burning drag]

WHALES ARE GAY:D

[bubblehide]

Like everyone else, I'll take your kind of whale tour anytime!

[yakrider]

dude! :luxhello::luxhello::cheers1::notworthy:

HDS huh?
which one did you get?
I have been thinking about taking the plunge!

[vito]

wow Congrats!!!!

[lamb]

NICE WORK MR. DARK HORSE!!! :cheers1:

It's been way too long since I connected with something descent. Thank you for the inspiration!

[tunaseeker]

You obviously have put your time in OTW and it shows.... I wish I could escape my cubicle more to hang out with Miss. La Jolla. Enjoy it out there!

[JoeGoFish]

Holy Mother of God!

[wade]

tick...TOCK!


:wsb::cheers1:

[dmrides]

Nice whale Josh. I must say though, I was kind of expecting to see some kind of a smile in the photo, this being the first (?) WSB of the season and all.

[steveooo]

Awesome fish :luxhello:
Cool shot of the esqueeds too!

[Gino]

That fish has a bigger belly than i do...

I read all of it, the picture at the end is a pleasent Suprise.

[dfroggy54]

Moo

[yani]

Josh,

Thanks for reminding me why kayaking fishing is so worth it.

[coxtanker421]

hi darkhorse, eric from bob s. referred you for guide service. interested? pm or call pls, . 818 4860120 . my name is anthony. thx: :you_rock:

[Caballito]

Yes Josh, you are not a fence post! Nice going!

[THE DARKHORSE]

"It's almost as long as your gaff!!!:D Very nice!"
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.You know what they say, big gaff...big ego :D. Honestly, over the years, I would have lost many fish without the longer gaff. Especially if I'm gaffing someone's fish for them. I like to take fish on their first pass of the boat, green as can be! In my opinion, there's really no leverage issues...it's all advantage if you asked me.


"lost 20-30 lbs... Looking good!

Gained ?lbs of WSB looking even better!

Way to go brother Josh"
:cheers1:
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.Yeah, someone made the mistake of betting me a couple thousand dollars that, I couldn't lose the weight by June.

And I'm a betting man! Six pack on the way. :D



Whale done!!!

Will you start offering whale tours too?
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If I did, I'd make it the best Whale tour service in the history of kayak Whale tours. I thought of offering a bottle of Dom, with sides of Caviar and fine cheese. Beyond the price point issues, I can see it now: "Ummm, excuse me Mr. Pruitt...what are those ten-foot long fishing rods for?" Which would be followed by me saying: "Protection, of course. The last thing I'd want is for you guys to get attacked by a school of Yellowtail during our trip. I would never let that happen to you guys on my watch. With me on your side, the Yellowtail don't stand a chance." :D


""NICE! Glad to know others around here surf too. But, this winter's surf has left me wanting. I only get monday and tuesday to surf and/or fish and it seems like I'm always getting fading swells. Urgh""
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= Glad to know others around here surf, too? Apparently, we're not looking at the same spots. I suggest a drive down South a bit. The same North/ Northwest swells that are chest- high will be well overhead on many days. I've spent many, many hours driving the coast in search of surf. There's really no comparison to your neck of the woods to the North facing reefs of La Jolla and Sunset Cliffs of Point Loma. The fish and waves are simply bigger down here in the Winter months. :D



"Never argue with an idiot.The people watching might not know the difference."
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= Without question, some of the best advice I ever received. Thanks, Gabe!



[QUOTE=Jim Day;75229]"Size doesn't matter to those that have the size" :biggrinjester:
Jim
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Ain't that the truth. :D



"Moving from that literary post to that result !!! Writing like you fish, excellent ... Thanks for the story and pic"
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.My pleasure. If it makes a couple guys get off the damn computer, it was worth it. I'm glad you enjoyed it.




"A great write up!!!!!! fantastic pics, keep 'em coming:you_rock:.....H"
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.I'll make you a deal: If you post more monster fish I will, too. That goes for everyone on this board, a healthy relationship needs to be reciprocal to, well, be healthy for everyone involved. I'm certainly not going to go against anything I've written in the past. I don't want guys blowing hot-bites and dumping a fleet of boats in my office...but, if you simply use a little discretion in the timing of your posts, sprinkled with a tad of common sense...I enjoy a picture of a fish, with a story to match, as much or more than anyone else.





"Hey that fish looks kinda farmiliar!:rolleyes: Glad you found the 'wolf pack'; I knew it just was a matter of time....."
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Time, now that's a valuable commodity. As much as I'd love to take up golf (another time consuming sport), between surfing and fishing...I barely find time to sleep!





"Josh - I haven't poked my head outside my cubical for 18 months and my only slice of pie is your post which seem to be few and far between lately. I fish LJ everyday in mind and remember every cast, bait ball, and hook-up. I haven't tied a hook in over 12 months as I traded in my life's passion for the all mighty dollar and I haven't been the same since.

I miss LJ and all the pleasures it gives to those who spend time with her. I hope to catch up with you in the future and am waiting on that book I suggested you write a while back.

Hope to share a few stories soon." :jig:
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Hey bro, I'm almost done with that book you sent me, pretty inspiring, thanks. And I hear ya' on the almighty dollar, while it's not an affliction I suffer from these days :D. Like I told you last year: "make it when you can, bro". In this economy, anyone with a job has nothing to complain about. Not fishing in twelve months, though...I'd blow a gasket! Give me a call when you want to take a sick-day and I'll make sure we make up for lost time in a hurry. We had a good ride, but it's far from over my friend.





"WHALES ARE GAY":D
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.So are White Sea Bass. You have to fight fire with, flaming fire! :D




"dude! :luxhello::luxhello::cheers1::notworthy:

HDS huh?
which one did you get?
I have been thinking about taking the plunge!"
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.Honestly, Josh, I still miss my Lowrance 527. As you know it's been discontinued, so I didn't really have a choice. An HDS for most kayak fisherman might be a bit overkill, not to mention it's a complicated unit. There's just way too many features and tweaks that can be done. When you get it dialed in, though...there's no doubts in your mind when a "real-fish" swims below the boat.




NICE WORK MR. DARK HORSE!!! :cheers1:

"It's been way too long since I connected with something descent. Thank you for the inspiration!".
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.With the talent you typically have on board...I'm guessing it's going to happen soon. Real soon http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w4/pr04/ltr/emo/winking_smile.gif.




Josh,

"Thanks for reminding me why kayaking fishing is so worth it."
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.Don't worry Yani, when you get through the tough times...La Jolla will be there waiting for you with open arms. Let me know if you plan on taking a trip down South, brother. I'd love to see a fish on your deck, as I'm sure it's been a while.


"Nice whale Josh. I must say though, I was kind of expecting to see some kind of a smile in the photo, this being the first (?) WSB of the season and all."
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.http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/../bwegallery/data/500/Happy_to_meet_you_.jpg

Hot off the press! Just for you my friend. You're next, and I'll make sure your fish looks better than this. Without question, you have a better smile :D.

[xpresso2am]

Nice fish JOSH!!! good stuff man!