Putting the pieces together
 

Long time coming. Catching one of these fish on a squid bite is one thing, and trying to fool one of theses fish with live bait is a whole different animal . No tape shot and no on the water photo (sadly). Just some lame driveway photos and some primo fillets. Who could argue that the sweet taste of this fish might be the best the West Coast has to offer? 42 lb on the bathroom scale. Probably tied with my personal best. Caught with live bait on edge of kelp. Needless to say that's where he ran. Drag set lightly, just enough to get a good hook set but not enough to slow the train down, which led to him to him taking more line than I would like. I had another line in water and partially got crossed up but was fortunate to get it cleared without any problem. When I got the line cleared and got on top of the fish I felt pretty good but within minutes there was that sinking feeling when I felt all that resistance from the thickest section of the weeds. I was not gonna loose this fish. All of a sudden the fish try's to take a squirt and I quickly started to grind on him and turn his head. It was over. He came through that last 15 feet of kelp without hesitation. Catching this fish on fin bait feels like a giant milestone for me because it's like linking all the pieces of a good kayak angler. I've been fortunate to have caught 4 yellowtail this year ( all around 25 lb ) and now this sea bass. I've put time on the water to achieve my goal and I hope everybody has a great summer and does not give up up on their goals. I know that discouraging feeling of what it's like to go the first couple of years in this sport without having a fish under your belt. Don't give up. Tight lines everyone. Ohh, if you are fortunate enough to have landed one of this fish, never stick your hand in his gill rakers.

Congrats, really nice WSB.

Awesome catch, congrats!

:leaving:

Congrats
 

Been sucking on this succulent meat the past couple days. Little salt n pepper quick pan fried with grape seed oil is all you need! Man it delicious!!

Nice.....Congratulations!
 

I hope to be in a position to take your advice regarding their gill rakers!

Congrats

WSB 101

Congrats. And enjoy those fillets for sure. Having white meat and a tiny heart, WSB can't slug it out like yellows do. But that first screaming run is amazing. Hope this one is the first of many for you. Mike.

F-N-A man!!! Congrats! :cheers1:

You need a bigger cooler. :cool:

I'm not the kind of guy to call out "Bull Shit"...well, yes I am! Bull shit that I can't catch one!:the_finger: And bull shit of the no tape shot because...well, just because...compare pic of your hand with pic of your cooler...nuff said. HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Congrats! Jim :the_finger:

Oh man...
 

It seems the planets are aligning (literally). Heavy hitters going out tonight...

Wow, LJ could look like July 4 at night tonight with this WSB bite.

Probably got a dozen under his belt this year
 

:D.

Cbass hands... the sign of a true donkey roper.

My cheap
 

Imported fishing knife snapped at handle which revealed rusting from within. This happened a couple weeks back while gutting a yellow out at sea. I kept putting off getting a replacement. When the croaker came on board my only thought was subduing him quickly, so I did what any experienced kayaker would do. Reach him and tore his rakers out with hands. Was trying to reach heart while inside so I could load up on protein. :sifone:. No pain, no gain.

dude Sea bass tear your hand up like no other and it's last weeks 😬

Forgive me
 

Got to do it.
Garage photos. Got to love it.

You would think I would have learned
 

From the last time, but it's been 2 years since I caught one.

And still haven't learned in the moment who does 😂

Congratulations!:wsb:, yum yum looks like you know how to make the most of the fillets.