Fish-Porn-Friday.
 

Hey there boys and girls. It feels like ages since I last checked in; Christmas if memory serves. Been spending way too much time in the office. And feeling a bit overdue. The coolest part of having an office on the water, though? The view, of course, so no complaints. Beyond that, an integral part of tracking fish daily for clients is, well, catching them. Duh. So, sometimes you have to actually grind on fish yourself. You know, just so they believe that the fish are really there? In essence, if I see fish on the meter, be damn sure that I'm dropping an iron, too.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2036.JPG

Before you go and ponder taking a heavy pay-cut and changing careers, though, just realize the perks pretty much end right about there. Catching fish until your arms can't possibly reel in another -- while that in itself is what we all dream of -- quickly transcends from a short-sided goal, to, well, work. Thus my decision these days to spend less and less time on the fishing rod. And more time behind the camera.

Bringing me to the entire point of this post. A client recently asked: "What in the hell do you do with all the photos?!?! While I sat and pondered that for a moment in silence. I eventually came to the conclusion that I really didn't have a good answer. Quite frankly, if I'm being completely honest, the answer to that question kind of sucked. The truth is that an incredible amount of what may be deemed stoke worthy (for at least someone out there in web-land) images? Never see the light of day.

Thus, fish-porn-Friday, being born. A thread that I plan to update often. In an attempt to share the stoke -- revolving in and around the trophy fish we pursue. Will this be a: "I caught this fish off of live-Squid four hundred yards inside The Half at, grey-light, forty five feet under a balloon? Far from. However, if you're simply looking for some inspiration-in-a-can, so to speak. You know, something to fuel your fire for that next adventure? Or, simply give your morning coffee that extra bit of pep -- then you've certainly come to the right place. Sit back, relax, take your shoes off and enjoy. Because there's more where this came from...

The only thing cooler than pulling on a thirty pound plus, Yellowtail, on a ten foot jig-stick?
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF1963.JPG
Having someone capture an undeniably, epic-photo, of your first giant Yellowtail on said long rod.

Remember, though, for every epic photo you see? I was probably slaving away in the office the day prior.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF1999.JPG
And I'll be completely honest here. This fish completely kicked my ass -- practically made me his bitch. Seriously.

Thankfully, I didn't catch this fish. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, though. I was happy behind the lens.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2066.JPG
I know I know, a fish is a fish. But some are prettier than others; for sure.

Then there's this guy. A highly skilled angler in the making -- with a new sonar every time I see him.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF1971.JPG
I had his unit perfectly tuned on this day. Our images looked like a carbon copy of one another.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF1974.JPG
Tony was on fire this day, too. While I gladly watched from a few feet away. Fun day on the pond; for sure.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF1991.JPG
Same day from a different perspective. Not another angler for miles. Just the way I like it...

One of the best parts of my job is meeting cool people, from all walks of life. Most have a long drive, too.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2051.JPG
Which only adds to the tea-kettle of pressure already on my shoulders, of course. The Ocean is, um, BIG.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2080.JPG
What's even more kick ass, though, is when I have a pro in their own right along for the day.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2075.JPG
Make sure and take note of the trophy resting on it's side already. This gentlemen whacked them all day.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2083.JPG
That is until he had a $1 part break -- and now had a million dollar problem. Paddling a Hobie Pro Angler, loaded down with multiple fish, already drained from the beating sun. For the next four hours; ouch.

I'm really going to miss this guy. The military recently sent him back East.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2144.JPG
An absolute pleasure to fish with and would of made a great kayak model. Always had a smile on his face.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2153.JPG
This next photo is one of my favorites, though. Namely due to the composition of the contrasts depicted.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2149.JPG
Let's see: standing shoulder to shoulder with eighty other guys who can't figure out how to control their line, having horrible odds to begin with, then in the unlikely event the unthinkable happens -- you actually hook the right kind? There's incredible odds that you're going to be tangled in one of those eighty lines; if not all of them. Or, Tim, here being pinned to the rail on his first ever surface-iron Yellowtail. Your choice.

Eventually I had the pleasure of fishing with this gentlemen again. His $800 set-ups make me sick. That's just jealousy talking, though.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2135.JPG
This day he was the perfect muse for the Bendo shot of Bendo shots. He's, literally, flying past me here. An action shot that I'm proud of, today.

Anyway, I suppose that's enough for now -- some of us have jobs and actually have to go to work in the morning. :D

Not only just beautiful pictures but they actually work...... I'm stoked to get back out there.
I dig your idea of "Fish Porn Fridays" and look forward to more.

:cheers1:

Holy Mother of God
 

I Still Love You . :D . when are we going fishing ?

Thank you.
 

I have major wood :D:D

wallpaper-worthy all of them...keep them coming.

Well color me inspired! Beautiful shots there Josh.

Its going to be an epic summer! Wait...it's already started.

Guides and Sonars
 

Josh, you're like a year-round Santa Claus.

Love the idea of F-P-F.

Very pretty Yellows around the table.

Much needed thread. Thanks Josh!!

Awesome "FISH PORN". I love the idea of the post, can't get enough of the beauty of a Yellowtail. Keep the pictures coming, they inspire the rest of us as to why we put in 10 to 12 hour days out at sea besides the beautifull coastline view. Thanks for sharing.

and the legend grows...great stuff Josh!

Great idea Josh! Love seeing all the "stoke worthy" photos!

fish porn is good for the soul :luxhello:

Nice photos.

I know what you mean about making a living at a "Hobby" as I have been a professional large format nature photographer for 30 plus years.

Business was so good during the recession that I had to open up a second business on ebay in another "Hobby", LOL.

Now as a "Hobby", I kayak fish. Altho I do not make money doing this hobby, I do bring home more than enough in super fresh seafood that pays for the hobby.

The photo of the party boat in the background is the photo I will show my friends.

The contrast between the different experiences is perfectly captured there.



Good stuff.

Good to see you posting again, Josh!

Talk about trophies:luxhello:

cool photos!!

Ditto! I'm still hunting for my first! Awesome inspiration!

Those are awesome photos! They would look good in a gallery somewhere.

I have always enjoyed Fridays, and now I have one more reason to look forward to them.

Excellent photos Josh! Love the idea of "Fish-Porn-Friday"... look forward to seeing more...

...but you know what I look forward to even more?

...becoming one of your clients!!!

I just relocated last summer from Long Island, NY and have only been kayak fishing about 2 years... I REALLY need to get dialed in here and desperately want to nail my first yellow off the yak (and LJ would be a nice place to start)... I'm up in Redondo Beach now... as soon as I get over this impinged nerve in my spine and get healthy again... I want to book something with you!

Thanks again for the great images!

sweet get em!!!!!

Great stuff Josh :cheers1:

I can't get fired at work if someone see's this porn on my screens :D

Damn those are huge, nice work!

Hot off the press...
 

Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen. While I'd be suprised if this thread doesn't, I don't know, eventually turn into some silly internet-pissing-match? A practical guarantee these days from my observations on the sidelines. Being somewhat doomed from the get go and destined to be either, closed. Or, worse, a public opportunity for the, catty types, to do, well, what they do best. I really appreciate the good vibes thus far.

Along the same lines, allow me to take this opportunity to say thanks, for the posative feedback via private messages and e-mail. Without the likes of you and everyone who's already replied? I wouldn't bother. While it should go without saying -- if you try to please everyone? Rest assured, you'll end up pleasing no one. That's not advice by the way. Just the facts.

Anyway, as promised, here's your next instalment of inspiration in a can. So to speak. Photos that will either fuel your rage to toss your silly computer into the fire. Write some silly back-handed compliment -- spewing hatred toward the internet and all who participate. Or, God forbid, get off your a$$ and go fishing. Entirely your choice, of course; as I don't have a horse in that race.

Also, hold off (if you can), in regards to not all of the previous photos being caught the day prior to my last post. As this thread continues, rest assured, the photos will become more and more current. While I had intentions of uploading a boat load of photos? My Mac had crashed the same day. True story. Relegating me to write last week's post on an, I-Pad. You know, hunting and picking, as I type with one finger? So, some photos here will complete the teaser images you might have noticed last week.

Like this session as an example. Yeah yeah, another silly bendo-shot -- what's he hooked on the bottom -- kelp -- the Loch Ness Monster?
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF1962.JPG
Yeah, it pretty much feels like you hooked the bottom. Until you realize that you're flying off into the sunset. With line smoking off the reel and some guy screaming to turn the damn handle.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/photo-37.JPG
Followed by the realization that a Hobie Outback lacks proper fish storage. A good problem to have if you asked me.

Thanks for the kind words. And don't you worry. La Jolla and I aren't going anywhere. Whether it's this season or next is entirely up to you. Rest assured, it would be wise to heal up completely before we hit the water. Because injury or no injury? If the trip goes my way you'll be crying, for sure, by day's end. The good kind of pain, of course.

While it's always hard to tell true size in a fish photo. This specimen had a fifty inch fork length and was easily forty five pounds. A true beast. One of two for the lucky fellow on this blessed day.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2127.JPG
The only thing cooler than pulling on fish by yourself? Easy. Pulling on fish with one of your fishing buddies who came along with you.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2088.JPG
And if your fishing partner for the day catches a second prize. What else is there to do, really.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2102.JPG
A little healthy competition never hurt anyone if you asked me. Besides, you could always arm-wrestle to see who drives back. Or fight on the beach upon landing. I'm guessing beers all around, though, in this case.

Some kook with a forty-four pound Yellowtail. I heard him crying about his arm after the fight. Sissy.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF1951.JPG
I don't know who the hell he is, but he's always on the water -- and on my spots.

Thanks, mate. Strangely enough I was headed your way the day of your untimely distress (the sinking battle-ship). As I noticed a kayak in the distance looking a bit strange, going full throttle, I also noticed the boat pull up alongside. Then head off; to turn right back again. Here's a photo from the crazy-windy-day you witnessed first-hand.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2318.JPG
Certainly not a good day for a leak on a kayak; as you can attest. Shit happens. Your time (when everything falls into place) will come soon enough.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...G_0288_1_1.jpg
The Pacific Ocean isn't going anywhere. Little boats in big wind just don't mix that well. And a fish, or three, just isn't worth it.

Oh yeah, then there's these things. I know they're beautiful to look at, but are they good to eat? Ask this guy. Boom -- the shot heard around the world. Why everyone loses their mind over White Sea Bass every season is beyond me.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0_21_17_PM.jpg
While it's hard to call a guy who stands, six foot six inches tall, a kid. I certainly wouldn't anyway. Nevermind the fact that he'd make you look like a fool on the Tennis court.

I can say with confidence that this, um, kid would fish circles around 99.9% of the members of this board -- all by himself. Guaranteed.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2025.JPG
So take a good look at the future. And, good luck beating his White Sea Bass if you're in WCW this year.

Then there was this one day. At band camp...
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...FILE0568-2.JPG
Where I finally found the one I'd been looking for. Seriously, though, If you don't already free-dive? It's probably too late to start. Trust me, they're not worth drowning for. If you think kayak fishing is dangerous -- you have no idea.

Here's my friend, Dylan, who just got out of the Army -- with his cherry popper.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/FILE0456.JPG
I felt bad after taking him diving on this occasion. Since this day pictured, he's about as frothed-out as anyone of my clients suffering from ghost fever at the moment. Wet dreams. Nightmares. You name it. Sorry, guys; don't blame me -- blame the damn fish!

I might as well address the fact that none one of these White Sea Bass were caught at La Jolla. Not one; God as my witness. So before a mass of folks load up on gas and head South? I'll give you a big 'ol hint.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/DSCF2281.JPG
Find one of these Pelicans and they'll lead you to the promise land. Strangely enough, all the kayakers I noticed in this area only target Halibut off the beach. Or, Calico Bass, with ultra-light trout gear. To each his own I suppose. But, around this breakwall I absolutely destroyed the ghosts this season.

Oh, before anyone starts whining (whether or not it's the same two guys who always whine -- or someone else in their place). You know, about this not having a place in the fishing reports section?
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall.../June_WSB_.jpg
Don't call it a comeback. https://blu175.mail.live.com/Handler...%2fbiggrin.gif

very nice! :cheers1:

Oh my lord
.
.
.
Those dive shots are EPIC!!! :luxhello:

I'm loving this. I can't make the trek South this week (my wallet just can't take the 60 dollar hit it costs me to drive down) but rest assured I'm still loyally committed to my new years resolution of at least every other week. I've got a few leads on some areas a little closer to me though..........:D

Excellent camera work my man. Keep it up

Awesome fish porn! Hope to get out there & create my own.

Happy Ending
 

I need a smoke after that..:D

Thanks for the kind words Josh. And no, I'm not on the water right now. Couple of grad parties to go to today, but I will hammer them this week!!

There's no other way to put it, you are da MAN!!! I can only hope that one day I will be able to produce the results you do on the water, but hey for now I need to enjoy the journey :D

Those WSB dive shots are f#ckin AWESOME !
Once again thanks for sharing.

Epic post Josh :D Those underwater shots are National Geographic worthy!!!

More amazing pictures. That definately keeps the motivation going. Keep the Fish Porn coming Josh. Thanks

Sweeeeeet.

The challenge on free diving is tempting. On my bucket list.

Thanks for the write up (and the wake up call). It's true. If a
picture is worth a thousand words, I just read a novel.

My only complaint: quit picking on peevish kayak fisher people...

Nice
 

Great report good pics making me want to drive down and go bendo!!!!!

Thanks for the words of encouragement and patience Josh... I WILL make sure I get healed up before heading south for a trip with you... I long for the arm pain (the good kind) you plan to assist in putting me in... lol!

Again, SICK photos and really made my Father's Day that much better shut looking at them.

Tight lines!