Second time in LJ 11/2....Success!???
 

Hold on to your yaks, here is my first report.

Ok, not really success. Got kinda skunkedzilla'd

This was only my second time going to LJ and it's been 4 years. Last time, entry was cake. This time we were met by 2-4ft waves:confused:. Being an avid surfer, I knew timing was key. But in the end, the entry wasn't as bad as I thought. Kind of a rush.

Swells were 70,000 ft at 13s. well, it felt like that. But actually more around 4ft at 14s. Weather laid down towards the late morning.

We tried to make bait for an hour or so before half my group (2 guys) went in because of sea sickness. I stayed out with another buddy and we were successful on making bait! Caught 1 greenie and 6 PMacs. Bigger size for sure. They were deeper too (~40ft). I figured this was half the battle in LJ. If you can make bait, you are that much closer.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/photo_41.JPG

Unfortunately, my noobism did more for the big dogs out there than it did for me. Ended up feeding those suckers the fattie macs.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...00/photo_5.JPG

All in all, a great day just to be out pedaling around with some beautiful views. so I think that was a successful day. Better than work!
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...photo_5_1_.JPG

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/photo_16.JPG

BTW, I am selling my rig and getting a Hobie. Looks like the standard out there in LJ. :luxhello:

good choice, that is what i did.

nice photos. Hobie? You will like coming to the darkside......

Cheers

Steve

Did you find your Malibu Kayak to be slow to get around or unstable or ?

I also have a Malibu X-Factor, 14', set up virtually the same as yours. In the bay it appears slow, but stable. I know I will be heading out to LJ for the 1st time next season.

Just FYI by the looks of your bait tank you caught bunch of Greenies (Pacific Macs) and 1 Spanish Mac :cheers1:

Its been an epic year and I have only been out there 1 time with 2 calicos to show. Way to get out there- the fish are still around, youve got time for another trip!

I love my Malibu. I also have a Mini-x. I think they are great hulls. Stable as hell on the big stuff. I am just tired of it being 15ft, and it does get cumbersome in the bays. It is fast when it gets up to speed though. Plus, all the cool kids are pedaling and fishing at the same time! That's gotta be an advantage.

Thanks! I wasn't sure what you guys were calling greenies. LOL. NOOB.

Don't cave for a Hobie dude! It isn't a standard unless you choose to make it one. Do you buy products based solely on reviews, start a hobby because you think it will give you street cred? I'm a paddler (WS Tarpon 120) and proud of it. IMO peddling a Hobie is equivalent to a trophy deer being taken by a cross bow.... Don't mind me though I'm just a Hobie hater but some that want to be on the water in a yak are limited to this option only. If you're concerned with it, Remember it's the fish earned and lessons learned you post that people are interested in not your ride.

Regards,

J

The local Hobie dealer here says something like - There are only two kinds of people: Those that own a Hobie, and those that want to own a Hobie. :eek: Total BS but hey, he's trying to sell them.

They're pretty nice, but have their own problems and are overpriced. Try one out, maybe you like it maybe you don't. Paddle/peddle whatever you like, not whatever the cool kids are doing.

The main thing is to get out there and fish!

Not a Hobie hater here, but I do paddle a WS Tarpon 160 and absolutely love it. I think it's going to be a very long time (if ever) until I switch. And I have a major right hand injury that only allows me to grip the paddle with 3 fingers.

I tried both before I made the purchase and I went for the X factor.

Hobie was the one for me. I looked at several kayaks before making my own mind up. To me the Hobie was worth the extra money. Not saying I have had no issues. But wouldnt change it for any other kayak. The plus out weight the negative for me.

The number of people going to hobie verses leaving hobie is very telling. That alone says enough. For me I wanted to focus on fishing and keep my hands free. Try both and see for yourself like others have said.

:cheers1:

You guys are funny. Didn't know I started something so fiercely debated. My buddy is pretty hardcore. MINI X, don't care!
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegall...0/photo_26.JPG

I know someone that went hoopnetting in a Mini X

his name rhymes with Roby