LJ 8/23 PM
 

Launched around 5:15 into the first real surf in a while. Must be rusty because I ate one, eyebrows were wet and everything. Beautiful conditions witha slight SSW breeze, almost glassy. Ken on the radio said bait was tough but I got lucky with some spanish under a big ball of smelt. Current was RIPPING downhill. Kelp pinned down to 20ft under the surface. Troll out over the kelp since there is no fear of tangle. Stop to talk to Ken on the radio when I hear a splash and turn to see a boil on my top bait. Sign off and grab the rod. Something happening but the clicker isn't going off. Bring it tight, feel some weight, and decide now or never and swing hard. Something on. First thought I'd just set the hook on some kelp, but then remembered the conditions and the boil. Start cranking and the fish is coming to the boat without too much effort. Now I'm thinking WSB. Then it takes off and away we go. Not sure if this yello is going to be able to get in the pinned down kelp but sure enough, after a good sleigh ride, Ifeel the dreaded friction. Get vertical and its wrapped, but I still feel the fish. Tried something new, backed off a little, and let the current start to pull me south. I start to feel the kelp slipping and with steady pressure we slowly slide out, a few cranks at a time. Once free, it was all over but the coup de grace.

http://www.bloodydecks.com/gallery/f...0/DSC09505.JPG

No other action but a very pleasant evening on the water. Paddled in with my photo biyatch and lucky charm. He seems to talk me into a lot of fish.
http://www.bloodydecks.com/gallery/f...0/DSC09511.JPG
Spoke with Charlie and Johnny T on the beach, good to see both.

Ken, here's a pic of vicious little lizard I sabiki'd last weekend. I know how much you like them :wink:
http://www.bloodydecks.com/gallery/f...0/DSC09495.JPG

Looks like a nice one.
Good stuff!
Ski

Nice job Brad - I'd have to say that's one of the most well-deserved catches :D And those are some great pictures - who's that guy in the silhouette? He looks familiar 8)

NICE. congrats. looks to be of high quality too!

Very nice tail, looks like I will be launching Thursday PM, between 5:30-6:00 depending on traffic...

Chris

Right on Brad! 8)

Way to go!
 

Very nice fish, Brad. Glad to see you're finally out of your funk.

Beautiful YT Brad :D It was nice to see the fish and get the play by play on the beach. Well deserved and inspiration for us all.

Johnny T.

Good to see Ken and Charlie. Thx for all the encouragement... a classy group the three of you.

Brad, Nice one! Current was still screaming this morning, making decieving chunks of nervous water. I got pushed way south in the kelp and was able to troll a plug and mac, never getting snagged. calicos on the spanish, fastrac and chrome #2 iron. Nothing bigger seen than calicos all morning. Shin slappers and greasy calm morning with 1-2 mile visibility and clean water, 20+ in spots. Just saving my mojo for the tourney..........raffle :D

That one has a big tail. Always fun to have a good fight, but it gets much better once on board.

Congrats Brad! Ken takes a nice picture.... :D
I've got to get out there more...

Ain't that the truth :lol: . He always seems so happy to do it too. :roll: I keep offering to return the favor, but he never seems to have a fish of late :P . Maybe I can reciprocate Sat...

A few more cool pictures from Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, truly epic conditions.

Zoom sunset!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...-24LJ021rz.jpg

Mama calico.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...-24LJ020rz.jpg

Really unusual jelly with a bouquet (not Rich) on the top of it's head?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...-24LJ009rz.jpg

Golden calico.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...-24LJ011rz.jpg

Awesome LJ sunset from the kayak.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...-24LJ014rz.jpg

I'd would be fishing out there right now, but it's back to school night with my daughter Jane.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...2JPLJ006rz.jpg

Man I love this place!! :wink:

Ken

Nice pics Ken (especially the last one).

Don't you think you were being a little rough on those calicos, though. :roll: :lol:

Quality pics Ken!
How about a weight on that YT Brad, unless I missed it!

20#, 37".