12/4/10 report, it’s Aaron’s turn…
 

…to finish the “Inshore Kayak Grand Slam”. Almost 3 weeks later, after Julie got hers, Aaron completed the Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Halibut and Thresher shark slam.
Launched at grey light to ankle slappers. A little wind and clouds early on, but like 3 weeks earlier it turned out to be a beautiful day, both in the weather and our results.
You couldn’t send a sabiki down to the bottom after passing the south buoy line without getting a mackerel, both Spanish and Greenbacks. Aaron even picked up one live squid.
It was slow go at first, but we were soon bit by threshers. After 3 short fights where the threshers tail slashed and broke the 30lb spectre main line, Aaron is on good. Very soon, the thresher finds a lobster pot line, and it looked grim. But, a PBer (former kayaker) named Matt and his buddy, came over and lent a hand, pulling on the lobster line, until they were able to take the rod and unwrap it. Thanks very much Matt. They even offered to stay around a short while to assist. Just as well we turned them down, as it would be an hour later before we’d see this fish. It was hooked in the side fin, which explains some of the very tough battle. Plus, it was pushing 125lbs+.

Hooked up to a big one that gets away
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1291588507
After bringing alongside a few times, but unable to grab the tail because of the hook location, it rolled on the leader and descended again. Then it was a dead weight drag up. It was exhausted as was Aaron, but we tried getting the rope around it. When it banged against the kayaks, it found life, went ballistic and snapped the spectre with it’s tail.
Within 20 minutes after retying, Aaron’s bit again. Then Julie. We have a double Thresher shark hookup going. Julie breaks off within 2 minutes, Aaron within 5 minutes. Seems their tail can really snap the spectre when whacked on a good run.
Aaron gets one more reprieve about 15 minutes later. It’s smaller than the others, but at least it doesn’t break the line. 15 minutes later, and finally success.

Enjoying the battle. Beautiful out, isn’t it.
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1291589044

Putting the hurt on (me)
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1291589147

Near the end
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1291589192

Beach-shot
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1291589238

Sunrise to sunset, so ends another wonderful day for us fishing off of La Jolla.

Congrats Aaron, great story and awesome T! :cheers1:

Aaron :you_rock:
I was out yesterday too. Saw you two paddle over to the spot, and I figured that must be what you were looking for. Weather turned crazy nice after that little morning squall.
Congrats on completing the slam. God to see reports coming from your way again too. Thanks :cheers1:

Congrats on your great accomplishment. That is a big smile.:D

Nice Work!
 

Threshers are always good on the grill!

James

Thx for the report, you look really relaxed out there, congrats. :cheers1:

Aaron and Julie, you guys are on a roll. Love your posts, and the pictures that go with them. Hope to see ya on the water, witch looks like a lake real soon.
Keep them fish hooked up. :):reel:

Another great day on the water for you two! Thanks for the report, looks like you two should be pretty stocked on Thresher for the winter :cheers1: