So I started making my own sabiki rigs recently. Mostly for fun and hobby, but thought it would be rewarding, especially if they work!
With my DIY sabiki's and a goal of shaking off a long skunk streak, I made my way West to La Jolla. I got to the launch early and paddled through small surf. Started working the sabiki rig and they actually worked!
After loading up about a dozen Greenbacks I started heading out to deeper water. After seeing some interesting marks on the ff, I drop and wait.
About five minutes later, line starts ripping off the reel and Im stoked. I see another kayak approaching close and he's running line behind him. I kindly mention, "Im on", but it was a little too late. As he passed, we got tangled. Trying to hold in my frustration and work out the tangle, I quickly get his line free and he pedals on. At this point, I thought the fish was gone. I start reeling in and to my surprise, the fish is on and fighting.
After a few strong pulls, Im thinking its a decent yellow. We play a nice little back and forth and then I realize I've got the right kind on. I take it slow and cautious with my drag and finally see color. A shorter and stout WSB, probably in the 40 lb class with the hook barely sunk on the outside of his lip.
Im stoked! I sink my gaff, clip the fish, bleed and gut.
Pulling the fish in the kayak, it feels bigger than previous WSB's I've caught. I pull the mirage drive, lay the fish down and paddle in. Safe, semi-dry landing and all the tourists are asking "what is that?". I get home around 10am to measure and weigh the fish. Ended up 49.5" and ~44 lbs after bled and gutted.
As I paddled in, a fine gent named Kaleb snapped an otw shot for me. Much appreciated!
On Ice!
Making Tacos for the family.
Some nice Stones!
Heres a short clip from that morning.
Cheers!
Todd