Dana point mixed bag

[William Novotny]

A buddy of mine wanted to try out kayak fishing so I invited him to use my second yak and we hit DP early am on Sunday. Loaded up on a sorry tank of beat up dines and chovies from the barge and hit a few spots before heading towards salt creek. Outside the breakwall on the way out I picked up this juvy wsb on a small chovie. then we hit the kelp and found some good pockets to try and nab some flatties. Not long after my reel starts screaming and peeling line. The way it was running and tangling the kelp I thought wsb for sure. Worked him our of the kelp after about a half hour to find Batman at the other end. Damn! Ok well it was a fun fight. No picture cause I didn't want to deal with the barb and my phone at the same time. Got him back in the water and after a while my buddy is on. He says he thinks its a bass then he gets it to color. Nope he says, its a halo and he thinks its a keeper. I paddle over to confirm and assist with the gaff. 23"and my friend couldn't be more stoked!
Continue the search and get alot of solid hits but nothing sticking. Then my rod does another bendo. Another ray? Short strong fight brings up this little lep.

I've had better days on the water and I've definately had worse. Putting my friend on his first halibut and first yak trip made the day worth it. I have a feeling we will see him on the board soon.he's already lookin at kayaks