Fish-Porn-Friday. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

THE DARKHORSE · 05-30-2014, 10:50 PM

Hey there boys and girls. It feels like ages since I last checked in; Christmas if memory serves. Been spending way too much time in the office. And feeling a bit overdue. The coolest part of having an office on the water, though? The view, of course, so no complaints. Beyond that, an integral part of tracking fish daily for clients is, well, catching them. Duh. So, sometimes you have to actually grind on fish yourself. You know, just so they believe that the fish are really there? In essence, if I see fish on the meter, be damn sure that I'm dropping an iron, too.

Before you go and ponder taking a heavy pay-cut and changing careers, though, just realize the perks pretty much end right about there. Catching fish until your arms can't possibly reel in another -- while that in itself is what we all dream of -- quickly transcends from a short-sided goal, to, well, work. Thus my decision these days to spend less and less time on the fishing rod. And more time behind the camera.

Bringing me to the entire point of this post. A client recently asked: "What in the hell do you do with all the photos?!?! While I sat and pondered that for a moment in silence. I eventually came to the conclusion that I really didn't have a good answer. Quite frankly, if I'm being completely honest, the answer to that question kind of sucked. The truth is that an incredible amount of what may be deemed stoke worthy (for at least someone out there in web-land) images? Never see the light of day.

Thus, fish-porn-Friday, being born. A thread that I plan to update often. In an attempt to share the stoke -- revolving in and around the trophy fish we pursue. Will this be a: "I caught this fish off of live-Squid four hundred yards inside The Half at, grey-light, forty five feet under a balloon? Far from. However, if you're simply looking for some inspiration-in-a-can, so to speak. You know, something to fuel your fire for that next adventure? Or, simply give your morning coffee that extra bit of pep -- then you've certainly come to the right place. Sit back, relax, take your shoes off and enjoy. Because there's more where this came from...

The only thing cooler than pulling on a thirty pound plus, Yellowtail, on a ten foot jig-stick?

Having someone capture an undeniably, epic-photo, of your first giant Yellowtail on said long rod.

Remember, though, for every epic photo you see? I was probably slaving away in the office the day prior.

And I'll be completely honest here. This fish completely kicked my ass -- practically made me his bitch. Seriously.

Thankfully, I didn't catch this fish. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, though. I was happy behind the lens.

I know I know, a fish is a fish. But some are prettier than others; for sure.

Then there's this guy. A highly skilled angler in the making -- with a new sonar every time I see him.

I had his unit perfectly tuned on this day. Our images looked like a carbon copy of one another.

Tony was on fire this day, too. While I gladly watched from a few feet away. Fun day on the pond; for sure.

Same day from a different perspective. Not another angler for miles. Just the way I like it...

One of the best parts of my job is meeting cool people, from all walks of life. Most have a long drive, too.

Which only adds to the tea-kettle of pressure already on my shoulders, of course. The Ocean is, um, BIG.

What's even more kick ass, though, is when I have a pro in their own right along for the day.

Make sure and take note of the trophy resting on it's side already. This gentlemen whacked them all day.

That is until he had a $1 part break -- and now had a million dollar problem. Paddling a Hobie Pro Angler, loaded down with multiple fish, already drained from the beating sun. For the next four hours; ouch.

I'm really going to miss this guy. The military recently sent him back East.

An absolute pleasure to fish with and would of made a great kayak model. Always had a smile on his face.

This next photo is one of my favorites, though. Namely due to the composition of the contrasts depicted.

Let's see: standing shoulder to shoulder with eighty other guys who can't figure out how to control their line, having horrible odds to begin with, then in the unlikely event the unthinkable happens -- you actually hook the right kind? There's incredible odds that you're going to be tangled in one of those eighty lines; if not all of them. Or, Tim, here being pinned to the rail on his first ever surface-iron Yellowtail. Your choice.

Eventually I had the pleasure of fishing with this gentlemen again. His $800 set-ups make me sick. That's just jealousy talking, though.

This day he was the perfect muse for the Bendo shot of Bendo shots. He's, literally, flying past me here. An action shot that I'm proud of, today.

Anyway, I suppose that's enough for now -- some of us have jobs and actually have to go to work in the morning.

Cbad Mike · 05-31-2014, 01:28 AM

Not only just beautiful pictures but they actually work...... I'm stoked to get back out there.
I dig your idea of "Fish Porn Fridays" and look forward to more.

TJones · 05-31-2014, 03:37 AM

I Still Love You .

. when are we going fishing ?

Tandem Assassin · 05-31-2014, 05:55 AM

I have major wood

the dude · 05-31-2014, 06:43 AM

wallpaper-worthy all of them...keep them coming.

William Novotny · 05-31-2014, 06:51 AM

Well color me inspired! Beautiful shots there Josh.

driftwood · 05-31-2014, 07:05 AM

Its going to be an epic summer! Wait...it's already started.

RookieYakker · 06-01-2014, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tandem Assassin

I have major wood

Ditto! I'm still hunting for my first! Awesome inspiration!

dmrides · 06-01-2014, 12:22 PM

Those are awesome photos! They would look good in a gallery somewhere.

I have always enjoyed Fridays, and now I have one more reason to look forward to them.

VINNYC · 06-14-2014, 07:40 PM

Great report good pics making me want to drive down and go bendo!!!!!

carbonbass · 07-16-2014, 11:34 AM

I will wait for mr.darkhorse to post a pic of a cali kayak yellowfin

summers in kuwait · 03-25-2015, 03:11 PM

Beautiful imagery. Some really good compositions!

kayakfisherman · 05-31-2014, 07:36 AM

Josh, you're like a year-round Santa Claus.

Love the idea of F-P-F.

JeffB · 05-31-2014, 08:26 AM

Very pretty Yellows around the table.

Cadillyak · 05-31-2014, 09:38 AM

Much needed thread. Thanks Josh!!

FISH11 · 05-31-2014, 09:56 AM

Awesome "FISH PORN". I love the idea of the post, can't get enough of the beauty of a Yellowtail. Keep the pictures coming, they inspire the rest of us as to why we put in 10 to 12 hour days out at sea besides the beautifull coastline view. Thanks for sharing.

Deamon · 05-31-2014, 12:05 PM

and the legend grows...great stuff Josh!

T-Rex · 05-31-2014, 12:51 PM

Great idea Josh! Love seeing all the "stoke worthy" photos!

Iceman · 05-31-2014, 02:02 PM

fish porn is good for the soul

ctfphoto · 05-31-2014, 02:26 PM

Nice photos.

I know what you mean about making a living at a "Hobby" as I have been a professional large format nature photographer for 30 plus years.

Business was so good during the recession that I had to open up a second business on ebay in another "Hobby", LOL.

Now as a "Hobby", I kayak fish. Altho I do not make money doing this hobby, I do bring home more than enough in super fresh seafood that pays for the hobby.

05-30-2014, 10:50 PM	#1
THE DARKHORSE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seven minutes from the launch! Posts: 987	Fish-Porn-Friday. Hey there boys and girls. It feels like ages since I last checked in; Christmas if memory serves. Been spending way too much time in the office. And feeling a bit overdue. The coolest part of having an office on the water, though? The view, of course, so no complaints. Beyond that, an integral part of tracking fish daily for clients is, well, catching them. Duh. So, sometimes you have to actually grind on fish yourself. You know, just so they believe that the fish are really there? In essence, if I see fish on the meter, be damn sure that I'm dropping an iron, too. Before you go and ponder taking a heavy pay-cut and changing careers, though, just realize the perks pretty much end right about there. Catching fish until your arms can't possibly reel in another -- while that in itself is what we all dream of -- quickly transcends from a short-sided goal, to, well, work. Thus my decision these days to spend less and less time on the fishing rod. And more time behind the camera. Bringing me to the entire point of this post. A client recently asked: "What in the hell do you do with all the photos?!?! While I sat and pondered that for a moment in silence. I eventually came to the conclusion that I really didn't have a good answer. Quite frankly, if I'm being completely honest, the answer to that question kind of sucked. The truth is that an incredible amount of what may be deemed stoke worthy (for at least someone out there in web-land) images? Never see the light of day. Thus, fish-porn-Friday, being born. A thread that I plan to update often. In an attempt to share the stoke -- revolving in and around the trophy fish we pursue. Will this be a: "I caught this fish off of live-Squid four hundred yards inside The Half at, grey-light, forty five feet under a balloon? Far from. However, if you're simply looking for some inspiration-in-a-can, so to speak. You know, something to fuel your fire for that next adventure? Or, simply give your morning coffee that extra bit of pep -- then you've certainly come to the right place. Sit back, relax, take your shoes off and enjoy. Because there's more where this came from... The only thing cooler than pulling on a thirty pound plus, Yellowtail, on a ten foot jig-stick? Having someone capture an undeniably, epic-photo, of your first giant Yellowtail on said long rod. Remember, though, for every epic photo you see? I was probably slaving away in the office the day prior. And I'll be completely honest here. This fish completely kicked my ass -- practically made me his bitch. Seriously. Thankfully, I didn't catch this fish. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, though. I was happy behind the lens. I know I know, a fish is a fish. But some are prettier than others; for sure. Then there's this guy. A highly skilled angler in the making -- with a new sonar every time I see him. I had his unit perfectly tuned on this day. Our images looked like a carbon copy of one another. Tony was on fire this day, too. While I gladly watched from a few feet away. Fun day on the pond; for sure. Same day from a different perspective. Not another angler for miles. Just the way I like it... One of the best parts of my job is meeting cool people, from all walks of life. Most have a long drive, too. Which only adds to the tea-kettle of pressure already on my shoulders, of course. The Ocean is, um, BIG. What's even more kick ass, though, is when I have a pro in their own right along for the day. Make sure and take note of the trophy resting on it's side already. This gentlemen whacked them all day. That is until he had a $1 part break -- and now had a million dollar problem. Paddling a Hobie Pro Angler, loaded down with multiple fish, already drained from the beating sun. For the next four hours; ouch. I'm really going to miss this guy. The military recently sent him back East. An absolute pleasure to fish with and would of made a great kayak model. Always had a smile on his face. This next photo is one of my favorites, though. Namely due to the composition of the contrasts depicted. Let's see: standing shoulder to shoulder with eighty other guys who can't figure out how to control their line, having horrible odds to begin with, then in the unlikely event the unthinkable happens -- you actually hook the right kind? There's incredible odds that you're going to be tangled in one of those eighty lines; if not all of them. Or, Tim, here being pinned to the rail on his first ever surface-iron Yellowtail. Your choice. Eventually I had the pleasure of fishing with this gentlemen again. His $800 set-ups make me sick. That's just jealousy talking, though. This day he was the perfect muse for the Bendo shot of Bendo shots. He's, literally, flying past me here. An action shot that I'm proud of, today. Anyway, I suppose that's enough for now -- some of us have jobs and actually have to go to work in the morning. __________________

05-31-2014, 01:28 AM	#2
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	Not only just beautiful pictures but they actually work...... I'm stoked to get back out there. I dig your idea of "Fish Porn Fridays" and look forward to more. __________________ [SIGPIC]

05-31-2014, 03:37 AM	#3
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	Holy Mother of God I Still Love You . . when are we going fishing ?

05-31-2014, 05:55 AM	#4
Tandem Assassin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 290	Thank you. I have major wood

05-31-2014, 06:43 AM	#5
the dude Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Valley Center Posts: 271	wallpaper-worthy all of them...keep them coming. __________________ The dude abides.

05-31-2014, 06:51 AM	#6
William Novotny The carpetbagger Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tha newps Posts: 1,474	Well color me inspired! Beautiful shots there Josh. __________________ "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." http://www.badinfluencetattoo.com/gallery.php?artist=21

05-31-2014, 07:05 AM	#7
driftwood Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SAN DIEGO Posts: 1,086	Its going to be an epic summer! Wait...it's already started.

06-01-2014, 12:22 PM	#9
dmrides Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Point Loma Posts: 584	Those are awesome photos! They would look good in a gallery somewhere. I have always enjoyed Fridays, and now I have one more reason to look forward to them.

06-14-2014, 07:40 PM	#10
VINNYC VINNY Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Central coast california Posts: 128	Nice Great report good pics making me want to drive down and go bendo!!!!!

07-16-2014, 11:34 AM	#11
carbonbass Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 367	I will wait for mr.darkhorse to post a pic of a cali kayak yellowfin

03-25-2015, 03:11 PM	#12
summers in kuwait Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: East County San Diego Posts: 657	Beautiful imagery. Some really good compositions!

05-31-2014, 07:36 AM	#13
kayakfisherman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 715	Guides and Sonars Josh, you're like a year-round Santa Claus. Love the idea of F-P-F.

05-31-2014, 08:26 AM	#14
JeffB Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: La Jolla Posts: 1,216	Very pretty Yellows around the table. __________________ If you're looking for me I'm

05-31-2014, 09:38 AM	#15
Cadillyak Team Get $$ Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 841	Much needed thread. Thanks Josh!! __________________ The "Y" is silent 2012 Olive PA 12 2011 Papaya Outback

05-31-2014, 09:56 AM	#16
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,641	Awesome "FISH PORN". I love the idea of the post, can't get enough of the beauty of a Yellowtail. Keep the pictures coming, they inspire the rest of us as to why we put in 10 to 12 hour days out at sea besides the beautifull coastline view. Thanks for sharing. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

05-31-2014, 12:05 PM	#17
Deamon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,972	and the legend grows...great stuff Josh!

05-31-2014, 12:51 PM	#18
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	Great idea Josh! Love seeing all the "stoke worthy" photos! __________________

05-31-2014, 02:02 PM	#19
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,943	fish porn is good for the soul __________________

05-31-2014, 02:26 PM	#20
ctfphoto Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 901	Nice photos. I know what you mean about making a living at a "Hobby" as I have been a professional large format nature photographer for 30 plus years. Business was so good during the recession that I had to open up a second business on ebay in another "Hobby", LOL. Now as a "Hobby", I kayak fish. Altho I do not make money doing this hobby, I do bring home more than enough in super fresh seafood that pays for the hobby.