Fish-Porn-Friday.

[chris138]

[QUOTE=THE DARKHORSE;198794].
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Said frightened diver. What a kook. Another photo that I'll probably look back on (years from now) with a smile, though.

Especially, if and when I do the unthinkable -- and get a real job.


David Attenborough accent: "The deadly spear wielding darkhorse stalks it's prey, presently unaware of the large observers below. In the unlikely event that he is unable to ambush an unsuspecting fish, he uses is bristly whiskers to filter krill from the ocean, thus supplementing his voracious appetite."

Dude how the hell do you dive with that fat handlebar stash!?! These are his true secrets which will remain shrouded in legend.

With every picture, another series of questions. Love the thread Josh keep it up!

[THE DARKHORSE]

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I think the title of this week's update really sums it up. The entire Southern California Coast (and points beyond) lit up and rose to nothing short of white-hot levels. Everything from wide-open (larger grade) Bluefin Tuna well to the South. Huge spots of Yellowfin Tuna mixed in between and hanging off kelps, in and around Dolphin schools, etc. To some Coastal Squid nests up North continuing to do their thing. Local paddy action with the usual suspects underneath, you name it, a blind-Monkey could have caught fish the last couple of weeks.

Even the resurgence of rat-Yellowtail and the Bonita to go along with it. I'm sure many local anglers got a chance to call in sick the last fourteen days to go fishing. And some of us poor souls who actually fish for a living -- the opportunity to take a day off? Would rank right up there with escaping from North Korea! Just day after relentless day of getting burnt to a crisp under the ever present sun. By the time I got to say farewell after packing fish in ice each day? The next thing I know that damn alarm clock was going off again. And repeat.

Thus, Fish Porn Friday, taking a back seat due to computer time. Or lack there of coming to a grinding halt. Sorry about that; it just is what it is. After I missed my first update I thought about just throwing up a slew of photos from the week. But the truth is every photo comes with a story attached. And who's going to say what guy's story doesn't matter? Certainly not I. So, out of respect for these fish and the stories to go along with them. Late once again, behind on the updates, holding out on the goods, etc -- guilty as charged.

Originally Posted by blitzburgh

Great read and photos, man

Really great to meet you, brother. And thanks for all the positive feedback; seriously. That time you're accruing on the water will add up and the dividends will follow.

Originally Posted by Tandem Assassin

Josh did mention he may not be timely with his Friday contributions but I sure missed last weeks "Fish Porn Friday". Must be field research..

Pretty much nailed it on the head, brother. Field research, capitalize with clients based off of said notes from the field, more research and more domination of local patterns. This, Jeff, guy really knows what's up!

Originally Posted by chris138

David Attenborough accent: "The deadly spear wielding darkhorse stalks it's prey, presently unaware of the large observers below. In the unlikely event that he is unable to ambush an unsuspecting fish, he uses is bristly whiskers to filter krill from the ocean, thus supplementing his voracious appetite."

Dude how the hell do you dive with that fat handlebar stash!?! These are his true secrets which will remain shrouded in legend.

With every picture, another series of questions. Love the thread Josh keep it up!

Deadly is right, Chris. Catch and release is one thing, but spear and release is another. My new gun is so powerful that fish just roll over and die upon sight. No need to even fire the thing. When I miss fish with it? They just look at me like: Holy shit -- what in the hell was that! You still diving?

In regards to the mask, I was told early on by a true hardcore diver (not an impostor like myself) that I had two options. Mind you this guy looked like Tom Hanks from the movie, Castaway. He said I could either keep it shaved like a babies bottom or just grow a gnarly beard. Apparently the gnarlier the better. Being that I haven't shaved with a razor for years? I opted for the latter, of course.

Anyway, with no further ado. Here's a few photos that just might have never seen the light of day. Prior to this thread that is. If they make you giggle a bit, want to wear camouflaged leotards and play water Polo whilst wielding a big stick, pack your crap and go fishing -- or puke? Is entirely up to you.

The only thing cooler than catching an eight pound Calico Bass? Watching your seven year old son, Bennet, here catching one all by himself. This man-child can already free dive down to twenty feet. I was watching him in the surf (on a boogie board mind you) during fourth of July celebrations. He freaking catches a wave -- stands up on it and does a three sixty! Hardcore watermen in the making; guaranteed. And inspirational to see for yourself. I was inspired anyway. Then he absolutely destroyed me at some spearfishing game (Freediving Hunter) on his I-Pad.

This fish was a monster. By the rod tip I thought he got hammered by a large Sheephead (as we were dropping to the bottom). Then up comes a trophy Calico Bass. A fish any guy'd be happy to tackle. Much less at seven years old. Released...

Just taking more notes from the field in an attempt to stay on top of moving schools. If the damn things just stayed in one spot...

Might as well make sure the drags are continuing to work in a smooth fashion. Knots are tied to properly, perfect technique, etc -- so I hear practice makes perfect.

Even got a chance to hop in the water for a minute or two since my last update. The closest thing to shooting fish in a barrel...

Probably the biggest challenge? Beyond, not getting wrapped in one's reel line and drowning, of course. Finding a damn paddy in a dessert of nothingness.

In and amongst the selfishness of going swimming for a few? Southern California was blessed with one of the best South swells in years. It just didn't hit San Diego proper with a touch of East in it's heading. Luckily, I lost my wallet a month ago off Dana Point! So, why not kill two birds with one stone and hit Lower Trestles on the way back (during said swell)? Which turned out to be a wise plan when I arrived. With solid double-overhead, freight train, corduroy lines to the horizon. No joke or exaggeration here. I'm talking twenty wave sets with about a two minute lull. So not exactly your typical b.s. Southern California South swell. To top it off? Only sixty guys out at one of the most user friendly waves on the planet. A lot of wash through sets as it was borderline too big for the place. But pretty much more waves than people -- something that never happens at Lowers.

Luckily I happen to know this guy. One of said San Clemente rulers who I had an opportunity to fish with.

Super cool cat who works for Volcom. Regular foot destroyer who throws buckets of spray to the moon. And he kicked this fish's ass, too.

More research and development from right down the street. And another hardcore angler in the making...

Beyond the smoking spool of this fish. This gentlemen got to experience what I'd prefer to never again: pulling as hard as one can on kelp!

Had a very rare opportunity in between work sessions one day. Even more rare was this quick influx of clean water. It just morphed from crap, man this is scary, to Disneyland in a flash! Which just never happens to me; typically the opposite actually.

I mean, clear water isn't all that rare in my local haunts. I realize. It's just that I've almost never had an opportunity to shoot one of these when that happens. Apparently, God, was shining on my limited window of time on this day. One of my easiest recoveries 'ta boot. Something which I typically dread before even dawning my suit. Pretty much the closest thing to a perfect dive -- if there is such a thing.

Here's hoping each and everyone of you have that, "fall in your lap", type of day here soon. Have the giant Yellowtail dreams are made of slam your iron with that terrible 30' cast. Have that tiny paddy with no visible life upon first sight, morph into a foaming school of Tuna charging from the depths. May your sabiki-rig get hammered while making bait by a giant, White Sea Bass? Shit happens. And it might as well happen to you. As long as you keep playing the game -- eventually you're bound to get a gimme.

[momo fish]

Timely reports or not, always a great read and provides some inspiration for the hunt. Can't wait to see how this summer turns out.

[carbonbass]

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

[Smthtnnr]

Damn who took that photo of your fat YT? He has some talent behind the lens. Arguably the best post yet! Love it josh

[THE DARKHORSE]

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Story of my life apparently. Since I have to get up in four hours? The latest update is going to have to wait another day; thanks for your patience on that front. I'll go ahead and throw up a quick teaser, though. With a bit of advice attached. Also, expect a full update on this thread after my trip tomorrow. Whether or not It's a short trip or a long one? Remains to be determined.

The advice: No matter how beautiful a fish might be. Or how bad you'd like to catch said fish? It's probably not worth dyeing for. Diving for, maybe, but not if we're talking about your last breath. Believe me. I've done a lot of stupid stuff in my day. And as much as I'd love to say those days are in the past? That would be a bold faced lie. I do indeed try to keep it to a minimum, of course. But as mentioned in my previous update? Stuff happens.

Along the same lines? Allow me to apologize about the quality of this image in advance. Taking a quality photo in low light is tough. Especially under water. And if anyone ever tells you to hop in on a paddy in the dark. I don't care if it's a double-dog-dare. Or if it's the only paddy you've seen in ten hours of searching! Tell them they're stupid with a quick, yet stern, no. Strangely enough the top ten feet is still clear -- however the 3,000' below that is a complete black void.

I don't know if it's even really that stupid. Just stupid scary; trust me on this. Bad idea. Forget getting attacked by some random Shark in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The heart attack brought on by the little white cap breaking on your back will kill you first. Guaranteed. And for a stupid Dorado? Embarrassing.

[Dannowar]

Sick

[momo fish]

That's a great shot and you have guts being around a paddy with some of the weekend boats out there.

[Sully1]

Looks like the menu is changing. . . .


Big Yellow, and bigger Dorado. Wow.

[Cbad Mike]

I wouldn't do it even if I was triple dog dared!
Thanks for another good post and pic.

[Tandem Assassin]

Finally went out after two years - 7 yellows - 7 yellowfin and a 38lb. bluefin.

Felt f'n good to pull on something...

[jsunmkly]

^ what boat was this on?

[Big T]

San Diego???

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by Tandem Assassin

Finally went out after two years - 7 yellows - 7 yellowfin and a 38lb. bluefin.

Felt f'n good to pull on something...

I bet it felt good to pull on something, Jeff. At this point, though, I'm on the fence about whether or not the thing you're pulling on? Is my leg. You mean to tell me. She gave you back your man-card and let you go fishing? I still can't believe you sold that perfect little boat (even for a lovely lady). Two years? Solid proof, though: it must be love.

Also. While on the subject. This is Fish Porn Friday; so no lame deck shots (of bait sized Yellowtail) please. I mean, come on, throw up a photo of a lit-up Tuna or something from that trip. That I'd love to see. Even one with fifty other guys (screaming at each other) as they're attempting to tie the world's largest knot. I'm talking full color popping off the screen. We're trying to enjoy our morning coffee before going to work here. For crying out loud. A sick bendo-shot -- something!
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In all seriousness, though, here's hoping that's just the start of a terrific season for you, brother. May your next Yellowtail be able to eat those small 'kine on deck. And your next Tuna require a two speed reel and three gaffs to land. Congrats on getting out there.
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With no further ado, folks. Thanks for your patience on this week's update. No more deck photos with tag numbers and such. Or, old school black and white film images. Unless they come with a cool story or are just, I don't know, up there in the coolness factor. This is indeed the digital era. So remember to take a lot of pics. Somewhere in there? Even you just might capture the money-shot of all money-shots. Honestly, it doesn't even have to be a big fish to make a quality image. Or a colorful fish for that matter.

It certainly doesn't hurt, though. And while on that subject. Yesterday's trip ended up being another long day on the water.

Just the way I like it. If you're going to put up a deck photo -- make it a colorful one please. With a monster in hand preferably (caught yesterday).

Since this is indeed a kayak fishing forum. I'll get back on topic. First up is The Man, the myth and legend in the making: Bert Vega

I swear every time I see this guy he's got a huge smile on his face. And a bent rod. He must be getting tired of catching Yellowtail by now.

On this day I saw him tossing them back in the water. Like they were nothing. When I grow up I want to be this guy. Great family man/hardcore angler with a smile on his face. Probably a good guy to have your back in a bar-fight, too.

Another lame deck photo I guess. With all kinds of product placement thrown in for good measure. Who knows, though?

Could be a cryptic clue. Shameless Lowrance plug. A big Yellowtail. I like the photo; it's my thread. Enjoy your coffee.

Don't you conservationist types worry, though. Plenty of Yellowtail are released. I do it all the time. It's nothing new either.

And if I'm being completely honest, it's not all that commendable. It's not some noble deed that gets you a higher place in Heaven. As much as I'd love to think so! If that were the case, I probably wouldn't be burning for eternity with all my friends. It's simply a personal choice. If you harvest within your limits -- that's your American right to do so. If you feel otherwise? Lobby to change it. I will say this, though, from a very selfish perspective -- it feels amazing to watch them kick off strong. Especially with Yellowtail. One of the greatest joys in fishing if you asked me.

Just ask this regular client who's got to be tired of pulling on, Yellowtail, by now. Especially one's this size. He absolutely destroyed the homeguard fish all Winter long with me. Plenty of times by himself after the fact (in the cold-water-months). And he's been spanking fish (I'm talking trophy fish), every-trip, for months on end now. Yes I'm proud of him and his progress as an angler.

On this day he got to see a fifteen foot, Great White Shark, from two feet away. Yes, it's a true story (it circled him three times). Of course he kept fishing. And caught this monster you see right here.

Then he thought it might be wise to release her to fight another day. Whether it was because of the GWS sighting; I don't know, Karma points? Or conservation efforts.

Is beside the point. It's a personal choice that he made. And it was only his choice to make. Definitely rad (yes I said rad) to watch this beast swim off. Something everyone should experience at least once. Or twice. Hell, three times -- just go crazy with yo' bad self! It really capped an already amazing day off with a cherry on top if you asked me. I'm a hopeless romantic, though.

This guy represents my status quote client. If there is such a thing: drops me an e-mail to set up a trip, never calls as strongly suggested (which really helps a guy who's on the water five to seven days a week), drops the occasional line to check in (every few months!), has a child somewhere in there -- amongst a few promotions in the midst of a lucrative career. Repeat for a year or so.

And one day finally decides to call. I then say: "welcome back to the pipeline". Followed by a day on the water shortly there after. A big fish and nowhere to put the thing is next. Quickly followed by rushing out to buy a Hobie kayak in most cases.

Alright. Enough already with the killing. Harvesting of fresh seafood all by your lonesome. Whatever you'd prefer to call it.

I'll go ahead and toss in another lame deck shot for your viewing pleasure. With a little psycho-bendo-shot action for good measure. I'm no doctor. But if this photo doesn't make you want to go fishing? You might want to get yourself checked out. I have no problem just coming out and saying it, either: ''there's something wrong with you".

I've said it before and I'll say it again: "a fish is a fish". And any, Yellowtail, is a good Yellowtail. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

While on the subject, though, I'm pretty sure this fish could easily eat some of those fire-cracker Yellowtail guys are keeping. Easily.

Above all, while fishing -- even kayak fishing is indeed a sport. For the most part it's just fun and games. A hoot. A diversion. From our everyday stresses of life (whether it's family related or career driven). It's got something in it for everyone. You could get pumped up by getting completely tooled, from a one-pound Bonito on a ultralight Trout rod. Which would indeed be a fight on two-pound line and a half ounce spoon. Or, getting smoked by a Homeguard Yellowtail; if that's what you're into. It's all good. Who's ever having the most fun is the big winner, right? Or so they tell me anyway...

I may not know much. But if there was a million dollar contest. A tournament if you will. For the guy who's the most stoked on the water.

And it was held on this day in particular? Hypothetically anyway. You would have certainly lost if this guy had entered. Guaranteed.

[FlyFishinYakr]

I really admire you FOR dedicating time to post every week so that 'some' of us who have trouble getting out there to do what you're posting. Above all it's always a very good read.
Have you ever though about approaching a fishing periodical as a freelance writer, writing about the Kayak fishing? I understand it's gaining momentum as a main stream fishing activity (much like Fly fishing), and above all you do it so well. (Pics...Videos...narration!)
I'm right there with you Josh on the C & R! I remember many a trip where I'd stack my rod and help along the rail or "chum" if all the crew are busy. Or once I caught a few fish I'd hook a fish and hand it off to a kid or other passenger that hadn't caught something yet. That's how I kind of got my start building a rep on the boats (and why I get invited to come out to "boost the counts" when I was able and hopefully soon again).
Catch what you can use and release the rest, don't stock the freezer just yet! You have all summer and....it gives you a VALID excuse to go fishing! "Hey honey we only have a quarter fillet of Yellowtail left I "HAVE" to go fishing to stock up. This gives you married guys out there gives you a "REASONABLE" excuse to get out!
I only bring home a limit of large macks or bonito for Cat food treats.
I guess Tuna would be one of the only exceptions to this rule. However I don't bring home anything under 20#, both Tuna & "Firecracker" !!!
Thanks again for taking the time and energy to post for the rest of us to enjoy!
FFY

[wiredantz]

I wished I live near the jewel!!!!!!! so jealous

[fisher_4_life]

Awesome pictures and write ups! Thanks for keeping this thread going Josh!

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by fisher_4_life

Awesome pictures and write ups! Thanks for keeping this thread going Josh!

Thanks! My pleasure. Long time no talk, brother. Did you buy that skiff we spoke about yet or what? Inshore/offshore is in full swing; obviously. So let me know.

Speaking of. Why anyone with a skiff would even be fishing local kelp beds, or God forbid, dragging the bottom of the Pacific Ocean right about now? Is beyond me. I saw a forty foot sportfisher trolling the thick kelp edges the other day. And had to laugh. With Tuna ten miles offshore, Dorado on kelps slamming into the beach, not to mention some rather large Bluefin thrown into the mix. Offering quite the bonus kicker fish. And this perfect Islands/offshore rig is trolling the kelp catching Barracuda. No, it was not a charter putting little kids on fish (the only thing that might have made it make sense). Nor a local captain making jumbo Pacific Greenback Mackerel for Marlin/Swordfish bait. They were trolling mono rigs and looked to be targeting Barracuda.

I digress, though, in hindsight they looked to be having a good time. Booze cruise it up! So, what ever floats your boat -- or yacht in this case.

[driftwood]

Dang you look skinny Josh....but that's a good thing.

All I can say...you were born to fish!!

[blitzburgh]

Hahaha awesome sonogram!