Catch and Release Yellowtail - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

chris138 · 07-22-2020, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Caught and kept one on Saturday a few weeks ago. Caught and released 3 more on Sunday, and left them biting. The one I kept was #27, and the ones I released were around the same size. I don't keep any more than I am willing to professionally vacuum seal myself, or than I can fit in my freezer. In my experience, giving away fish to friends in general, you might as well throw away about 50%. I try to stick with the ones that can tell me what species they like to eat, and how they like to prepare it.

Hey Greg,

I know it's been in a thread before, but what vacuum sealer do you use?

katchfish · 07-22-2020, 10:42 AM

Iceman · 07-22-2020, 11:08 AM

Love that shot Ken, think that was after striking out looking for tuna off La Jolla, I highly recommend this hands free technique for juvenile WSB as they are super fragile!

Salty Paw · 07-22-2020, 02:15 PM

Question - I've always been operating under the rule that you couldn't take YTs <24", but someone recently pointed out the full language of the regs, which state:

"The minimum size limit is 24 inches fork length, except that up to five fish less than 24 inches fork length may be taken or possessed."

Does that really mean there is no size limit if you're taking <5 fish? Do people actually keep small ones?

FoodGeekFish · 07-22-2020, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty Paw

Does that really mean there is no size limit if you're taking <5 fish?

Yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty Paw

Do people actually keep small ones?

Also, yes

monstahfish · 07-23-2020, 06:03 AM

I'd say I release more than I keep by a good margin. I also only fish circle hooks with bait as it's a cleaner release. My freezer is almost empty though so I may keep my next one if I remember to bring my cooler bag.

globalwad · 07-23-2020, 12:28 PM

I actually don't keep any fish, gross. But man are they fun to catch!

chris138 · 07-26-2020, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monstahfish

I'd say I release more than I keep by a good margin. I also only fish circle hooks with bait as it's a cleaner release. My freezer is almost empty though so I may keep my next one if I remember to bring my cooler bag.

Great tip about the circle hooks!

TJones · 07-27-2020, 10:38 AM

I have not achieved it yet. I was very optimistic of having a good year. My plan was after having harvested one or two first, was to then release one back. This would have been on a supposed really good day where I had landed and harvested at least one or two prior to releasing a fish. Very optimistic of me, needless to say. Boy, how my plans really got turned around. Im not even in the yellowtail count this year. SMH.

. Good for you on your sportsmanship.

GregAndrew · 07-22-2020, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris138

Hey Greg,

I know it's been in a thread before, but what vacuum sealer do you use?

VacMaster, mine is the VP215. They make several models/sizes. large initial investment, but last forever, and bags are pretty inexpensive. Once you see (and taste) the difference between one of these and one of the standard "vacuum" sealers, you will want one.

View Poll Results: Have you released a yellowtail from the kayak?
Yes	13	48.15%
No	11	40.74%
I would never do that, are you crazy?	3	11.11%
Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll

07-22-2020, 11:08 AM	#3
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Love that shot Ken, think that was after striking out looking for tuna off La Jolla, I highly recommend this hands free technique for juvenile WSB as they are super fragile! __________________

07-27-2020, 10:38 AM	#9
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	That was my personal goal this year I have not achieved it yet. I was very optimistic of having a good year. My plan was after having harvested one or two first, was to then release one back. This would have been on a supposed really good day where I had landed and harvested at least one or two prior to releasing a fish. Very optimistic of me, needless to say. Boy, how my plans really got turned around. Im not even in the yellowtail count this year. SMH. . Good for you on your sportsmanship.

07-22-2020, 10:42 AM	#2
katchfish Paddle for Mahi Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Doing the happy paddle! Posts: 849

07-22-2020, 02:15 PM	#4
Salty Paw Junior Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: La Jolla Posts: 9	Question - I've always been operating under the rule that you couldn't take YTs <24", but someone recently pointed out the full language of the regs, which state: "The minimum size limit is 24 inches fork length, except that up to five fish less than 24 inches fork length may be taken or possessed." Does that really mean there is no size limit if you're taking <5 fish? Do people actually keep small ones?

07-23-2020, 06:03 AM	#6
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 423	I'd say I release more than I keep by a good margin. I also only fish circle hooks with bait as it's a cleaner release. My freezer is almost empty though so I may keep my next one if I remember to bring my cooler bag.

07-23-2020, 12:28 PM	#7
globalwad Junior Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Oceanside Posts: 13	I actually don't keep any fish, gross. But man are they fun to catch!