Sea Lion strike - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

DanaYakAngler · 04-01-2021, 12:51 PM

They can be scary man, big strong animals with very powerful jaws.

DanaYakAngler · 04-01-2021, 12:55 PM

I had a weird experience in DP last summer. No sign of sea lions around and then all of a sudden one surfaced right under me and bumped the side of my kayak. It was not an aggressive move, almost like it didn't know I was there and then it got spooked and took off. Scared the s##t outta me.

Salty · 04-01-2021, 01:21 PM

Scary dude! I've had some get aggressive with me while surfing down in Baja. For some reason on a kayak that seems extra sketchy. Especially at night man. Glad you're all good!

JohnMckroidJr · 04-01-2021, 07:54 PM

That's no fun! I hate when something pops up unexpectedly. No seals in Florida, but have been startled a couple of times by big tarpons, manatees, and turtles at night, and rammed twice by hammerheads during the day. Thankfully never any physical damages just shocked nerves.

DanaPT · 04-02-2021, 06:15 AM

I love the red glowing eyes when you shine a light on them!

I think our fishery would be better with fewer sea dogs.

At what point can we stop saving them from themselves?

deptrai · 04-11-2021, 08:48 PM

Had one pestering me one night on my boat out at MDR. I hit it so hard with my 6' Aftco gaff that it bent. That sea Lion didn't bother me anymore.

TJones · 04-12-2021, 05:57 AM

I saw him dive about 20' from me and didn't feel like bothering to wind up. The bait was hooked through his mouth and out his upper lip. It actually managed to stay in tack after the first two plucks. I picked up the rod out of holder, and on the 3rd strike managed to hook him. Over all, I am pretty satisfied with my knot testing. I buttoned down drag at full strike and thumbed it repeatedly while being towed sideways before it finally broke. He broke surface and went airborne repeatedly in the process. He won't bother a kayaker for a few days, I guarantee it.

04-12-2021, 05:57 AM	#7
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,523	Had one grab my Carolina rig yesterday I saw him dive about 20' from me and didn't feel like bothering to wind up. The bait was hooked through his mouth and out his upper lip. It actually managed to stay in tack after the first two plucks. I picked up the rod out of holder, and on the 3rd strike managed to hook him. Over all, I am pretty satisfied with my knot testing. I buttoned down drag at full strike and thumbed it repeatedly while being towed sideways before it finally broke. He broke surface and went airborne repeatedly in the process. He won't bother a kayaker for a few days, I guarantee it.

04-01-2021, 12:51 PM	#1
DanaYakAngler Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: RSM, Ca. Posts: 112	They can be scary man, big strong animals with very powerful jaws.

04-01-2021, 12:55 PM	#2
DanaYakAngler Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: RSM, Ca. Posts: 112	I had a weird experience in DP last summer. No sign of sea lions around and then all of a sudden one surfaced right under me and bumped the side of my kayak. It was not an aggressive move, almost like it didn't know I was there and then it got spooked and took off. Scared the s##t outta me.

04-01-2021, 01:21 PM	#3
Salty Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 424	Scary dude! I've had some get aggressive with me while surfing down in Baja. For some reason on a kayak that seems extra sketchy. Especially at night man. Glad you're all good!

04-01-2021, 07:54 PM	#4
JohnMckroidJr Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,874	That's no fun! I hate when something pops up unexpectedly. No seals in Florida, but have been startled a couple of times by big tarpons, manatees, and turtles at night, and rammed twice by hammerheads during the day. Thankfully never any physical damages just shocked nerves.

04-02-2021, 06:15 AM	#5
DanaPT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South OC Posts: 1,605	I love the red glowing eyes when you shine a light on them! I think our fishery would be better with fewer sea dogs. At what point can we stop saving them from themselves?

04-11-2021, 08:48 PM	#6
deptrai Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 54	Had one pestering me one night on my boat out at MDR. I hit it so hard with my 6' Aftco gaff that it bent. That sea Lion didn't bother me anymore.