My big fat mistake

[silverbullet]

Exciting but sucks... missed the fish.

Definately a lesson. Something will eat it though; don't let these guys get you too down...

But definately don't make that mistake twice. bring hook and a stick...

[taggermike]

Your post kinda chapps me I have to say. That is no way to handle a prized fish. Mistakes get made and thats how we learn though. Try this; land, secure, then bleed your catch. YT are easy to handle bare handed. They have a tail that is easy to grip, no teeth so the face grab works, and gills you can shove your hand in to. It can get messy but pull the fish in to the yak and pin it down under your thighs as you secure it with a rope or clip. Loosen your drag a bit when you grab, gaff, or net your fish so if you miss the sudden run will not break your line. I don't consider a fish "landed" untill it is in the hatch. And just relax at the end game, be deliberate and steady. You'll get it. Mike

[Davidgskinner]

I won't make the same mistake twice. Thanks to those giving productive critiques. I was just sharing a story though, and how I messed up. I had no intention of randomly killing a nice fish then losing it. I am still stoked to have had the chance. Someone else can learn from it. I did.

[tight lines]

Posting a mistake is not a bad thing ....other people can learn from it.Sometimes this sight can be cutthroat ,because other people think they are better .

[Hypoxic1]

Nice way to address the learning experience. Good job David. Now make sure you bring a game clip and a gaff next time so you are ready. Odds are on that you will get your next shot sooner than later,

See you on the water.
Chris

[GregAndrew]

Although I have only been asked once for it by the DFG, you are required to have a net with an opening of at least 18 inches. Bummer on the loss. I agree with the "secure first, then kill" advice. I also know that, in the heat of the moment, lots of gaff attempts do the same thing to fish. Loosening the drag is very important. Another thing I was taught was to use your dominant hand for grabbing, netting or gaffing and to get the fish to that side of your yak so you don't need to reach across yourself. Same holds true even if you are trying to go straight to game clip or stringer.

[dos ballenas]

[QUOTE=taggermike;92475] land, secure, then bleed your catch.[QUOTE]

Well said.

Bummer about the fish. That is a very tough lesson to learn.

Yellows can be landed by hand quite easily, especially from a kayak.

That being said, I think the most important lesson you can learn from your experience is to always be prepared.

The ocean is an amazing place and can bring unpredictably good or bad luck your way at anytime, be prepared for both.

I'm sure the lobster are happy!

[Aaron&Julie]

I knew a David Skinner, you didn't happen to work at El Rancho Market?
Anyhow, that was ridiculous to just stab it, thinking it would do the trick. Ever caught a yellow, bonito or tuna before? You grab their tail and grip like he's your prize winning lotto, and he ain't going nowhere.
If your story is legit, then all you did was kill something we all prize with a passion, left for the sea lampreys at the bottom of the ocean. We don't need to feed them, let 'em get their own damn dead fish.
Aaron

["jjcawjj"]

Dude!!!!! I Hate when that happens!!!!!!!! But still, at least you had something tugging on your rod!

[Caden]

good post bro shit happen just keep fishing

[reefer]

Good lesson to learn, not to post my error/mistake on here.....lol

[dorado50]

Fear no Fish..........

[mazilla]

Originally Posted by reefer

Good lesson to learn, not to post my error/mistake on here.....lol

It's actually beneficial to people who wouldn't have known better.

Disregard the insults, they come from folks who have learned everything there is to know about fishing so long ago they have forgotten how they learned it... If you think you're post could be of use to a beginner it'd be gracious of you to post it.


Thanks OP for sharing, I'm sure somebody out there(besides yourself) has learned from your mistake.

[T12]

Live and learn. Next time be more prepared !!!

[Striperman1018]

amen

[Striperman1018]

Originally Posted by mazilla

It's actually beneficial to people who wouldn't have known better.

Disregard the insults, they come from folks who have learned everything there is to know about fishing so long ago they have forgotten how they learned it... If you think you're post could be of use to a beginner it'd be gracious of you to post it.


Thanks OP for sharing, I'm sure somebody out there(besides yourself) has learned from your mistake.

amen