05-04-08 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Handymansd · 05-05-2008, 09:56 AM

The ultimate fish story of the one that got away...

Launched at 3:00pm for a nasty, cold, rough, windy, paddle with my wingman Darren. I have had many reports of T's to motivate me to keep trying despite the miserable conditions. We paddled until I finally had had enough. At approximately 8:30 pm, as I accepted defeat, yet again, my low mac exploded! My Accurate blew through about 250 yards of line before I could even get it in gear!! I finally stopped the bleeding line and got my FND moving. As I left my wingman behind, despite his trying to catch up I realized that I was actually water skiing in my yak...! probably have a damn sea lion or something. No thresher could do this, right? Just as that thought planted itself in my mind the line went slack, and I desperately tried to wind in line. I came to the conclusion that it was gone whatever it was, as I cranked to my leader at about 15ft from the hook. Suddenly right in front of my wingman Darren, the biggest T I have ever seen launched itself directly in front of my bow.

I sat in stunned disbelief as it almost spooled me again before getting it turned around. We continued this fight for almost 40 minutes until I finally had his head in front of my bow and his tail at my right side ready to grab. As Darren and I worked to get the rope out and get situated for the "rodeo", the T decided it had had enough and "pop" just like that it was gone. It Broke the 65# spectra with it's sudden surge and went on his merry way.

After sitting stunned at the whole thing for a few minutes we discussed it's probable size... Any thoughts on approximate weight would be appreciated!

Approximately 24+" across at the dorsal area, maybe 7-9 ft. white on the bottom with a stripe of tan, and the beautiful purple top! A picture I will not soon forget. Sorry no pics for everyone else, I was sort of busy, and Darren had no camera anyway. Maybe next time!

nmbrinkman · 05-05-2008, 10:10 AM

I've been told that braided lines aren't as good at dealing with abrasion then mono/flouro. If that is true you may want to consider using longer leader. Sucks about the fish. At least you got the fight and the ride out of it. No idea about the weight. Is that 7'-9' from nose to tip of the long tail?

Zed · 05-05-2008, 10:20 AM

9' tip to tail is ~120-150#ish.

dorado50 · 05-05-2008, 10:21 AM

Not an answer but a suggestion, anytime you have a fish boatside and ready to gaff or release always loosen drag a notch or so to prevent what just happened to you. Because you had alot of drag to get the fish boatside, once it spooked either a). hook pulls b). line snaps, always loosen drag at boatside to prevent above two actions from not taking place......better luck next time.

steveooo · 05-05-2008, 10:39 AM

Next time for sure

wavster · 05-05-2008, 10:42 AM

Very cool to hear you at least got the hookup. WTG.

aguachico · 05-05-2008, 11:05 AM

Don't worry about the weight of the shark. Doesn't matter. Great job on getting it to the boat. tsharks range from 60# - 600#. Kill one little one per year and you are in the meat!

esdees · 05-05-2008, 11:18 AM

Sounds like a good time. Congrats on the big hookup.

Billy V · 05-05-2008, 11:54 AM

I saw you return to the launch on the camera last night. @ 8:30

I was wonder who was out so late in those nasty conditions.
I figured someone must have be ON a big fish to be out so late.

THE DARKHORSE · 05-05-2008, 03:17 PM

I'm a big fan of C and R, but if there ever was a species that is thriveing and in need of being put in check the Thresher Shark (in local waters) is it. I had the oppasite experience of C.J. when I put my surface-iron just past a boil that looked like a #50 Yellowtail. Instant slam, fish on and for a moment it felt like the right kind. Drag ripping off the reel and then straight down for the dog fight. It was obvious after a minute (no tail-beats on the tip) that this wasn't what I had in mind. Just like C.J. my reel that was plenty tight with #30+ Yellowtail was wobbling on my Seeker Ulua and trying to slide forward (I used a Crocadile ring during the up and down battle to tighten the bolt). After thirty minutes she came by the kayak to have a look at me completely green and I almost shit

. I've caught many a #50-#90 model and they come right to the boat with little effort and signifigant drag. This was no pup, a definate #200+ model. I noticed she was hooked in the pectoral fin before she sounded again (I have a chance). I was able put her on plane easier and short-pumped her up again using my crotch with a PFD for a gimble (or the 9' 3" stick would have broke my arm). I put a game plan together after multiple circles to get my new favorite-iron back (or I would of cut the line thirty minutes before). This wouldn't of been possible with the X-Factor, but with the new Hobie Mirage system it worked. She kept swimming and pulling hard, but after buttoning down the drag and leadering her with my hands a couple of times while pedaling (hands free fishing fishing) I achieved a previously impossible task. I used the rudder to duplicate the same size circle she kept doing, put the rod in the holder while holding onto the line, and used the pedals to keep my hands just in front of her head (away from the huge tail that had taken a couple of swings already). She seemed to gain confidence that I wasn't trying to kill her and cooperated. She was very strong and that damn tail never stopped, although no longer making attempts to dive down (again cooperating, as she was huge and could of easily ripped the line out of my hands). I knew I had to be quick, before she got pissed with my de-hooking efforts and I was losing light fast. On the third or fourth attempt (while constantly pedaling in a wide circle just ahead) with the gaff I was able to get my iron back (with a destroyed hook). I always laugh when someone tells me a #80 shark pulled them for a mile. I guess with 5LB's of drag this would be possible, but please. In this case it was true, (maybe half a mile) when I had to put extra effort to make it home in the dark. I have a new found respect for these fish and their incredible speed. I have never said this in a post or end of the month submission, but please "go get one". The other fish in the area will thank you and I'm sure your fish karma will go up a notch.

05-05-2008, 09:56 AM	#1
Handymansd Ancient Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: On The Water Posts: 935	05-04-08 The ultimate fish story of the one that got away... Launched at 3:00pm for a nasty, cold, rough, windy, paddle with my wingman Darren. I have had many reports of T's to motivate me to keep trying despite the miserable conditions. We paddled until I finally had had enough. At approximately 8:30 pm, as I accepted defeat, yet again, my low mac exploded! My Accurate blew through about 250 yards of line before I could even get it in gear!! I finally stopped the bleeding line and got my FND moving. As I left my wingman behind, despite his trying to catch up I realized that I was actually water skiing in my yak...! probably have a damn sea lion or something. No thresher could do this, right? Just as that thought planted itself in my mind the line went slack, and I desperately tried to wind in line. I came to the conclusion that it was gone whatever it was, as I cranked to my leader at about 15ft from the hook. Suddenly right in front of my wingman Darren, the biggest T I have ever seen launched itself directly in front of my bow. I sat in stunned disbelief as it almost spooled me again before getting it turned around. We continued this fight for almost 40 minutes until I finally had his head in front of my bow and his tail at my right side ready to grab. As Darren and I worked to get the rope out and get situated for the "rodeo", the T decided it had had enough and "pop" just like that it was gone. It Broke the 65# spectra with it's sudden surge and went on his merry way. After sitting stunned at the whole thing for a few minutes we discussed it's probable size... Any thoughts on approximate weight would be appreciated! Approximately 24+" across at the dorsal area, maybe 7-9 ft. white on the bottom with a stripe of tan, and the beautiful purple top! A picture I will not soon forget. Sorry no pics for everyone else, I was sort of busy, and Darren had no camera anyway. Maybe next time! __________________ All men are equal before fish. -Herbert Hoover

05-05-2008, 10:42 AM	#6
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	Very cool to hear you at least got the hookup. WTG. __________________

05-05-2008, 03:17 PM	#10
THE DARKHORSE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seven minutes from the launch! Posts: 987	I'm a big fan of C and R, but........... I'm a big fan of C and R, but if there ever was a species that is thriveing and in need of being put in check the Thresher Shark (in local waters) is it. I had the oppasite experience of C.J. when I put my surface-iron just past a boil that looked like a #50 Yellowtail. Instant slam, fish on and for a moment it felt like the right kind. Drag ripping off the reel and then straight down for the dog fight. It was obvious after a minute (no tail-beats on the tip) that this wasn't what I had in mind. Just like C.J. my reel that was plenty tight with #30+ Yellowtail was wobbling on my Seeker Ulua and trying to slide forward (I used a Crocadile ring during the up and down battle to tighten the bolt). After thirty minutes she came by the kayak to have a look at me completely green and I almost shit . I've caught many a #50-#90 model and they come right to the boat with little effort and signifigant drag. This was no pup, a definate #200+ model. I noticed she was hooked in the pectoral fin before she sounded again (I have a chance). I was able put her on plane easier and short-pumped her up again using my crotch with a PFD for a gimble (or the 9' 3" stick would have broke my arm). I put a game plan together after multiple circles to get my new favorite-iron back (or I would of cut the line thirty minutes before). This wouldn't of been possible with the X-Factor, but with the new Hobie Mirage system it worked. She kept swimming and pulling hard, but after buttoning down the drag and leadering her with my hands a couple of times while pedaling (hands free fishing fishing) I achieved a previously impossible task. I used the rudder to duplicate the same size circle she kept doing, put the rod in the holder while holding onto the line, and used the pedals to keep my hands just in front of her head (away from the huge tail that had taken a couple of swings already). She seemed to gain confidence that I wasn't trying to kill her and cooperated. She was very strong and that damn tail never stopped, although no longer making attempts to dive down (again cooperating, as she was huge and could of easily ripped the line out of my hands). I knew I had to be quick, before she got pissed with my de-hooking efforts and I was losing light fast. On the third or fourth attempt (while constantly pedaling in a wide circle just ahead) with the gaff I was able to get my iron back (with a destroyed hook). I always laugh when someone tells me a #80 shark pulled them for a mile. I guess with 5LB's of drag this would be possible, but please. In this case it was true, (maybe half a mile) when I had to put extra effort to make it home in the dark. I have a new found respect for these fish and their incredible speed. I have never said this in a post or end of the month submission, but please "go get one". The other fish in the area will thank you and I'm sure your fish karma will go up a notch.

05-05-2008, 10:10 AM	#2
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	I've been told that braided lines aren't as good at dealing with abrasion then mono/flouro. If that is true you may want to consider using longer leader. Sucks about the fish. At least you got the fight and the ride out of it. No idea about the weight. Is that 7'-9' from nose to tip of the long tail?

05-05-2008, 10:20 AM	#3
Zed BANNED Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: W of 5 Posts: 1,265	9' tip to tail is ~120-150#ish.

05-05-2008, 10:21 AM	#4
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	Not an answer but a suggestion, anytime you have a fish boatside and ready to gaff or release always loosen drag a notch or so to prevent what just happened to you. Because you had alot of drag to get the fish boatside, once it spooked either a). hook pulls b). line snaps, always loosen drag at boatside to prevent above two actions from not taking place......better luck next time.

05-05-2008, 10:39 AM	#5
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,921	Next time for sure

05-05-2008, 11:05 AM	#7
aguachico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 719	Don't worry about the weight of the shark. Doesn't matter. Great job on getting it to the boat. tsharks range from 60# - 600#. Kill one little one per year and you are in the meat!

05-05-2008, 11:18 AM	#8
esdees The Good Clone Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Clairemont Posts: 520	Sounds like a good time. Congrats on the big hookup.

05-05-2008, 11:54 AM	#9
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	I saw you return to the launch on the camera last night. @ 8:30 I was wonder who was out so late in those nasty conditions. I figured someone must have be ON a big fish to be out so late.