Ahhhhh... Back in the Surf! S.W.A.T. Northern Trek. Friday 4/15

[Wingnut]

I'll make this one of my shorter reports... http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/03.gif

My plane touched down late last night... back in town for the weekend. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/14.gif
Been busy laying the ground work on a business project that I'll be undertaking later this year, so been traveling a lot and haven't hit the surf in over two months. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/a02.gif
Been a tough work week so I decided to take the day off and make the long drive up the Northern coast and hit a couple of areas I haven't fished in quite some time.

I hit the first spot solo about 9:30am to fish the high tide. Conditions was pretty good, sunny skies, flat 1-2 foot surf, relatively clear water, light salad, mild off-shore wind, light baitfish presence, water temp. a little cold, I would guess around 54 degrees.
Spent about two hours working the first spot.
Hung a short Hali within the first few minutes... felt a little rusty fighting it, haven't done that in awhile. lol
Caught a total of three short Flatties, the biggest around 18" and 5 or 6 fat Barred Surf Perch. The biggest Perch was a 15 incher... tied my PB. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-cool11.gif

Left the first spot around noon and gave Mikey (Exfactor) a call to see if he was available to join me. So funny, Mikey picks up the phone and told me that he was on a job site. When I told him that I was in his neighborhood he says, "Forget work, I'm done for the day... I'll meet you there in half an hour!" A man who's got his priorities straight, I love it! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing001.gif U da man Mikey.

Mikey shows up with his buddy "Perch" Dave. Dave is one cool character and I had a great time chatting with him as we worked the surf side by side. Dave told me that at one point... he fished EVERY DAY for two years straight! http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/a11.gif I think he also hold the record for the most Perch caught in one timed session. Something like 75 Perch in three hours. http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/images/smilies/eek6.gif Anyways, the guy is a stone cold Perch slayer... and a few other species too. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/03.gif

The afternoon session was quite good, with another 7 Flatties being caugh with Dave catching his PB Halibut at around 27 inches. Congratulations Dave!!! http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/rulez/t2009.gif There were also more mega Perch caught, anywhere from 12-16 inches. We didn't take pics of all the fish being caught because it was quite a fast & furious bite at low tide.

Artificials used: Lucky Crafts Flash Minnow 110, 3" Grubs, 3" Big Hammer swim baits on 1/4 oz lead heads.

What a great session, felt right at home in my environment... lol
Said goodbye to Mikey & Dave and departed for my 3-hour drive home. http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/rtfm/t2405.gif
Let's see if I can muster up enough energy for round two tomorrow. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/03.gif

Mikey & Dave, pleasure sharing the sand with you guys. Thank you for joining me on such short notice, it was quite worth it.

Have a great weekend everybody, go out there and gettem! http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/10001/smile.gif

Arthur (Wingnut)


"What is a friend? For me, it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself."


Here are some pics...
Beautiful Spring day.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/032-3.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/029-5.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/030-5.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/027-6.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/023-8.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/025-9.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/020-8.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/018-10.jpg

Mikey and Dave.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/037-2.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/038-2.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0426.jpg

Mikey working a reversed structure... casting towards the shore. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/a11.gif
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/039-2.jpg

The results...
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0434.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0433.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0429.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0430.jpg

A few of these mega Piggies were caught today. :EyePop:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0428.jpg

Dave's PB Halibut. :Envious:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0437.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/IMG_0438.jpg

Bonus pics.
S.W.A.T. Squadron of AWACS. :Twisted:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/016-12.jpg

Spring bloom.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/019-9.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/035-3.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/034-3.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/041-1.jpg

Dave says... "Now that's how it's done!" :Big Grin:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/043-1.jpg

Parting shot.
"Leave me alone... I need my beauty sleep." :LOL:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/003-24.jpg

[lovefofish]

welcome back, I have been missing all the beauty/ glamore shot :D. great fish, Grats Dave on that PB. Have you ever tried throwing a clear /redflake BH this time of year?

[bsp]

Arthur,

Those are some insane perch, and they definitely made a strong showing again today. This post got me stoked last night, and was better than any amount of Red Bull. :LOL: That area has so much potential, and I can only imagine what it's like once the water temps warm up a bit and the flatties migrate in en masse. This season is shaping up to be a very solid one (last year didn't produce perch like this!), and hopefully the trend of everybody breaking their PBs continues.

Looking forward to fishing with you soon man,

Marc

[lovefofish]

Reserved for comment!

were waiting :D

[bones]

Piggies and Flatties....OH MY!!!
Awesome report from the northern area Boyz!!!
All I have to say is.......
SWAT is Back and it's going to be a GOOD season......I can feel it in my BONES!

See ya in 5 hours Arthur.....UGHHHHH !!

[exfactor]

If they bite half as good as today, we're in for a fun outing boyz. It was a sick stupid wide bite this pm.

[ghetto dad]

omg! those perch are HUGE..when you can lip one like a bass..its a BIG perch!! nice job guys.....


GD

[smokehound]

it's great that you guys release nearly everything.. larger perch give birth to larger young.

Which in turn, means a GREAT fishery.. If only everyone cared....

Great pictures as always, that 15 incher is a brute, for sure!

[jerryG]

Well done guys.. Looks like the fishing was outstanding.. Weather was great today and the forecast is calling for the same conditions to continue through tomorrow. It's prime time for moon phase well.. Tomorrow should be good.. I wish I could join you guys. Looking forward to the report..

JerryG

[iLLest]

Yeaaaahhhhh boyyy! Now those are some quality perchies and averynice flattie. Good job out there gentlemen. Little rusty eh Arthur? Sure doesnt seem like it, looks like you left off exactly where you were before!

Got me all excited for tomorrow, it should be a very interesting day for S.W.A.T ;)
Good luck with the northern assault on Saturday guys. I'll give ya a text later today. Gotta get some shut eye, got 2 hours of sleep ahead of me then its time for the assault. Goodluck out there S.W.A.T let's make it a good one.

Tight lines.
-Frank

[PONTOON]

It's always a pleasure to read another SWAT report Arthur!

Great job out there guys and keep the reports coming.:Cool:

[DockRat]

Reserved for comment! http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg232/tmoore61/Reserved.jpg
Those are some giant BSP. WTG Arthur

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/the_beatles_rule/Awanpmjadb.gif

[murrieta angler]

Arthur,
Those are some awesome shots of the flowers. Sometimes I wish I knew the names of them.
I can't believe how big those barred surf perch are. Like GD mentioned, to lip them that way, they have to be huge.
Did any of the Mommas drop off any youngins?
I so wish I could join you guys to today, but my wife always comes first...:Wink:
At least I'll be at a beach today, I just don't know which one...:Rolls Eyes:
I hope everyone catches a legal hali today....EVERYONE GOING FISHING! :Big Grin:
Take Care Brother,
Robert
<><


Mikey,
Very nice perch you and your buddy Dave picked out of the ocean today & Dave congratulations on the PB hali. Arthur tends to bring that out in people...:Smile:
Peace Out,
Robert
<><

[efishent]

Excellent job finding that clear water and associated species ready to play. NIce multi-hali session and the perches of that size start to lo0k a bit like small WSB. Get the most out of your weekend break, I look forward to the next great report. It wasn't the same without 'em.

[koifish]

Great job ouT there.

[Big G]

Great report Arthur. Went out today with my pops to malibu. Didnt even get a bite. Ran into one of your swat members and he said he caught one hali. Water was very clear. Didnt see any bait fish. Pops came late and did'nt get there as early as i wanted. Maybe next time.

[JapanRon]

Hi WingNut,

Nice job all around ..... great to see one SoCal fishery so healthy.

JapanRon

[diamondbear]

What a great report WN , The pics of flora are so true to color as I hike up in the local mnts. and see these plants growing in the spring and later on they look like just weeds . Nice size perch and thanks for sharing . // db

[ToadsToadsOnly]

Nice job out there with those monster perch. To bad I couldn't make it had some things to tend to next time you are back drop me a pm the calicos should be biting we could do a kayak session.

[Badbeat]

Looks like the spring bite has started. Nice going Art, we miss your reports bro. Went to pyramid today, did pretty good by the rocks. :Wink:

[Rooster]

Lovin those pics and report. Glad to see some S.W.A.T back in action :Death2Above::Death2Above:

[jerryG]

Nice job out there with those monster perch. To bad I couldn't make it had some things to tend to next time you are back drop me a pm the calicos should be biting we could do a kayak session.

Yak attack coastal calico + misc. bonus species mission. Exactly what I was thinking.

JerryG

[E.A.R.G.]

great read as always Arthur,
Glad to hear you're back on the water!

[TroutOnly]

HEY ART , WHO WAS THAT OLD FART WITH THE BIG FAT PIG PERCH,,,,,,,,,,,,,,t/o,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,LOL,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Steelheadpimp]

wow looks like an awesome day, and extra sweet since it's been a while I'm sure. Cangrats to dave also on that personal best! I'm new to the surf and your post raised a good question; could you give me some advice on where to position myself in the surf? i.e; ankle deep, thigh high, waist high? also, I liked Mikes reverse approach, what are your thoughts on this? I was also curious about where you normally try to land your bait? in the swell, on the white cap etc? Sorry to encroach on your post here, just couldn't help trying to get the advice of some veterans :) If you ever need help with fishing the great lakes I'd be happy to return the favor :P

[blackwater]

What a gorgeous looking day to hit the surf. Mikey is a cool dude to fish with, I think I fished with him a little while back when we all went to Refugio. Hope you get that project off the ground so you can get back to fishing Arthur, but don't count on it. Look at me, been 3 years and i'm still plugging along with my business project with no time to fish. :Envious:

[Native Gal]

WN,
Glad you had a lil time off from your hectic schedule to hit the surf S.W.A.T. Style. Very nice monster perch session gents,, congrats. Congrats to Perch Dave on his pb Hali.

NG

[flyngby]

Arthur,

Great to see you were able to find some time for some one on one time in the surf after a long layoff! You never skipped a beat and went out and got into some quality fish.

Great to see that Mikey dropped his tools and was quick to join you with Dave for the epic evening up there.

I came home from work and was stoked to be getting out with you and the gang on Saturday locally as planned through out the week! I missed your call and update as I was out in the garage getting the gear ready for my first Surf Adventure in exactly 3 months. LC's, Swimmies, and the Crack were locked and loaded.

I was a tough decision to make after learning of the change to get away farther than originally planned as I had a long planned night out with the wife.

Steve http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-1122.gif.

[saltman]

Arthur,
Glad to see you out there do it, and as alway hooking up on fish at are not alway caught in the surf.
Also glad to see Team 57 having a good time with those fat perch. I need to get out there myself hooking up on those fat perch too.
Ram...

[Which Way Out]

Back in the saddle again.......

[Liteweight]

Hey Arthur! Nice job on the BSP's. Real Fatties, good to see you back on the water. Was wondering where you've been. As always a very good read with some nice pics. Will start to brush off my surf gear (as soon as the Spring run-off in the Sierras makes fly fishing impossible). Planning on doing more Saltwater stuff this year (including Fly Fishing the surf). Maybe I'll run into you and the rest of the S.W.A.T. crew this summer!
As always, thanks for posting.
LW.

[klocked]

Boy those are some nice sized perch Arthur! Glad you got some time out of your busy schedule and got to hit the surf!

[Hometown]

Nice fish Arthur all ways enjoy your reports.

[Wingnut]

welcome back, I have been missing all the beauty/ glamore shot :D. great fish, Grats Dave on that PB. Have you ever tried throwing a clear /redflake BH this time of year?
Thanks, the reports will be few in between, but I will do my best to squeeze in as much fishing time as possible. :Wink: The BH clear/red flake is a great color, kinda mimic baby Barred Surf Perch (see photo below).
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/058.jpg


Arthur,

Those are some insane perch, and they definitely made a strong showing again today. This post got me stoked last night, and was better than any amount of Red Bull. :LOL: That area has so much potential, and I can only imagine what it's like once the water temps warm up a bit and the flatties migrate in en masse. This season is shaping up to be a very solid one (last year didn't produce perch like this!), and hopefully the trend of everybody breaking their PBs continues.

Looking forward to fishing with you soon man,

Marc
I hope it's a positive sign of good things to come this Spring Marc. I only wish that I can find more time to hit the surf when the bite takes off. :Neutral:


Piggies and Flatties....OH MY!!!
Awesome report from the northern area Boyz!!!
All I have to say is.......
SWAT is Back and it's going to be a GOOD season......I can feel it in my BONES!

See ya in 5 hours Arthur.....UGHHHHH !!
Mikey & Dave are the true Northen Boyz... they know the Santa Barbara like the back of their hands. I couldn't ask for better local guidance and up to date intel of the area. :Big Grin:


If they bite half as good as today, we're in for a fun outing boyz. It was a sick stupid wide bite this pm.
The bite was indeed sick Mikey, we've had some epic days in the Northern coast, that's for sure! :Envious:


omg! those perch are HUGE..when you can lip one like a bass..its a BIG perch!! nice job guys.....


GD
Kinda like lipping a Crappie. :Envious:


it's great that you guys release nearly everything.. larger perch give birth to larger young.

Which in turn, means a GREAT fishery.. If only everyone cared....

Great pictures as always, that 15 incher is a brute, for sure!
We release 100% of the Perch we catch. Better fish to eat and no parasites. :Shocked:


Well done guys.. Looks like the fishing was outstanding.. Weather was great today and the forecast is calling for the same conditions to continue through tomorrow. It's prime time for moon phase well.. Tomorrow should be good.. I wish I could join you guys. Looking forward to the report..

JerryG
Brother Jerry, it's been too long since we walked the same stretch of sand together my friend. With your busy family schedule and my hectic work schedule, it's going to be tough, but let's see if we can plan a mission or two together this Spring. :Wink:


Yeaaaahhhhh boyyy! Now those are some quality perchies and averynice flattie. Good job out there gentlemen. Little rusty eh Arthur? Sure doesnt seem like it, looks like you left off exactly where you were before!

Got me all excited for tomorrow, it should be a very interesting day for S.W.A.T ;)
Good luck with the northern assault on Saturday guys. I'll give ya a text later today. Gotta get some shut eye, got 2 hours of sleep ahead of me then its time for the assault. Goodluck out there S.W.A.T let's make it a good one.

Tight lines.
-Frank
Frank, thanks for the local recon while the Team is on a remote mission. :Cool: Sorry to hear that Poseidon took you for a little ride. :LOL: He certainly owes you a PB of some kind. :Wink:


It's always a pleasure to read another SWAT report Arthur!

Great job out there guys and keep the reports coming.:Cool:
Thanks Terry, it was good to get back in the surf again after a 2 month absence. We still got a trip on the back burner buddy... whenever you're ready. :Wink:


Arthur,
Those are some awesome shots of the flowers. Sometimes I wish I knew the names of them.
I can't believe how big those barred surf perch are. Like GD mentioned, to lip them that way, they have to be huge.
Did any of the Mommas drop off any youngins?
I so wish I could join you guys to today, but my wife always comes first...:Wink:
At least I'll be at a beach today, I just don't know which one...:Rolls Eyes:
I hope everyone catches a legal hali today....EVERYONE GOING FISHING! :Big Grin:
Take Care Brother,
Robert
<><


Mikey,
Very nice perch you and your buddy Dave picked out of the ocean today & Dave congratulations on the PB hali. Arthur tends to bring that out in people...:Smile:
Peace Out,
Robert
<><
We had a couple of premature deliveries Robert, but we got mom and frys back in the surf relatively quickly. :Envious: One of these days, you're gonna have to join us in a Northern mission my friend. :Cool:


Excellent job finding that clear water and associated species ready to play. NIce multi-hali session and the perches of that size start to lo0k a bit like small WSB. Get the most out of your weekend break, I look forward to the next great report. It wasn't the same without 'em.
Thanks man, you're not doing so bad out there yourself. Keep up the good work, when my work schedule bears down on me pretty soon, I'm going to have to start living vicariously thru your reports... lol


Great job ouT there.
Thank you!


Great report Arthur. Went out today with my pops to malibu. Didnt even get a bite. Ran into one of your swat members and he said he caught one hali. Water was very clear. Didnt see any bait fish. Pops came late and did'nt get there as early as i wanted. Maybe next time.
Keep at it and you will find success, it's just a matter of time. Shoot me a PM before you head out next time. I'll try to give you some Malibu intel that may help your chances. :Wink:


Hi WingNut,

Nice job all around ..... great to see one SoCal fishery so healthy.

JapanRon
It's improving Ron and let's keep it that way. :Big Grin:


What a great report WN , The pics of flora are so true to color as I hike up in the local mnts. and see these plants growing in the spring and later on they look like just weeds . Nice size perch and thanks for sharing . // db
That's part of my enjoyment being out there DB. The fishing is great, but all the little intangibles are an extra bonus. :Big Grin:


Nice job out there with those monster perch. To bad I couldn't make it had some things to tend to next time you are back drop me a pm the calicos should be biting we could do a kayak session.
Jonathan, did you break in that new Kayak yet? :Wink: I was just talking to Mike about setting up another S.W.A.T. kayak mission. Let me know when the time is right and I'll rally the troops. :Big Grin:


Looks like the spring bite has started. Nice going Art, we miss your reports bro. Went to pyramid today, did pretty good by the rocks. :Wink:
Thanks for the Pyramid update Binh, a limit of schoolies from the rocks is not bad.
Hopefully, the Spring bite will keep heating up!


Lovin those pics and report. Glad to see some S.W.A.T back in action :Death2Above::Death2Above:
Good to be back Rob. :Big Grin:


Yak attack coastal calico + misc. bonus species mission. Exactly what I was thinking.

JerryG
Heck yeah Jerry, now you're talking... let me know when the time is right! :Wink:


great read as always Arthur,
Glad to hear you're back on the water!
Thank you sir, my upcoming work schedule won't allow me to have a steady fishing regiment, but from time to time, I will still get out there. :Cool:


HEY ART , WHO WAS THAT OLD FART WITH THE BIG FAT PIG PERCH,,,,,,,,,,,,,,t/o,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,LOL,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Which "Old Fart" are you referring to Bob...? There's a couple of them. :ROFL:


wow looks like an awesome day, and extra sweet since it's been a while I'm sure. Cangrats to dave also on that personal best! I'm new to the surf and your post raised a good question; could you give me some advice on where to position myself in the surf? i.e; ankle deep, thigh high, waist high? also, I liked Mikes reverse approach, what are your thoughts on this? I was also curious about where you normally try to land your bait? in the swell, on the white cap etc? Sorry to encroach on your post here, just couldn't help trying to get the advice of some veterans :) If you ever need help with fishing the great lakes I'd be happy to return the favor :P
Wow, so many questions to address, all good questions by the way. PM me a list and I will give you some answers. :Cool:


What a gorgeous looking day to hit the surf. Mikey is a cool dude to fish with, I think I fished with him a little while back when we all went to Refugio. Hope you get that project off the ground so you can get back to fishing Arthur, but don't count on it. Look at me, been 3 years and i'm still plugging along with my business project with no time to fish. :Envious:
Mikey is the Yoda of the Ocean, there's a wealth of knowledge there that I'm trying to tap into. :Big Grin:
I'm hoping that I'll be able to get this project off the ground within 2 years Phuong. You know when I put my mind to do something, it gets done. :Wink: Plenty of time to fish when I'm retire... EARLY! :Envious:


WN,
Glad you had a lil time off from your hectic schedule to hit the surf S.W.A.T. Style. Very nice monster perch session gents,, congrats. Congrats to Perch Dave on his pb Hali.

NG
Thanks NG, sorry that I've been a little out of touch lately... duty calls. :Wink:
Hope you and Mike are doing well and you've been fishing. :Cool:


Arthur,

Great to see you were able to find some time for some one on one time in the surf after a long layoff! You never skipped a beat and went out and got into some quality fish.

Great to see that Mikey dropped his tools and was quick to join you with Dave for the epic evening up there.

I came home from work and was stoked to be getting out with you and the gang on Saturday locally as planned through out the week! I missed your call and update as I was out in the garage getting the gear ready for my first Surf Adventure in exactly 3 months. LC's, Swimmies, and the Crack were locked and loaded.

I was a tough decision to make after learning of the change to get away farther than originally planned as I had a long planned night out with the wife.

Steve http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-1122.gif.
Honestly Steve, I felt a little rusty out there at first, but settled in pretty good. :LOL:
Sorry for the drastic change in plans and I totally understand the family commitments.
"Happy wife... happy life." :Envious:


Arthur,
Glad to see you out there do it, and as alway hooking up on fish at are not alway caught in the surf.
Also glad to see Team 57 having a good time with those fat perch. I need to get out there myself hooking up on those fat perch too.
Ram...
Ramiro, we missed you out there bro... we need to hit the sand together soon buddy! :Cool:


Back in the saddle again.......
And the saddle feels good! :Wink:


Hey Arthur! Nice job on the BSP's. Real Fatties, good to see you back on the water. Was wondering where you've been. As always a very good read with some nice pics. Will start to brush off my surf gear (as soon as the Spring run-off in the Sierras makes fly fishing impossible). Planning on doing more Saltwater stuff this year (including Fly Fishing the surf). Maybe I'll run into you and the rest of the S.W.A.T. crew this summer!
As always, thanks for posting.
LW.
Good to be back LW, it's going to be hard to have any kind of steady fishing schedule, but I'll try!
Yes, get your gear together, the Spring bite will take off soon, everywhere!
Fly fishing in the surf is fun, a lot of work, but the satisfaction that you get out of it is simply awesome. :Big Grin: Take care and good luck out there. :Cool:


Boy those are some nice sized perch Arthur! Glad you got some time out of your busy schedule and got to hit the surf!
Glad you're feeling better John, time to get back into the surf buddy. :Wink:


Nice fish Arthur all ways enjoy your reports.
Thank you sir, enjoy writing them... :Big Grin: