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View Full Version : "SWAT" Brotha Finally Gets Loose From The Dreadful Skunk!



SP Dan
09-11-2012, 02:40 PM
Quick 5 Day Debriefing:

Fri. 9-7-12: :Skunk:, Sat. 9-8-12 : :Skunk:, Sun. 9-9-12: (24+) Jack Smelt, Mon. 9-10-12: (1) 14.5" YFC, (1) 15.5" YFC, (3) Short Hali's 15", 17.5" & 21.75", Tues. 9-11-12: (1) 19.5" Hali & (1) 55" Leo (new PB). :Big Grin:

Jump to today: ...."Oh brother"!...... "What am I getting my self into"!

Tuesday 9-11-2012....Santa Monica Bay, assaulted the spot from 0530 - 0900 hrs.
AO: classified by Mr. Bones....just another island with a palm tree and a pretty smile in the background :ROFL: Oh...how we all know it well!:LOL:
Air temp: 69 degrees Fahrenheit, cloudy and humid.
Water temp: 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Cloudy, lots of salad. some bait jumping, no diving birds any where!
Sun rise: 0635. Sun set: 1905 hrs.
Moon: Waning crescent.
Surf: 1 ft, Swell: 1 ft, Sets: 13 secs.
Tide: IC 0530 hrs 2.9 ft, HT 0800 hrs 3.8 ft, OG 0930 hrs 3.5 ft.
Terrain: flat, wide sandy beach, no structure and no trenches.
Assault tactics: St. Croix 9'-6", 8-17 lb, Van Staal VS-100G reel (w/ 30 lbs of drag) with 55# Samurai 8-carrier braided line with a LC 110 Sexy Geisha lure tied on with a Uni knot.

After texting with my SWAT Brotha's over the last couple of weeks and swapping INTEL with them....I decided to hit one of my favorite AO's today in the So. Bay area. My feet were wet at 0530 hrs and head my lamp was the only light on the beach at this hour.
As I was walking along the beach in the dark, I had to walk around and climb over huge mounds of sea weed that had littered most of my favorite AO. I thought to myself...."Oh brother"!...... "What am I getting my self into"!
The positive thing though...the surf and tide conditions looked fantastic and I was now feeling hopeful again! I gave a quick thanks to Poseidon and stepped into the salt......I immediately began my fan casting routine and worked my way in the direction of my favorite spot. I had a few hits and line pullers ZZZZZ along the way but no set hooks! :Angry: Hmmmmmm! Now I'm even more determined! :mad: Again...I'm moving, fan casting and searching for clear water and hopefully some nice trenches!

Finally at 0630 hrs I get SLAMMED! I set the hook....and get a huge BENDO in my rod.... and the pallet of bricks starts heading straight out to the deep blue with no intention of slowing down! :EyePop: I'm watching my spool as it empties from full to less than half full and my line is still going ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....YAHOO! I'm now going over the check list in my head and at this time I decided to tighten down a little bit on the drag setting and I continually check my drag to make sure that it's not too tight! 2/3 of my line has now been stripped off my spool, so at this time I began to apply the pressure of my finger against the spool in order to tire the fish out! FINALLY......I feel it slowing down.....I adjust my drag setting to a med heavy setting and began to pump up and reel down.........I repeated this over and over....it's working...here it comes! I can't see what it is yet but I did get a couple of vague glimpses of a large vertical tail fin in the surf as I brought it closer-in to shore! :EyePop:
I finally got it to the water's edge after approx 17 minutes of battling it and I made the tail grab at 0647 hrs! "Oh...MAN'!...Wouldn't you know it...I foul hooked it in it's second Dorsal (rear) fin and there was no turning it's head once it aimed it nose in the direction it wanted to go....just brute weight and power! There was a beach walker there watching my show and he offered to that some photos of me and my 55" Leo.

http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=37095&d=1347387937

http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=37096&d=1347388055

http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=37100&d=1347398630

I measured it, photographed it, thanked Poseidon for the gift and quickly returned it to the sea!

I'm now a happy camper and I began to work my way back towards my truck when at 0700 hrs I get a decent little slam, a bendo in the rod and some head shaking........we all know what that means.....and it comes to the sand much quicker than the LEO did!

http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=37098&d=1347388216

http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=34389&d=1333982776

A healthy 19.5" pancake........."THEIR BACK"!!! Now I just need a few of the larger models! Say...a 42-incher+, right Mr. Bones!
I've got my eye on some lures that you are holding for me......right! ha ha ha!:LOL:


Thanx for taking the time to check out my report. :Cool:


PS...I'm looking forward to hooking up with my SWAT brotha's and Sisters, my FNN family and I'm also looking forward to making a lot of new friends and having a blast with all of you at the up coming HG-4 Event! :Wink:


SP Dan <"))><

bones
09-11-2012, 02:51 PM
Great Job out there Dan. Nice write up as well buddy. Both of those fish are fine catches and you have beat my PB Leo brotha but don't hold your breath on the flattie catagory:ROFL:

The way you wrote this up is a little understated though......Three consecutive days of fishing and NO SKUNK......The fish are getting larger and closer to your target species.....Your on a roll.

HEY... I know that island with the palm tree in the background:ROFL:

Wingnut
09-11-2012, 02:55 PM
http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=37100&d=1347398630

Hey Dan, I recognize this spot with the palm tree and smiley face in the background. :LOL:
Thanks for the daily text updates. :Cool:
Lots of short Halibut in the surf is a good sign. :Wink:
24+ Jack Smelt... :Shocked:, they're fun on light gear.
Looking forward to hanging out with you at HG4 my friend. :Big Grin:

Nipple Twister
09-11-2012, 02:56 PM
YEAHHHHHHH.........nice job my friend!

Great write up, really like readin your reports buddy.........keep the text reports coming too......

fishshep
09-11-2012, 03:30 PM
Nice catchin

PONTOON
09-11-2012, 04:19 PM
Dan,

I got your text updates and was thrilled to hear that you were having a great time out on the sand!:Cool:

Congratulations on some fine catches and I'm looking forward to seeing you at HG-4.:Thumbs Up:

Lucky Lager
09-11-2012, 09:25 PM
nice work out there Dan!!!
wish i could see the pictures....for some reason, i can never see the pictures in your posts. don't seem to have that problem with any other posts?
it's ok though...the fish appear much larger in my imagination, lol!
congrats brotha,

Jim

DockRat
09-12-2012, 05:39 AM
Nice job Dan, I know that spot. Lol
Those dog footprints are a gimmie, only spot that people get away with that in the early am.
Good you left the waders at home too.
Congrats, DR

DockRat
09-12-2012, 05:41 AM
nice work out there Dan!!!
wish i could see the pictures....for some reason, i can never see the pictures in your posts.
Jim

Couldn't see them till I logged in.

jerryG
09-12-2012, 08:22 PM
Congrats on the big cat. That is stellar catch and on the lure no less. It looks like the halibut are starting to move in to the zone for the fall bite. This is right about the time Seabastion starts to show at the beaches. I still got a score to settle from the sand with those guys. Great to see SWAT Reports back in the line up. Keep up the good work Dan..

JerryG

skunked4life
09-12-2012, 09:09 PM
Great post!

One day i will experience the sound of "zzzzzzzzzzz!"

murrieta angler
09-13-2012, 03:39 PM
Hola senor Dan!
Congrats on your new PB Leo..:Wink:
I know when they get that size they are definately a good reel puller.
I'm also liking the halibut action of lately, it's time to get back in the surf a little more and get some legals...:Big Grin:
Thanks for all the updates and the report.
See Ya @ HG IIII
Robert
<><

Mr_Dunev
09-14-2012, 01:06 AM
WOWIE!!

What a battle!!! I felt like I was on the sand with you!!! Great job on that MONSTER leo. We all know the feeling well of a tail snag which leaves us powerless to the fish! Great job on landing it in such a short time! Your a great friend Dan, and your help in these past 2 weeks has been priceless to me. I hope to see you soon, preferably before the HG4.

Your friend and brother,
Lucas

keepemlo
09-15-2012, 09:19 AM
WOWIE!!

What a battle!!! I felt like I was on the sand with you!!! Great job on that MONSTER leo. We all know the feeling well of a tail snag which leaves us powerless to the fish! Great job on landing it in such a short time! Your a great friend Dan, and your help in these past 2 weeks has been priceless to me. I hope to see you soon, preferably before the HG4.

Your friend and brother,
Lucas

Well now Dan,,,,you have been on the water a lot this week,,there's no way you are not gonna get "the one"you have put in the time,the research ,the effort,,only a matter of time ,,that Leo had you wondering huh?you never know if your gonna get spooled till he turns,what a rush,,,nice job you one of the. Best I have seen congrats!!!!!

SP Dan
09-16-2012, 11:36 PM
Great Job out there Dan. Nice write up as well buddy. Both of those fish are fine catches and you have beat my PB Leo brotha but don't hold your breath on the flattie catagory:ROFL:

The way you wrote this up is a little understated though......Three consecutive days of fishing and NO SKUNK......The fish are getting larger and closer to your target species.....Your on a roll.

HEY... I know that island with the palm tree in the background:ROFL:

Nope!......Still holding my breath and hoping Sir! :ROFL: ha ha!
That 55" leo definitely put my Van Staal reel to the test and it performed perfectly! What a beautiful 30 lb drag set up!
Thanx for taking the time to read my post brotha! See ya at HG-4 if not sooner!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!



http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=37100&d=1347398630

Hey Dan, I recognize this spot with the palm tree and smiley face in the background. :LOL:
Thanks for the daily text updates. :Cool:
Lots of short Halibut in the surf is a good sign. :Wink:
24+ Jack Smelt... :Shocked:, they're fun on light gear.
Looking forward to hanging out with you at HG4 my friend. :Big Grin:

I believe that was Gilligan smiling in the back ground! :Big Grin: He just found Mary Ann! :ROFL: ha ha!
I like to share my collected INTEL with all of my friends! I hope that it is received as informative and or helpful!
Arthur...you are due for a large model very soon....aren't you Sir?!? :Thumbs Up:
Thanx for taking the time to read my post brotha! See ya at HG-4 if not sooner!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!



YEAHHHHHHH.........nice job my friend!
Great write up, really like readin your reports buddy.........keep the text reports coming too......

Hi ya John,
We are due for a little salt time.....aren't we?!? PM me. See ya at HG-4 if not sooner!



Nice catchin

Thanx Danial.
I luv the guessing part of "what is it"?......after a good hook set!
Thanx for taking the time to read my post! :Thumbs Up: See ya at HG-4!



Dan,

I got your text updates and was thrilled to hear that you were having a great time out on the sand!:Cool:

Congratulations on some fine catches and I'm looking forward to seeing you at HG-4.:Thumbs Up:


Thanx Terry!
See you at the up coming HG-4 Brotha! :Thumbs Up:
It's always good to hear from you Sir!



nice work out there Dan!!!
wish i could see the pictures....for some reason, i can never see the pictures in your posts. don't seem to have that problem with any other posts?
it's ok though...the fish appear much larger in my imagination, lol!
congrats brotha,

Jim

Thanx Jim,

I believe that it was my arm that was put to the test and not so much my rod and reel! :LOL:
I hope that you were able to see the pic's! It was a beautiful 55" Leo.
See ya at HG-4 Brotha!




Nice job Dan, I know that spot. Lol
Those dog footprints are a gimmie, only spot that people get away with that in the early am.
Good you left the waders at home too.
Congrats, DR

Hi ya DR!
Shhhhhhh! Yeah....the guy with the dog was in a bit of a hurry; now that you mentioned it, just for that same reason! :ROFL: ha ha!
I'll bet by the paw tracks..... you may even know who's dog it is! :LOL: ha ha ha!
Will we be seeing ya at the up coming HG-4 event?
Thanx Martin for taking the time to read my post! I appreciate it!



Congrats on the big cat. That is stellar catch and on the lure no less. It looks like the halibut are starting to move in to the zone for the fall bite. This is right about the time Seabastion starts to show at the beaches. I still got a score to settle from the sand with those guys. Great to see SWAT Reports back in the line up. Keep up the good work Dan..

JerryG

Hi ya Jerry!
The 55" cat was a blast and it gave me a "reel" opportunity to put my Van Staal VS-100 reel to the BIG test! It performed perfectly....I was actually more concerned about my Uni-knot not holding up and of my hooks straightening out as I cranked down on the 30 pound drag! :EyePop: But no problems with the drag or reel! I believe that I finally found my perfect surf set up!
I took a neighbor fishing this AM and he had set his (2) two rod / reels back from the water's edge; on some rocks, but a larger wave had pushed up the beach and submersed both of his set ups! :Sad: All I could hear was a big "Oh...NO!"....as I looked over and saw both of his reels under the sandy salt water! Well needless to say....he spent the remainder of his day-off breaking down and thoroughly cleaning one of his (2) two reels but never really got the bearings 100% cleaned! With the Van Staal I'll never have to worry about that problem again! It is sand proof and salt water proof w/ seals.... and...it doesn't have a bail to worry about neither!

Thanx for taking the time to read my post brotha! See ya at HG-4! Keep your reports coming!



Great post!

One day i will experience the sound of "zzzzzzzzzzz!"


PS.....you will realize it when you hear your reel go..... "zzzzzzzzzzzz". :Big Smile::Applause: Sorry....I couldn't stop my self! ha ha ha!
Thanx for taking the time to read my post! Will we be seeing ya at HG-4?
Keep those fine reports of yours a coming!



Hola senor Dan!
Congrats on your new PB Leo..:Wink:
I know when they get that size they are definately a good reel puller.
I'm also liking the halibut action of lately, it's time to get back in the surf a little more and get some legals...:Big Grin:
Thanks for all the updates and the report.
See Ya @ HG IIII
Robert
<><

Hola my pistola Brotha!
Roberto....it was a magnificent shark and what a great battle it put up!
I hear.....it's possibly of leader board quality....oops! :Wink: ha ha!
Thanx for taking the time to read my post brotha!
See ya at HG-4 if not sooner Robert!
PS...I have a need to fish down south soon.....I'll be in touch Sir!



WOWIE!!

What a battle!!! I felt like I was on the sand with you!!! Great job on that MONSTER leo. We all know the feeling well of a tail snag which leaves us powerless to the fish! Great job on landing it in such a short time! Your a great friend Dan, and your help in these past 2 weeks has been priceless to me. I hope to see you soon, preferably before the HG4.

Your friend and brother,
Lucas


Hey Lucas!
We are due for a little salt time together.....aren't we?!?
PS...I took the Sardine lure that I had found this weekend and threw this AM, I was hoping for what happened with you when you found your lure. But on the second cast of the morning........"SNAP!....POP!" She was a free flying lure; never to be seen again! I believe that I was supposed to find it at one AO and then I was supposed release it (re-deposit) it at another AO in order to get it to the rightful person that Poseidon had in mind to have it. I'm just a mule for Poseidon! :LOL: ha ha ha! I hope that it finds it's way home eventually! :Wink:
I'll see ya at HG-4 if not sooner my friend!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!



Well now Dan,,,,you have been on the water a lot this week,,there's no way you are not gonna get "the one"you have put in the time,the research ,the effort,,only a matter of time ,,that Leo had you wondering huh?you never know if your gonna get spooled till he turns,what a rush,,,nice job you one of the. Best I have seen congrats!!!!!

Hi ya Stan!

I like to think that I am on the quest of "hunting giants" year round! ha ha!
I do luv the guessing part of "what is it"?......after a good hook set!
That 55" leo definitely put my Van Staal reel to the test and it performed perfectly! What a beautiful 30 lb drag on the reel!
Thanx for taking the time to read my post brotha! See ya at HG-4 if not sooner! :Cool:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

bachiboy
09-18-2012, 11:57 AM
WOWIE!!

What a battle!!! I felt like I was on the sand with you!!! Great job on that MONSTER leo. We all know the feeling well of a tail snag which leaves us powerless to the fish! Great job on landing it in such a short time! Your a great friend Dan, and your help in these past 2 weeks has been priceless to me. I hope to see you soon, preferably before the HG4.

Your friend and brother,
Lucas

OMG! I leave town for a week and Lucas returns!!!:LOL: Welcome back man!

Dan,

Been on a boat for quite a while but saw this post as soon as we pulled into the harbor. Nice score! :Thumbs Up: Gotta love the drag burns those guys put on. Congrats man...that is one hell of an accomplishment to be proud of!!!:Applause:

Don

SP Dan
09-20-2012, 11:44 PM
OMG! I leave town for a week and Lucas returns!!!:LOL: Welcome back man!

Dan,

Been on a boat for quite a while but saw this post as soon as we pulled into the harbor. Nice score! :Thumbs Up: Gotta love the drag burns those guys put on. Congrats man...that is one hell of an accomplishment to be proud of!!!:Applause:

Don


Hi ya bachiboy,

Yeah Man!....I heard through our SWAT Brotha's that you were out to sea on an quite an excursion ... and that you were extremely successful too! :Thumbs Up: Way to go Don!
My foul hooked 55" Leo was definitely a blast to have set the hook on! :Fishing Catch: It was an excellent contender indeed!

Thanx Brotha for taking the time to read and respond to my report! :Cool:

I'm definitely looking forward to finally meeting the legendary bachiboy (newest S.W.A.T. Brotha) in person at the up coming HG-4! :Wink:

SP Dan <"))><

blackwater
09-21-2012, 06:44 PM
Another beautiful Leopard Shark, nice going Dan. :Big Grin:
Looking forward to seeing you at HG4. :Cool:

SP Dan
09-25-2012, 01:32 AM
Another beautiful Leopard Shark, nice going Dan. :Big Grin:
Looking forward to seeing you at HG4. :Cool:

Thanks Phuong

I'll be looking forward to hooking it up with you Brotha at the HG-4 Event! :Thumbs Up:

SP Dan <"))><