Year end recap, new species and pb's. ADD YOURS to this post if you like...

[Which Way Out]

Hi everyone.
I have been off the water for the past few weeks and miss the action. But many of you are having some great end of year action to report, so thanks for sharing the stories. If I can't be fishing, I might as well read about it when I can.

I spoke to Arthur and we agreed that it would be interesting that I post a report of my years fishing.

So with that said here it is.

I started off the season in March with a Steelhead fishing trip on the Chetco and Eel Rivers and then wrapped it up with a Rock Fish trip in October. During that time I put a goal of 20 different species of fish to catch on my to do list. Not a predetermined list, just a number goal.

1. King Salmon (PB)
2. Steelhead C&R (PB)
3. White Sea Bass (PB 53")
3.5 White Sea Bass from the Surf C&R (PB)
4. Black Sea Bass C&R (PB)
5. Senorita Fish C&R
6. Halibut (PB 32")
7. Barred Surf Perch C&R (PB)
8. Shovel Nose Shark C&R (PB 50")
9. Sarcastic Fringehead C&R (PB)
10. Barracuda
11. Squaw Fish KIA (PB)
12. Red Ear (PB)
13. Blue Gill (PB)
14. Johnny Bass
15. Ling Cod (PB)
16. Copper Rock Fish (PB)
17. Calico Bass
18. Mackerel
19. Sandab C&R
20. A Smelt on my Fly Rod C&R
21. Smooth Hound Shark C&R
22. Bat Ray C&R
23. Lizard Fish C&R
24. Crappie 15" (PB) Added 12/15/2012
I will add to the list if I remember any that I have forgot.

# 1 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/king-1.jpg
# 2 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/806.jpg
# 3 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/906.jpg
# 3.5 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/WSB1-1.jpg
# 6 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/33012-1.jpg
# 7 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/perch-1.jpg
# 8 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/SN-1.jpg
# 9 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/sarcasticfringehead.jpg
#19 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/littleguy.jpg
#20 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/smelt.jpg
#24 http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/CrappieDay.jpg

I really need to give Kudo's to Mikey aka Exfactor for all that he did to make this Goal happen. We had a blast up until the boat motor went down. We still managed to do alright with the help of some of his friends.

I hope everyone enjoyed the quick trip back through the best season of fishing I have ever had.

Have a Joyous and Safe Holiday Season
See ya next year
WWO

ps Please add yours as well, or start another post.

[SP Dan]

Hi ya WWO.

I have a very short list for the year and all from the sandy surf:

(2) Stripe Bass, New species 27" and PB 30"
PB.......31" Halibut with first legal also caught this year
PB.......55" 33-lb Leopard Shark
PB.......17" Calico Bass
PB.......17" Sand Bass
PB.......46" 8.25-lb Shovel Nose Guitar Fish
PB.......27 1/2" White Sea Bass (total caught= 4 short) and new species
PB.......24 1/2" Corbina also new species
PB.......14 1/2" Barred Surf Perch
PB.......24 1/2" Jack Smelt
PB.......15 1/2" Yellow Fin Croaker
NS.......Walleye Perch also new species
NS.......Lizard Fish also new species
Also many assorted rays
And I have donated (10) Lucky Craft Lures :EyePop: to Poseidon ......so far. (The year's not over!)

I have practiced CPR all year long and have brought home only (1) one fish this year, (the 2nd Striped Bass that didn't survive the 10 minute CPR attempt :Sad:). But delicious! :Big Grin:
I'm guessing a total of around 16 different species this year. :Cool:

"HAPPY HOLIDAYS" TO ALL ......AND MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE WITH ALL OF YOU!

SP Dan <"))>< ....and Rhonda

[Wingnut]

Hey Bill, I did catch my "Personal Best" Kelp Fish... :LOL:
Didn't hit the surf nearly as much as I would have liked this year. :Neutral:
You certainly had a great year all around. :Envious: Our Fishing Yoda Mikey aka Exfactor is da Man! :Big Grin:

Here are the trophies for the S.W.A.T. Challenge Leader Board.
You guys & gals have until the 31st to make a run! :Big Grin:

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%2010/Wingnut%2011/SWAT1008-13.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%2010/Wingnut%2011/SWAT1009-17.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%2010/Wingnut%2011/SWAT1010-15.jpg

and the most coveted one of all... :LOL:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%2010/Wingnut%2011/SWAT1011-15.jpg

[Nipple Twister]

Bill,

Way cool report buddy, thx for sharing...........impressive year.


Stay tuned, I'm going to post up some good stuff on this thread a little later... :Wink:
:Shocked:

[frankjz]

What a great report! What a great year you've had. "Sarcastic fringehead"? Incredible shot.

fz

[Which Way Out]

Hi ya WWO.

I have a very short list for the year and all from the sandy surf:

(2) Stripe Bass, New species 27" and PB 30"
PB.......31" Halibut with first legal also caught this year
PB.......55" 33-lb Leopard Shark
PB.......17" Calico Bass
PB.......17" Sand Bass
PB.......46" 8.25-lb Shovel Nose Guitar Fish
PB.......27 1/2" White Sea Bass (total caught= 4 short) and new species
PB.......24 1/2" Corbina also new species
PB.......14 1/2" Barred Surf Perch
PB.......24 1/2" Jack Smelt
PB.......15 1/2" Yellow Fin Croaker
NS.......Walleye Perch also new species
NS.......Lizard Fish also new species
Also many assorted rays
And I have donated (10) Lucky Craft Lures :EyePop: to Poseidon ......so far. (The year's not over!)

I have practiced CPR all year long and have brought home only (1) one fish this year, (the 2nd Striped Bass that didn't survive the 10 minute CPR attempt :Sad:). But delicious! :Big Grin:
I'm guessing a total of around 16 different species this year. :Cool:

"HAPPY HOLIDAYS" TO ALL ......AND MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE WITH ALL OF YOU!

SP Dan <"))>< ....and Rhonda

Thanks buddy, and the best to you and Rhonda.
Dan you had a very impressive year to say the least. Those are some excellent fish you put on the beach. And to top it off with a 99.9 % release rate, Outstanding!!!


Hey Bill, I did catch my "Personal Best" Kelp Fish... :LOL:
Didn't hit the surf nearly as much as I would have liked this year. :Neutral:
You certainly had a great year all around. :Envious: Our Fishing Yoda Mikey aka Exfactor is da Man! :Big Grin:

Stay tuned, I'm going to post up some good stuff on this thread a little later... :Wink:

"OUR Yoda" ? I don't think so. It sure sucks when work gets in the way of fishing, huh? Were in the same boat now, so to speak.
Can't wait to see what you add. Thanks for everything this year and all the best to you and the family.


Bill,

Way cool report buddy, thx for sharing...........impressive year.


:Shocked:
Thanks Big John.


What a great report! What a great year you've had. "Sarcastic fringehead"? Incredible shot.

fz

Hi Frank, truth be told the Sarcastic Fringehead photo was taken off the internet. Much more impressive looking in the water than in the boat.

WWO

[Which Way Out]

Hey Bill, I did catch my "Personal Best" Kelp Fish... :LOL:
Didn't hit the surf nearly as much as I would have liked this year. :Neutral:
You certainly had a great year all around. :Envious: Our Fishing Yoda Mikey aka Exfactor is da Man! :Big Grin:

Stay tuned, I'm going to post up some good stuff on this thread a little later... :Wink:

MY YODA!!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/WSBRun8-202011023.jpg

[cutbait]

Ahem...."morning dove"

[Which Way Out]

Ahem...."morning dove"

OOP's your so right Mike aka Cutbait/Hunting Yoda.:Cool:

This should about cover that.
Have a great Christmas and New Year.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/FirstDoveHunt010.jpg

[Bob_B]

Got my PB Surf Hali this year, 27 1/2 inches.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/3be12458a705e277a1993582a67638a7.jpg

My personal best BSP at 14 1/2 inches. Not bad for a San Diego Perch.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/6d5cf939.jpg

Personal best Sargo which taped out at 18 inches
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/7231984177d133ef3650c3f343b0a120.jpg

Spent many hours fishing with my best fishing buddy, my son Nicholas.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/4e17fb29.jpg

Check out that form!
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/d5fefb7c.jpg

To top it all off Nicholas got his PB Spotty at 17 inches.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/9a04d24b.jpg

What a great year!!

[Which Way Out]

Got my PB Surf Hali this year, 27 1/2 inches.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/3be12458a705e277a1993582a67638a7.jpg

My personal best BSP at 14 1/2 inches. Not bad for a San Diego Perch.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/6d5cf939.jpg

Personal best Sargo which taped out at 18 inches
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/7231984177d133ef3650c3f343b0a120.jpg

Spent many hours fishing with my best fishing buddy, my son Nicholas.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/4e17fb29.jpg

Check out that form!
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/d5fefb7c.jpg

To top it all off Nicholas got his PB Spotty at 17 inches.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/Bob_Benner/9a04d24b.jpg

What a great year!!

Wow Bob when I first saw that Halibut I was impressed, a very nice fish indeed. Then you show your son Nicholas with a Baitcaster, I almost fell out of my chair. Dang, that is way cool! Did he get signed up on FNN with his own Avatar yet. With skills like that, you have some home brew competition to watch out for...Good luck..

Thanks for sharing the story and pic's, have a wonderful Holiday Season.

WWO

[DockRat]

No kidding, that kid can fish, great casting pic.
No SW PB's for me this year.
Usual local stuff and some SD YT's.
Landed a PB LA River Carp last month.
DR

[Which Way Out]

No kidding, that kid can fish, great casting pic.
No SW PB's for me this year.
Usual local stuff and some SD YT's.
Landed a PB LA River Carp last month.
DR

Good morning Martin. No kidding about the Kid, he's dialed in on that cast.

Well every year we fish, will always be different. Who knows what next year will bring. Any photos of the Carp? LA river fish I heard have 3 eyes.....JK of course.
Don't work so hard and lets see some photos next year.

Take care and of course Happy Holidays

WWO

[murrieta angler]

Hey Bill,
Nice list for the year...:Envious:
You're very lucky to have Mikey as a mentor out on the water.
I still think about those cockles that he and Arthur dug up last year....Mmmmmmmm :Smile:
Now let me think about this!?!
Hmmm, I didn't get any PB's this year.
Hooked up but failed.
Oh Well, there's still the rest of the year...:Wink:
Have you ever gave thought about a surf fishing trip down to Mex?
That is an absolute on my list for next year...:Fishing Catch:
Take Care and if I don't see you before the year end, Have a Great Holiday Season!!!!!
Robert
<><


..and the misses...:Smile:

[peanutbutter]

my first hali this year
and going on vacation to mex this winter and bringing gear down there and hope to catch some jack sierras and some snook and maybe some football tuna :Envious:

[DockRat]

Well every year we fish, will always be different. Who knows what next year will bring. Any photos of the Carp? LA river fish I heard have has 3 eyes.....JK of course.
Don't work so hard and lets see some photos next year.


I have some pics. They all seem to be the same size there about 14" - 16".
No huge toads in there at Long Beach.

Guess I'll have to figure out uploading from my android or bust out the Kodak Easyshare.
Got a couple dropshot sandbass couple weeks back fishing a illegal spot using a hand line and a fw rubber nightcrawler. Kinda cool fishing with a handline, I use a water bottle for a line wrapper.

[Which Way Out]

Hey Bill,
Nice list for the year...:Envious:
You're very lucky to have Mikey as a mentor out on the water.
I still think about those cockles that he and Arthur dug up last year....Mmmmmmmm :Smile:
Now let me think about this!?!
Hmmm, I didn't get any PB's this year.
Hooked up but failed.
Oh Well, there's still the rest of the year...:Wink:
Have you ever gave thought about a surf fishing trip down to Mex?
That is an absolute on my list for next year...:Fishing Catch:
Take Care and if I don't see you before the year end, Have a Great Holiday Season!!!!!
Robert
<><


..and the misses...:Smile:

Thanks for the well wish's Robert.

As far as fishing down Mexico way, been there done that, long before digital cameras and cell phones. I have some old pic's laying around that I would need to scan into my computer to show ya. But I need a new printer/scanner. The one we had didn't make the move very will.

I copied a photo off the internet of a species I caught years ago. We were fishing in a 17' aluminum boat about 300 yards off the beach south of San Felipe at a camp called Laguna Persabu.

The internet photo was taken many years ago when these fish were abundant. I wasn't trying to catch one, but when throwing an Iron you never know for sure what is gonna happen.

The fish in the photo on the left is about the same size as the one I C&R-ed. Well it ended up breaking the line and taking my lure after an at least 2 hour battle. We had it near the boat plenty of times and could of gaffed it, but 2 things kept us from doing it. #1 Where were we gonna put it and #2 They are illegal to keep.. We hooked another the next day with the same results, all in about 20' of water just off the beach.

I spoke to a old timer in a San Felipe fish market and asked him what a 7' long Totoaba would weight, his reply was, 150 kilos. That was a Big Fish all on 40 lb line with no leader.


http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/WhichWayOut/Totoaba.jpg

Fished the beaches of Bahia de Los Angeles a few times and many others with no names I am sure.

WWO

[Which Way Out]

my first hali this year
and going on vacation to mex this winter and bringing gear down there and hope to catch some jack sierras and some snook and maybe some football tuna :Envious:

Hey pb, be sure to have some wire leaders if you want to get one of those sierras out of the water. Razor sharp teeth.. Needle nose pliers as well.

Good luck and have fun.

WWO

[skunked4life]

This, being my first year surf fishing, is my short list:

1. First surf fish: BSP 8 inches.
2. First surf Walleye Perch: 2 inches
3. First (and PB) surf SNGF: 28 inches
4. First surf Halibut: 21.5 inches
5. First surf YFC: 15 inches
6. PB surf BSP: 15.5 inches
7. PB surf Halibut: 23.5 inches
8. PB surf YFC: 16 inches
9. First harbor YFC: 10 inches
10. First harbor Spotted Bay Bass: 14 inches
11. First harbor Butterlip Perch: 12 inches

That is it. Here is to 2013 and hopefully a few more species (wsb, corbina, and calico from the surf are on my Santa wish list) and a few more PB's!

Thank you guys for letting me be part of this amazing brotherhood!

[murrieta angler]

Yee Haww!
Now that's what I'm talking about...:Big Grin:
I will get down there, even if I have to hijack Tre...:Big Grin:
Oh, I was wrong about the PB.
I did catch my first ever Cabbie on an LC a few weeks ago & I picked up a 42 pound Albie this year.

Take Care Bill,
Robert
<><

[Which Way Out]

This, being my first year surf fishing, is my short list:

1. First surf fish: BSP 8 inches.
2. First surf Walleye Perch: 2 inches
3. First (and PB) surf SNGF: 28 inches
4. First surf Halibut: 21.5 inches
5. First surf YFC: 15 inches
6. PB surf BSP: 15.5 inches
7. PB surf Halibut: 23.5 inches
8. PB surf YFC: 16 inches
9. First harbor YFC: 10 inches
10. First harbor Spotted Bay Bass: 14 inches
11. First harbor Butterlip Perch: 12 inches

That is it. Here is to 2013 and hopefully a few more species (wsb, corbina, and calico from the surf are on my Santa wish list) and a few more PB's!

Thank you guys for letting me be part of this amazing brotherhood!

That's a fantastic list of fish for anyone. I have yet to catch a YFC anywhere. Sure hope Santa brings you continued good luck for the next year.

Thanks for adding you accomplishments:Thumbs Up:

WWO

[SP Dan]

Hey Bill!

This was a great opportunity for all of us to share our catches of 2012.....Thanks!
I still can't believe my eyes after seeing your picture of the Sarcastic Fringedhead fish! WOW!
It looked more like one of those colorful bizarre lizards!

Well....."Merry Christmas" and God's blessing to both you and Noriko!

SP Dan <"))><

[blackwater]

WWO, great year indeed. :Envious:
Hope you will exceed those accomplishments in the New Year. :Big Grin:

[smokehound]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c177/smokehound/IMG_20120621_075013.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c177/smokehound/IMG_20120621_074824.jpg

To date, that's the biggest, heaviest spottie I've ever caught.

And this is the biggest Black Surfperch I've ever caught, or even seen in person:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c177/smokehound/IMG_20120414_151307.jpg

It's too bad I dont have pics of the nice bass I've been pulling out of the lakes.. My phone cam doesnt have a flash X(

[Which Way Out]

Hey Bill!

This was a great opportunity for all of us to share our catches of 2012.....Thanks!
I still can't believe my eyes after seeing your picture of the Sarcastic Fringedhead fish! WOW!
It looked more like one of those colorful bizarre lizards!

Well....."Merry Christmas" and God's blessing to both you and Noriko!

SP Dan <"))><
Just for you Dan I changed my Avatar to use the Sarcastic Fringedhead. That thing kicks a%#!
Thanks again and say Hi to Rhonda for us.

WWO


WWO, great year indeed. :Envious:
Hope you will exceed those accomplishments in the New Year. :Big Grin:

Phuong, I am not sure I will ever have that much free time again for awhile.
That Steelhead trip was a last minute road trip where I drove alone to Northern Cal. However my brother in law that lives up there did go on the first of the two drift trips that week.
You never know, I might win the Lotto....:ROFL: Yea right!

Take care and the best for you and your family this Holiday Season..


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c177/smokehound/IMG_20120621_075013.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c177/smokehound/IMG_20120621_074824.jpg

To date, that's the biggest, heaviest spottie I've ever caught.

And this is the biggest Black Surfperch I've ever caught, or even seen in person:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c177/smokehound/IMG_20120414_151307.jpg

It's too bad I dont have pics of the nice bass I've been pulling out of the lakes.. My phone cam doesnt have a flash X(

No flash on the camera phone? What have you been doing, some Ninja Fishing the golf courses? LOL
Those are some nice fish, SH
Thanks for adding to the post. We sure got a lot of feed back on how the year went. :Thumbs Up:

Have a great Holiday Season
WWO

[Aka_UpPZz_There's_One!]

Nice fishing for 2012. I had posted a while back my biggest catch ever, after using the LC for the first time. Hooked up with my first 30in Hali :P Also a nice 22.5 off the Kayak in Cabrillo 3852438525

[Which Way Out]

Nice fishing for 2012. I had posted a while back my biggest catch ever, after using the LC for the first time. Hooked up with my first 30in Hali :P Also a nice 22.5 off the Kayak in Cabrillo 3852438525

Thanks for showing us some nice fish. Best of Luck for the New Year

WWO

[cutbait]

Well I didn't set any PB's in 2012... Atleast I don't think I did.

I did make some new friends and for that I'm thankful for.. Sorry I don't have any PB's to add, I'd say 30 lb Albie was my biggest this year? Did our thing on the stripes and killed some animals for food

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/2012-09-02_08-41-16_716.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/2012-09-03_09-01-29_231.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/0831121545.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/imagejpeg952-1.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/2012-08-01_15-48-55_250.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/2012-08-01_10-53-41_966.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/IMG958295.jpg

My 13 year old did get his PB ling

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/2012-07-08_17-00-57_197.jpg

Tried Rattlesnake.. flavor was fine but ribcage munching was no fun

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/2012-06-01_15-03-00_17.jpg

And this beast

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/kluna2/1055.jpg

It was fun shootin with ya Bill.. 2013 as well?

[Which Way Out]

Wow Mike that's a full year you had. Sorry I didn't reply sooner, just noticed the addition.

Got into the Jail birds big time:Shocked: Not to mention that Ling you son caught. Very nice.

You bet on doing some shooting. The phone is on 24/7, just give me some lead time and where to be.
Snake is tasty huh? Had it once, taste like Chicken :LOL:

What you might not of got in PB's you made up in numbers that's for sure. Nice spread of Stripers and Dove.

Take care my friend. Can't wait to see that boat of yours in some reports this summer.

WWO

[SinCoast]

Here's a few of my favorite fish of 2012. Each one was special in its own way. 2012 was a roller coaster and fishing kept me grounded. Cheers to a bunch of Personal Bests in 2013!

Smallmouth bass
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq217/Sin_Coast/2012%20fish/IMGP1606.jpg

Crappie
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq217/Sin_Coast/2012%20fish/IMGP1795.jpg

Catfish
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq217/Sin_Coast/2012%20fish/IMGP2493.jpg

Lingcod 36" 18lbs
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq217/Sin_Coast/41768D1D-147C-4EB1-B156-691171A38698-4332-00000ACE1D4D88B3.jpg

Halibut 43" 36lbs (my favorite fish of the year because she won me a new kayak in the MBK tourney)
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq217/Sin_Coast/2012%20MBK%20Tourney/IMGP2515.jpg

With my second-favorite halibut @ 40" 28lbs ...it was a good day
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq217/Sin_Coast/2012%20MBK%20Tourney/33a52e6e.jpg

Salmon 34" 18lbs
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq217/Sin_Coast/kayak%20salmon/IMGP2317.jpg

[Which Way Out]

Well I am going to say what first came to mind....DUDE! That's a kick as* Halibut! Ok, enough of the SoCal talk..:LOL:

SinCoast you did great last year. All quality fish. I was hoping to round out my list to 25 with either a Large Mouth, a Small Mouth or a Catfish. You got em that's for sure. Love that Smallie.

What camera were you using?

Keep it up. We need to see some reports from up your way. Don't be shy, post em when you get em.
Thanks and best of luck this year.

WWO