Sunday 2/17 - S.W.A.T. Recon Mission. Tough Winter Surf Session.

[Wingnut]

What can I say… Wintertime surf fishing is tough. :Neutral:

This isn’t a spectacular report by any means, but I choose to post it for several reasons…

1. You must accept the bad along with the good. It can’t be wide frickin’ open and “Personal Best” on every trip. Slow days make you appreciate successful ones that much more when they do come along. :Razz:

2. Unsuccessful report will still help others. There is always something to learn, even on a slow fishing day. If you learn just one thing from a slow session, it’s not a complete loss. :Idea:

3. I admire those who experienced challenging day fishing and still take the time and post up a report. Just as much as I appreciate the ones who posts up to share their successful and epic outings. :Cool:

4. You are not alone in your struggles to find quality catch while surf fishing during the Winter months. Unless you’re strictly targeting Perch of course. :Wink:

5. Spending the day fishing in good company will instantly alleviate the sting of the dreaded Skunk and the worst of outings. :Big Grin:

I haven’t been able to hit the surf much so far this year, so whenever I find an open window to get out, I take it… in good or bad conditions. Yesterday, swells were moderate, but the water temperature is still quite cool and the tide didn’t look very good. But my buddies Binh & Sokha wanted to go, so I agreed to join them for a quick morning session. We ran into SP Dan at the A.O. and had a great time in the surf. We fished from 6:30am to around 10:00am and it was quite slow. The mix of fish was good, but the count was low. The species includes: Leopard Shark, Shovelnose Guitar Fish, Yellow Fin Croaker, Smelt, short Halibut, and Calico Bass.

I avoided Mr. Stinky with a short Halibut, a torpedo Smelt and a nice little Calico. :Envious: Dan got a small Leo and a big Shovelnose. Binh got a YFC and Sokha couldn’t avoid the Skunk. I hooked up to a huge Shovelnose that was peeling drag like no tomorrow and just as I was ready to hand the rod off to Sokha, it came unbuttoned, damn! :mad:

Had a great time fishing with one of my S.W.A.T. Brothers, Dan and my good buddies Binh & Sokha. Went and had a delicious bowl of Pho afterwards for lunch… really hit the spot. :Razz:

Dan, Binh and Sokha… a pleasure sharing the sand with you guys and I’ll see you all next Sunday at the “Gathering.” :Group Hug:

Have a great week everybody!

Arthur (Wingnut)


Some people start out life on third base… and think that they hit a triple.


Photos…
Sorry for the lack of fish porn. :Envious:

Binh & Sokha gearing up.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1011-4.jpg

The Smelt.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/001-1.jpg

The short Halibut, can you see it? Lol
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/003-1.jpg

Binh’s YFC.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1016-4.jpg

My little Calico.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1012-4.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1013-3.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1015-4.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1014-4.jpg

Group shot.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1017-2.jpg

Extra stuff…
With the slow morning, I did a little tide pool excursion.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1024-2.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1023-1.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1022-3.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1021-3.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1020-3.jpg

Spring is around the corner!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1010-4.jpg

Bonus food pic.
Can you guess what kind of fish dish this is? :Wink:
The Iron Chef was presented a challenge to prepare this popular surf fish and came through with flying colors. :Thumbs Up:
Small 4-8” fillets, pan seared with olive oil, curry powder, garlic, green onions and fresh baby dill herbs.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1009-5.jpg

Parting shots…
Wingnut Pug is getting old… going on 13. Not as active, but still as funny and loving as always.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1002-4.jpg

A friend gave me this decal… too funny. :Big Smile:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1008-6.jpg

[SP Dan]

Hi ya Brotha!

I'm just holding this spot until I go back to read your boring fish report! :ROFL: Ha ha ha!

Okay...I'm back! :LOL:

I must say .... Arthur ... you never let me down with your perspective or your ability to write an interesting report! :UDaMan:
Hmmmm .... I was wondering what you and Binh were up to :EyePop: .... over there in the tide pools :Rolls Eyes: ..... thanx for the fantastic tide pool creature photos! :Thumbs Up: Thank goodness!! Ha ha! Time well spent on a slow fish count day!
It was a breath taking, beautiful day once the fog lifted and the sunshine began to pour over the cove bluffs! I don't know about everyone else .... but sun rises like this one really seem to re-energize my soul .... like nothing else can!
Bottom line ... there was no other place that I would have rather been this day, than to be there with my friends on RECON! Arthur, Binh and Sokha ....... :Group Hug: thank you for making a great day even better! I'm looking forward to hooking up with all of you this coming weekend!

Okay, my guess for the "Iron Chief's" challenge fish dish of the day is ......... wait for it ........ wait for it ......................Ventura BSP.... am I right?? :Big Grin: Huh .... huh???
Did I win the Dish??


Thanx for the fishing report with pic's! :Cool: See ya soon!

SP Dan <"))><

PS ... one more thing.....that Pug picture with "I'm a Pug ... what's your excuse"? .... just cracks me up! :LOL::ROFL::Big Smile::Applause:

[PONTOON]

Arthur,

I'm so grateful that you put up this report with no personal bests or no leaderboard size fish because it will make it easier for me and Trolly to report that our last three outings searching for big cats we didn't quite meet our goal. Here's a few pictures of what we got on these three outings.............


NOTHING! NADA! ZIPPO!............:LOL:


You did point out the most important success of the trip.............Spending the day with good Friends searching for whatever will bite! :Thumbs Up:

Great job out there guys and I'm looking forward to hitting the Northern Beaches with all of you next weekend!:Cool:

[trail blazer]

Looks to me like you guys had a blast,,,,,,,,,wonderful,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Just a reminder though,,,,DONT LET THE NEW BOAT SIT TO LONG,,,,,,,,Lest it loses its MoJo,,,,,,


You guys<SWAT> Rock the surf,,,

TRAIL BLAZER

[koifish]

Great report. I like that gold VS spinning...nice..

[exfactor]

Ok, noted the attempt at your target species, got on the beach, got to hang with your buddies, checking to see your equipment is functioning, got a hot meal afterwards. Sounds like an awesome day!!!!!!! I have been re-connoitering many NorCal beaches in preparation of next week. For the most part, I have eventually found what i was looking for. BUT, it has come after alot of perseverence on my part. A beach will be clean one day, and dirty the next. The waves will be flat at 1 beach, and overhead at the next. Currents will be ripping right to left, and then be slack. My decisions regarding next week will be offered when we get a couple days before the "arrival" of the assault team. I understand many of you will be spending the night up here in preparation of the greylight activities. I'm hoping some of you wet a line on Saturday afternoon, and know that we are fishing a very high morning tide the next day. That will alter many of my go to spots, and I'm still unsure of the wave heights for that morning. I have been getting some nice perch on the sexy ninja LC, so would suggest you bring the blue ones with you. Also, there have been some Leo's, and wiggles to be had. The flat one's could be around, but probably will be better targeted with the tide a bit lower in the pm. This is Mikey's prelude to the onslaught report, signing off.

[crappiemike]

Nice job surf peeps!!!

Sounds like Mikey's doing
His homework again......




Cm

[The Fishing Queen]

Another nice report, Wingnut! It looks like a good day to be out and fishing with friends even on a slow day. WTG and beat the skunk.... Iron Chef's food always looks good to me. :)

[jinbow]

Hi Arthur,
Today was a holiday for me so I decided to hit my favorite spot again in Malibu, but went from 4~6 pm during the incoming high (but low) tide. :LOL: Still another skunk, might be like 6 skunks in a row there. But reports like this just keeps us motivated, whether good or bad, you know there are other people taking on the same challenge.
Great report my friend. Actually, that calico doesn't look small. And that dish looks so yummy. :Beer Toast: Thanks for sharing.
Albert (jinbow)

[Jaysuuun]

Arthur,

I'm so grateful that you put up this report with no personal bests or no leaderboard size fish because it will make it easier for me and Trolly to report that our last three outings searching for big cats we didn't quite meet our goal. Here's a few pictures of what we got on these three outings.............


NOTHING! NADA! ZIPPO!............:LOL:


You did point out the most important success of the trip.............Spending the day with good Friends searching for whatever will bite! :Thumbs Up:

Great job out there guys and I'm looking forward to hitting the Northern Beaches with all of you next weekend!:Cool:

....X2

Arthur, this is a great post and you bring up a lot of good points about the slow days. Sometimes I pay closer attention to the conditions when the fish are NOT biting. For example I'm constantly taking note of the presence of baitfish, water clarity, temperature, matching the hatch,etc and I'm usually doing everything I can to get bit. But when the fish ARE biting, I'm usually not thinking about anything else. :LOL:

As always great report. BTW is that a BSP dish the Iron Chef cooked up?

[DockRat]

Another great report. Remember to always smash those live urchins.
They also make good chum. I think I know that spot.
Is that the same spot that Bones told me to hush up about in a pm once ?
DR

[skunked4life]

Arthur, after you and Thien ended your telephone conversation on Saturday, we all immediately said to each other, "even on a slow day, Arthur probably caught a halibut." :Smile:
Dan, when you texted me, all I read was the 40" part and immediately got excited! Then Daniel and Thein told me it was a SNGF. Still, looks like we both beat the skunk over the head with a shovel. Yours was just a little bigger than mine!:LOL:

The balance of the Angler's mental impression after an outing along with relevant recon info equates to a meaningful and useful report. For that, I thank you sirs!

Fish or no fish, the one constant that remains is the brotherhood! Great job out there fellas!

Oops--Thien, there goes my 201st post...wasn't thinking. Will make it up to you!

[midgettosser1]

That's a better day than I've had in my last several surf outings (last year). So I'd say it wasn't bad at all. Nice calico too.


I didn't know you can eat walleye surf perch.

[Tubbytuba]

i was gonna say, a slow day for you is an excellent day in my book. love your reports wingnut keep them coming.

Good Hunitng

[Fishbones]

What!!! Arthur didnt catch a world record or exotic species... thats fishing... and even the best has there days,
even if you didnt beat the skunk, which you did, you had a great time out with friends and thats what counts.

Bonus points for the report and way of thinking, skunk reports help in so many ways i wish more people would put down the pride and write them up.
I was just talking with a friend about this, funny you did a write up on it.. almost a mind reader, lol. your a class act guy Arthur, Keep it up:Big Grin:

[bloox8]

Man, your slow days are almost as good as my good days :LOL:
I would be super happy with just that Calico alone haha.

Very well written report as always Arthur. Your points are definitely right. I too, and I am sure a lot of others, benefit from slow or skunk reports. So thank you for the report and I hope your better-then-slow day comes soon.

Thien

[bloox8]

Oops--Thien, there goes my 201st post...wasn't thinking. Will make it up to you!

LOL pwew... the pressure is off!

[troublehook]

You are so right Commander. Eventhough I got the big skunk on Sunday, I totally enjoyed fishing with you guys.
I learn so much from just following behind and watching what you do. Dan is more energetic than guys half his age and such a good guy.
Thanks for the invite and I'm trying hard to make it this Sunday to join the rest of the SWAT crew at the Gathering of Eagles. :Big Grin:

btw, that ain't a little Calico!

Sokha

[bachiboy]

Hmmm, I think I caught less than you the last time I was there. :LOL: So, I'm sitting at Pleasant Valley yesterday with Nate in a pretty wide-open, pan-sized trout bite. I ask myself, "what would you rather have, a bite like this here, or a day in the surf like you had?" Answer is...a day in the surf with a wide-open legal flattie bite!:Wink::LOL: Good time out either way. Our kids were having a ball and that made our day!

Looking forward to seeing you guys this weekend!
Don

[Malosos82]

Wingnut,

Your posts are wise and inspirational. My best friend and I have been casually LCing the surf between b&w sets in hopes of that legL but. This year its a real resolution but we know it takes paying our dues. Weve seen murrieta angler do it in person at 1 of our fave spots so we know a good AO. Just saying thank you as we wouldn't even have known the right gear to buy without your generosity in the terms of professing straight knowledge of the game. Thank you

[FishinElectrician]

Great report and pics, Wingnut, as usual!

[pasadenafishin]

Love the pics!

I can't wait until the water warms up a little more and the fish start to move further inshore.

I'd love to go fishing with the SWAT guys one day, if you ever want another guy to come with let me know!!

[Badbeat]

Even on a tough day you manage to catch more fish than all of us. :Envious:
I agree, fishing in good company makes a slow day more enjoyable overall.
Always a pleasure fishing with SWAT. Thanks Art for coming along and Dan for being such a nice guy. :Big Grin:
See you guys at the gathering. :Wink:

[dlmoo312]

Looks like another great outing to me! You forgot to mention your chunky calico catch in your text:Razz:
A nice multi-species day with friends! I guess Ken, Thien, and I didn't do so bad either since we also had a multi-species day.. kinda:LOL:
I'm glad everyone got to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend with good company and that some fish being caught!
Looking forward to seeing everybody sunday!


-Daniel


P.S. Nice reel, Dan! :Envious:

[blackwater]

Great attitude to have on a slow day of fishing, if you can call a three species day a slow day, only Wingnut, lol :LOL:
Looks like I have the green light for Sunday so I'll be seeing my SWAT brothers and sisters at the Gathering of Eagles. Been long overdue. :Big Grin:

That surf Perch dish looks amazing, the Iron Chef can work some serious magic in the kitchen. Nice new kitchen by the way, all Viking. :EyePop: Lauren is very jealous. She certainly deserved it! :Thumbs Up:

[peanutbutter]

What can I say… Wintertime surf fishing is tough. :Neutral:

This isn’t a spectacular report by any means, but I choose to post it for several reasons…

1. You must accept the bad along with the good. It can’t be wide frickin’ open and “Personal Best” on every trip. Slow days make you appreciate successful ones that much more when they do come along. :Razz:

2. Unsuccessful report will still help others. There is always something to learn, even on a slow fishing day. If you learn just one thing from a slow session, it’s not a complete loss. :Idea:

3. I admire those who experienced challenging day fishing and still take the time and post up a report. Just as much as I appreciate the ones who posts up to share their successful and epic outings. :Cool:

4. You are not alone in your struggles to find quality catch while surf fishing during the Winter months. Unless you’re strictly targeting Perch of course. :Wink:

5. Spending the day fishing in good company will instantly alleviate the sting of the dreaded Skunk and the worst of outings. :Big Grin: [SIZE=3]

Amen :Cool:

[bones]

Sorry for the late reply bro but I've been crazy busy the last few days. Spending time with the kids and such but now my head turned back to fishing and I must say that you have a way to put together a report from a slow day and truely capture what fishing is REALLY about. Let us remember always that spending time with good friends and getting excercise not to mention a three species day is by far the way that most fisherman want their day to work out. Nice winter calicos Arthur......Looks like you boys were pretty agressive in the battlefield by the drenched look you all have.....That's SWAT FISHING BABY!
The willingness to go the extra mile and hike the hills, scurry to stay upright and as dry as possible with the end result being another great time for the memory books.....That is some dedication to our beloved sport.
Great job brotha....... Keep up the inspirational reports and I'll see you in a few days.....It's gonna be a great time regardless if the fish cooperate or not!

[manuel149]

Awsome reoort like always. Even you less productive reports are inspirational.

[Perchin' Dave]

Just a quick update from Perchin' Dave and Brad Bailey. We checked out a likely beach that we will be fishing to begin at greylight this Sunday.


The conditions weren't quite right although the tide was about perfect by dark.

However, we will be having a higher than preferred tide at grey light on Sunday and this beach "tends" to fish slightly better during a higher tide. That of course could change between Thursday 2/21/13 and Sunday 2/24/13, so no guarantees.

I was talking with ExFactor Mikey and apparently Perchin' Dave and Brad Bailey will oversee the SWAT who are primarily targeting perch. Todays re-con produces less than ideal wave height, the water was a bit murky from the last couple of days of wind and the salad was manageable for those who will be throwing the LC. Both Brad and I fished the grub. The count was low. Only 4 for Perchin' Dave but we only had 1.5 hours of light and with the conditions being 'rolling waves' instead of crashing waves, the count goes down when that happens, few fish because the water is not stirring up bait. Perchin' Daves sizes were 9", 12" and two 15" (see the attached photo). Brad Bailey caught several of the smaller variety this time out although he's been catching some nice ones the last few trips that we've fished together. An excellent fisherman who you will all enjoy meeting on Sunday.

By the way, this is the same beach that Brad Bailey caught the 16" BSP a few weeks back but today the conditions were different and the most likely place to catch was the outside break and we were both 30' shy on our best cast. Attached is a photo of the 'rolling' wave conditions. A few sets came though but for the most part were small.

Here's the 15" and Conditions

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa363/davesomm/IMG_5129_zps0892f59d.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa363/davesomm/IMG_5132_zpsfee43775.jpg

Perchin' Dave

[Wingnut]

Hi ya Brotha!

I'm just holding this spot until I go back to read your boring fish report! :ROFL: Ha ha ha!

Okay...I'm back! :LOL:

I must say .... Arthur ... you never let me down with your perspective or your ability to write an interesting report! :UDaMan:
Hmmmm .... I was wondering what you and Binh were up to :EyePop: .... over there in the tide pools :Rolls Eyes: ..... thanx for the fantastic tide pool creature photos! :Thumbs Up: Thank goodness!! Ha ha! Time well spent on a slow fish count day!
It was a breath taking, beautiful day once the fog lifted and the sunshine began to pour over the cove bluffs! I don't know about everyone else .... but sun rises like this one really seem to re-energize my soul .... like nothing else can!
Bottom line ... there was no other place that I would have rather been this day, than to be there with my friends on RECON! Arthur, Binh and Sokha ....... :Group Hug: thank you for making a great day even better! I'm looking forward to hooking up with all of you this coming weekend!

Okay, my guess for the "Iron Chief's" challenge fish dish of the day is ......... wait for it ........ wait for it ......................Ventura BSP.... am I right?? :Big Grin: Huh .... huh???
Did I win the Dish??


Thanx for the fishing report with pic's! :Cool: See ya soon!

SP Dan <"))><

PS ... one more thing.....that Pug picture with "I'm a Pug ... what's your excuse"? .... just cracks me up! :ROFL::Big Smile:
Yeah, pretty challenging to try and write an interesting report from a tough session, but you have to get a little creative... :Razz:
I had a great time sharing the sand with you brother Dan. Binh & Sohka was telling me on the drive home how amazed they were at how much energy you have. You were leading us on the trail on the way out and it wasn't an easy hike. :Shocked: I just told them that you got it from your military training back in the days. :Wink:

And yes! You are correct... it is a dish of Barred Surf Perch. Binh & Sokha gave Lynn a challenge and brought over a few slabs. She knocked it out of the park. :Thumbs Up: I don't really care for Perch at all, I prefer Halibut and White Sea Bass. :Envious:

See you on Sunday my friend. :Big Grin:


Arthur,

I'm so grateful that you put up this report with no personal bests or no leaderboard size fish because it will make it easier for me and Trolly to report that our last three outings searching for big cats we didn't quite meet our goal. Here's a few pictures of what we got on these three outings.............


NOTHING! NADA! ZIPPO!............:LOL:


You did point out the most important success of the trip.............Spending the day with good Friends searching for whatever will bite! :Thumbs Up:

Great job out there guys and I'm looking forward to hitting the Northern Beaches with all of you next weekend!:Cool:
I'm sure the slow period is just a temporary lull for Team TrollToon... you guys will be back slaying them again very soon.
I'm really looking forward to Sunday's gathering with my S.W.A.T. Brothers & Sisters. :Big Grin:
I wish I could drive up to join you guys on your evening session, but I will be there at grey light Sunday morning. :Razz:


Looks to me like you guys had a blast,,,,,,,,,wonderful,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Just a reminder though,,,,DONT LET THE NEW BOAT SIT TO LONG,,,,,,,,Lest it loses its MoJo,,,,,,


You guys<SWAT> Rock the surf,,,

TRAIL BLAZER
Thanks TB. :Big Grin: I haven't taken the tub out in quite some time, I think da boys uses it more than I do. When the Striper bite goes into full swing, i will be out there with you guys. :Wink:
Hey, how about a Duct guide trip from the Bako Boys on of these days? :Idea: :Razz:


Great report. I like that gold VS spinning...nice..
Thanks... I think Dan paid something like $800 for that reel. :EyePop:


Ok, noted the attempt at your target species, got on the beach, got to hang with your buddies, checking to see your equipment is functioning, got a hot meal afterwards. Sounds like an awesome day!!!!!!! I have been re-connoitering many NorCal beaches in preparation of next week. For the most part, I have eventually found what i was looking for. BUT, it has come after alot of perseverence on my part. A beach will be clean one day, and dirty the next. The waves will be flat at 1 beach, and overhead at the next. Currents will be ripping right to left, and then be slack. My decisions regarding next week will be offered when we get a couple days before the "arrival" of the assault team. I understand many of you will be spending the night up here in preparation of the greylight activities. I'm hoping some of you wet a line on Saturday afternoon, and know that we are fishing a very high morning tide the next day. That will alter many of my go to spots, and I'm still unsure of the wave heights for that morning. I have been getting some nice perch on the sexy ninja LC, so would suggest you bring the blue ones with you. Also, there have been some Leo's, and wiggles to be had. The flat one's could be around, but probably will be better targeted with the tide a bit lower in the pm. This is Mikey's prelude to the onslaught report, signing off.
Thanks for the constant recon this week Yoda Mikey... we trust your judgement on whatever A.O. you decide for Sunday. :Wink:
Looking forward to seeing everyone up there. :Big Grin:


Nice job surf peeps!!!

Sounds like Mikey's doing
His homework again......




Cm
Mikey is always doing his homework... that's why he's always at the top of his game. :Envious:


Another nice report, Wingnut! It looks like a good day to be out and fishing with friends even on a slow day. WTG and beat the skunk.... Iron Chef's food always looks good to me. :)
Thank you... there's definitely more to fishing than just catching. :Big Grin:
The Iron Chef certainly has culinary talent... I'm very lucky. :Wink:


Hi Arthur,
Today was a holiday for me so I decided to hit my favorite spot again in Malibu, but went from 4~6 pm during the incoming high (but low) tide. :LOL: Still another skunk, might be like 6 skunks in a row there. But reports like this just keeps us motivated, whether good or bad, you know there are other people taking on the same challenge.
Great report my friend. Actually, that calico doesn't look small. And that dish looks so yummy. :Beer Toast: Thanks for sharing.
Albert (jinbow)
I haven't fished that spot in months... but don't worry, one thing sure about that place is that it could turn on in a moments notice and be off the hook!
We've had some epic sessions there haven't we Albert? :Wink: Those days are coming again... count on it! :Twisted:


....X2

Arthur, this is a great post and you bring up a lot of good points about the slow days. Sometimes I pay closer attention to the conditions when the fish are NOT biting. For example I'm constantly taking note of the presence of baitfish, water clarity, temperature, matching the hatch,etc and I'm usually doing everything I can to get bit. But when the fish ARE biting, I'm usually not thinking about anything else. :LOL:

As always great report. BTW is that a BSP dish the Iron Chef cooked up?
We're going to miss not having you and Tess at the Gathering bro. :Neutral: Have fun in Hawaii and maybe we'll get together and hit the sand when you guys come back. :Wink: Whoohoo, got a text from Tess last night that you guys will make it... awesome! :Dancing Banana:
Yes, it is a BSP dish... I don't really care for Perch but it was surprisingly tasty. :Razz:


Another great report. Remember to always smash those live urchins.
They also make good chum. I think I know that spot.
Is that the same spot that Bones told me to hush up about in a pm once ?
DR
I know Sea Urchins are a detriment to Kelp beds. But smashing those Urchins would be illegal since there are signs everywhere warning not to harm or take tide pool creatures. :Idea:
Good chum...? I think Unibutter is made from Sea Urchins right?
As for the spot... I wouldn't know what you and Mike discussed.


Arthur, after you and Thien ended your telephone conversation on Saturday, we all immediately said to each other, "even on a slow day, Arthur probably caught a halibut." :Smile:
Dan, when you texted me, all I read was the 40" part and immediately got excited! Then Daniel and Thein told me it was a SNGF. Still, looks like we both beat the skunk over the head with a shovel. Yours was just a little bigger than mine!:LOL:

The balance of the Angler's mental impression after an outing along with relevant recon info equates to a meaningful and useful report. For that, I thank you sirs!

Fish or no fish, the one constant that remains is the brotherhood! Great job out there fellas!

Oops--Thien, there goes my 201st post...wasn't thinking. Will make it up to you!
Thanks Ken... indeed, friendship and camaraderie are always a constant with S.W.A.T. :Cool:
Too bad you're not able to join us on Sunday, but I understand the need to stick close to home in your case. :Wink:


That's a better day than I've had in my last several surf outings (last year). So I'd say it wasn't bad at all. Nice calico too.


I didn't know you can eat walleye surf perch.
Thanks bro... see ya Sunday! :Big Grin:


i was gonna say, a slow day for you is an excellent day in my book. love your reports wingnut keep them coming.

Good Hunitng
Thanks man, tough report to write, but hopefully, the next one will be a little more exciting. :Wink:


What!!! Arthur didnt catch a world record or exotic species... thats fishing... and even the best has there days,
even if you didnt beat the skunk, which you did, you had a great time out with friends and thats what counts.

Bonus points for the report and way of thinking, skunk reports help in so many ways i wish more people would put down the pride and write them up.
I was just talking with a friend about this, funny you did a write up on it.. almost a mind reader, lol. your a class act guy Arthur, Keep it up:Big Grin:
Thanks Albert Fish, I mean Alex, lol :Secret:
Get ready for HG5 bro... it's in the planning stages. :Wink:


Man, your slow days are almost as good as my good days :LOL:
I would be super happy with just that Calico alone haha.

Very well written report as always Arthur. Your points are definitely right. I too, and I am sure a lot of others, benefit from slow or skunk reports. So thank you for the report and I hope your better-then-slow day comes soon.

Thien
We need to put you on your first surf Calico Thien. That A.O. has lots of them. :Wink:
See you on Sunday! :Big Grin:


You are so right Commander. Eventhough I got the big skunk on Sunday, I totally enjoyed fishing with you guys.
I learn so much from just following behind and watching what you do. Dan is more energetic than guys half his age and such a good guy.
Thanks for the invite and I'm trying hard to make it this Sunday to join the rest of the SWAT crew at the Gathering of Eagles. :Big Grin:

btw, that ain't a little Calico!

Sokha
Glad to have ya along Sokha. My goal this year is to get you on your first surf Halibut... preferably a legal one, but we'll settle for a short first. :Wink:
Hope to see you on Sunday. :Cool:


Hmmm, I think I caught less than you the last time I was there. :LOL: So, I'm sitting at Pleasant Valley yesterday with Nate in a pretty wide-open, pan-sized trout bite. I ask myself, "what would you rather have, a bite like this here, or a day in the surf like you had?" Answer is...a day in the surf with a wide-open legal flattie bite!:Wink::LOL: Good time out either way. Our kids were having a ball and that made our day!

Looking forward to seeing you guys this weekend!
Don
PV is a great place to fish... wide open for me the last time I fished there also. Did you fish the stream area right below the power plant? :Wink:
Sunday is going to be a blast... see ya soon! :Big Grin:


Wingnut,

Your posts are wise and inspirational. My best friend and I have been casually LCing the surf between b&w sets in hopes of that legL but. This year its a real resolution but we know it takes paying our dues. Weve seen murrieta angler do it in person at 1 of our fave spots so we know a good AO. Just saying thank you as we wouldn't even have known the right gear to buy without your generosity in the terms of professing straight knowledge of the game. Thank you
Hey, I really appreciate the kind words... :Cool: Robert is one heck of a surf fisherman and wherever you see him, you are sure to find the fish. :Razz:
Good luck to you and your friend in your legal Halibut hunt... if you have any questions and/or need advice, don't hesitate to shot me or any S.W.A.T. member a PM, we'll do our best to steer you in the right direction.
Hopefully, we'll see you guys at the next Hunting Giants Surf Fishing event. :Big Grin:



Great report and pics, Wingnut, as usual!
Thank you! :Cool:


Love the pics!

I can't wait until the water warms up a little more and the fish start to move further inshore.

I'd love to go fishing with the SWAT guys one day, if you ever want another guy to come with let me know!!
Spring is just around the corner... can't wait. We're due for a great Spring bite, last year kinda sucked. :Neutral:
Keep at it... I'm sure your paths will cross on the sand somewhere... :Wink:


Even on a tough day you manage to catch more fish than all of us. :Envious:
I agree, fishing in good company makes a slow day more enjoyable overall.
Always a pleasure fishing with SWAT. Thanks Art for coming along and Dan for being such a nice guy. :Big Grin:
See you guys at the gathering.
Like I told you many times before bro... I'm luckier than most. :Envious:
Yes, I agree, Dan is one of the Good Guys. :Big Grin:
See you Sunday, are we driving up together? :Wink:


Looks like another great outing to me! You forgot to mention your chunky calico catch in your text:Razz:
A nice multi-species day with friends! I guess Ken, Thien, and I didn't do so bad either since we also had a multi-species day.. kinda:LOL:
I'm glad everyone got to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend with good company and that some fish being caught!
Looking forward to seeing everybody sunday!


-Daniel


P.S. Nice reel, Dan! :Envious:
Thanks Daniel, good times for sure...
Glad that you finally got your S.W.A.T. Welcome Package, I thought it might have been intercepted by the enemy, lol
I have a package all ready for Thien. :Wink:
See you Sunday! :Big Grin:


Great attitude to have on a slow day of fishing, if you can call a three species day a slow day, only Wingnut, lol :LOL:
Looks like I have the green light for Sunday so I'll be seeing my SWAT brothers and sisters at the Gathering of Eagles. Been long overdue. :Big Grin:

That surf Perch dish looks amazing, the Iron Chef can work some serious magic in the kitchen. Nice new kitchen by the way, all Viking. :EyePop: Lauren is very jealous. She certainly deserved it! :Thumbs Up:
I never sweat a slow day of fishing. Most of the time, I'm just thankful to be out there. :Big Grin:
Is it true...? We're going to be able to see our long, lost S.W.A.T. Brother on Sunday??? :LOL: I'll believe it when we are sharing a cold Coke on Sunday. :Cool:
Oh yeah... Lynn can cook, sometimes I think she could have her own cooking show, lol. That kitchen was long overdue... you should remodel yours for Lauren. :Wink:


Amen :Cool:
Hallelujah! :Big Grin:


Sorry for the late reply bro but I've been crazy busy the last few days. Spending time with the kids and such but now my head turned back to fishing and I must say that you have a way to put together a report from a slow day and truely capture what fishing is REALLY about. Let us remember always that spending time with good friends and getting excercise not to mention a three species day is by far the way that most fisherman want their day to work out. Nice winter calicos Arthur......Looks like you boys were pretty agressive in the battlefield by the drenched look you all have.....That's SWAT FISHING BABY!
The willingness to go the extra mile and hike the hills, scurry to stay upright and as dry as possible with the end result being another great time for the memory books.....That is some dedication to our beloved sport.
Great job brotha....... Keep up the inspirational reports and I'll see you in a few days.....It's gonna be a great time regardless if the fish cooperate or not!
I heard you've been out there on a hard reconnaissance this week bro. :Secret: Lots of Perch from what I hear... I need to get myself a 16"+ BSP this year, maybe this weekend! :Wink:
Looking forward to throwing a steak on the BBQ with you this Sunday my friend. :Big Grin:


Awsome report like always. Even your less productive reports are inspirational.
Thanks Manny, unproductive reports are tough to write, but it's only fair that we write them... :Cool:
Take care and good luck fishing out there with the family. :Big Grin:


Just a quick update from Perchin' Dave and Brad Bailey. We checked out a likely beach that we will be fishing to begin at greylight this Sunday.

The conditions weren't quite right although the tide was about perfect by dark.

However, we will be having a higher than preferred tide at grey light on Sunday and this beach "tends" to fish slightly better during a higher tide. That of course could change between Thursday 2/21/13 and Sunday 2/24/13, so no guarantees.

I was talking with ExFactor Mikey and apparently Perchin' Dave and Brad Bailey will oversee the SWAT who are primarily targeting perch. Todays re-con produces less than ideal wave height, the water was a bit murky from the last couple of days of wind and the salad was manageable for those who will be throwing the LC. Both Brad and I fished the grub. The count was low. Only 4 for Perchin' Dave but we only had 1.5 hours of light and with the conditions being 'rolling waves' instead of crashing waves, the count goes down when that happens, few fish because the water is not stirring up bait. Perchin' Daves sizes were 9", 12" and two 15" (see the attached photo). Brad Bailey caught several of the smaller variety this time out although he's been catching some nice ones the last few trips that we've fished together. An excellent fisherman who you will all enjoy meeting on Sunday.

By the way, this is the same beach that Brad Bailey caught the 16" BSP a few weeks back but today the conditions were different and the most likely place to catch was the outside break and we were both 30' shy on our best cast. Attached is a photo of the 'rolling' wave conditions. A few sets came though but for the most part were small.

Here's the 15" and Conditions

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa363/davesomm/IMG_5129_zps0892f59d.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa363/davesomm/IMG_5132_zpsfee43775.jpg

Perchin' Dave
Thanks gentlemen for your constant recon missions this past couple of weeks in search of the bite for our Sunday's gathering. :Thumbs Up:
I appreciate the efforts from Mikey, Bill, Roy, Brad and yourself very much. :Big Grin:
It is what it is... if we get into a good bite, great! If not, I think we all know that this gathering isn't really about the fishing. :Group Hug:
I'm really looking forward to seeing all of my S.W.A.T. Brothers & Sisters in one place again... :Cool:
See you all on Sunday! :Dancing Banana:

[trail blazer]

You just let us know when bud and we,l make it happen!

[fishshep]

Re- Con Chancin it up North is a good option I would choose too, if I had the time,

but seems like perchin it, for an almost sure thing has been my limitation and

expectation as of late ,but with summer coming, hopefully will make a little road

trip to SB area soon to get me out of the little league :LOL::LOL: perchin thing . !!!

and into the Big League Legal Halibut thing !!! BUT knowing me :Rolls Eyes: Probably will

get back into the PANCAKE LBC THING ! :LOL::LOL::LOL:

But your reports do encourage me though :Smile:

[Wingnut]

You just let us know when bud and we,l make it happen!
Thanks Scott... maybe when the weather warms up a bit. :LOL: :Wink: :Big Grin:


Re- Con Chancin it up North is a good option I would choose too, if I had the time,

but seems like perchin it, for an almost sure thing has been my limitation and

expectation as of late ,but with summer coming, hopefully will make a little road

trip to SB area soon to get me out of the little league :LOL::LOL: perchin thing . !!!

and into the Big League Legal Halibut thing !!! BUT knowing me :Rolls Eyes: Probably will

get back into the PANCAKE LBC THING ! :LOL::LOL::LOL:

But your reports do encourage me though :Smile:
Big Northern Perch or LBC Pancakes? Should be an easy decision Daniel. :Wink: