Tough Surf Conditions… But the Rabbit Can’t Hide! S.W.A.T. Plan B - Sunday 4/7/13

[Wingnut]

Plan “A” for Sunday was to put the S.W.A.T. Assault Vessel in the water somewhere. Plan “A” got scrubbed because of the high wind warning. :Neutral:

Plan “B” was to hit the surf. Checking conditions on the laptop Saturday night it didn’t look good at all. High wind gusts and 4ft swells. That tells me that there will be poor water visibility and plenty of salad in the surf. :mad:

Contemplated Plan “C” of sleeping in and doing some yard work for a moment. Nahhh, let’s go with Plan “B” :LOL:

Armed with some recent intel from our newest S.W.A.T. rookie Peter (PTN), that the Halibut was on the chew at this particular A.O. I was on the road at 5:30am. On the drive, I shot a text out to Peter to let him know that I was on route to the LZ. I get a text back that he will be there with his friend Danny (onekrzyboi). :Cool:

I get to the A.O. about 6:15am, geared up and made the walk down to the beach. Yup, in the distance I see double overhead swells and the sound of angry waves crashing… :Shocked: I thought to myself… “Looks like we’ll be targeting Perch today…” :LOL:
I started at the North end of the beach and looking far down the beach, I see a couple of faint figures already in the surf in the distance in the grey light. The boys are starting at the other end I see. They work right, I work left and we’ll meet somewhere in the middle. I haven’t fished this A.O. in a couple of years, but could still recall all the major features and structures that was still here and haven’t changed much. Big swells were pumping, but this beach has an outside break with an amazing looking trench running along the sand. The downside was the big swells will create a washing machine effect and make the water visibility poor at best. Plus the high tide will pull all the weeds & debris into the surf and make it that much more challenging to fish.
I honestly thought that this would only be a Perch fest. Trying to find a positive among all the negatives, there was one thing we had going in our way. The wind was blowing briskly, but it was blowing offshore and will help with the casting. :Wink:

Couple of new “Weapons of Mass Destruction” I’m putting into play today. :Twisted:
I picked up a nice 7’ 9” GLoomis rod at Hook, Line & Sinker in Santa Barbara a few weeks ago. Paired it up with a Daiwa Lexa 300 that I got for my birthday (thanks Binh!) and was really looking forward to trying it out. After about a half dozen casts, I got the reel all dialed in and casting like a dream.
I know, I know… don’t say it, “Real Men use round reels.” LOL :Big Smile:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1046-3.jpg

I also deployed this custom LC from the collection of the LC Artist. :Razz:
“Wounded Sardine”
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1048-2.jpg

One of the three “Death Dealers” I recently received from JKim. :Thumbs Up:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1-3.jpg

The results were immediate and deadly. I hit a nice trench and pulled three short Halibut out in less than 15 minutes.
Short #1
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1001-12.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1002-15.jpg

Short #2
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1004-13.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1003-13.jpg

Short #3
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1010-12.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1006-12.jpg

Made my way down the beach towards the boys, we met up a short while later.
Peter (PTN), our newest S.W.A.T. Brother.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1042-3.jpg

Peter’s friend, Danny (onekrzyboi)., fishing in shorts and barefoot. :Shocked: I saw a couple of Sting Rays in the water too. :EyePop: Danny lost a Halibut in the skinny water. :Crying: You’ll get them next time!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1043-2.jpg

Short #4... "following" the boys. :Wink:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1033-6.jpg

Conditions stayed pretty rough throughout the morning. Even with the outside break, the surge was quite strong. Peter and Danny stayed pretty much out of the surf, but I was right in the mix and the strong outward surge almost took my feet out from underneath me several times. :mad: I was able to recover each time, regaining my balance and stayed on my feet… without getting rolled and embarrassing myself in front of the rookies, lol. :LOL:

It was towards the end of the morning session and we were walking along the beach back towards the parking lot. I suddenly recognized a spot where I caught a 30” Halibut here a few years back. I told the boys to stop and let's make a few casts…

On my very FIRST cast… the Rabbit. :Dancing Banana:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1039-4.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1038-3.jpg

A solid 24” legal Halibut.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1034-5.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1035-5.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1037-4.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1036-6.jpg

I still have Halibut fillets in the freezer and Peter took home a legal Halibut a couple of days ago… so I gave this legal to Danny. Enjoy buddy and let your first legal Halibut from the surf go when the time comes. :Cool:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1040-4.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1044-4.jpg

With our surf session done, we decided to go back to the car, put our surf gear away and drive to a nearby jetty for a quick try.
For about an hour, Peter threw the LC, Danny toss the Big Hammer swim bait and I worked the drop shot for not even a nibble. :Sad: We called it a day and headed off to get some lunch.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1049-2.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1051-2.jpg

Peter suggested an authentic Pho Restaurant near the area and we enjoyed a great lunch.
Good call Peter! :Thumbs Up:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1045-3.jpg

Another successful mission in the books. Three consecutive surf sessions, three consecutive legal Halibut, at three completely different spots. I like my batting average! :Razz:

Peter, welcome to the Team! It was nice sharing the sand with you again. Thanks for the intel and for the invite to fish with you. You still have the legal Halibut lead on the Leader Board… for now. :Wink:

Danny, nice to meet you and hope we can fish together again one of these days. Stick with Peter and learn from him and you will nail that first legal Halibut in the surf in no time. Hope you enjoyed the Halibut and post up some food pics. :Big Grin:

Have a fantastic week everybody!

Arthur (Wingnut)


Sometimes I wish I can go back to the time when my biggest fears were under my bed, and scraping my knees hurt the most.


Extra Pics…
Binh (Badbeat), Sokha (Troublehook) and some of the guys went Striper fishing last weekend… WOW! :EyePop: Can you guess where they went? :Secret:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Binh1.jpg

My birthday dinner at Chaya.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1015-10.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1022-9.jpg

Parting shots…
All is well in Pug Nation. :Big Grin:
Romeo.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1021-9.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1016-11.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1027-5.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1026-7.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/SWAT1058-2.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Romeo1-1.jpg

[Double A]

Great report,,, as always.

3 for 3 ? Batting 1000. Wanna play for the Angel's,,, they hand out huge contracts : )

Good job in the surf,,, and on a side note,,,

That striper shot is a,,,

MASSACRE !!! Nicely done.

[Re8elmonk0341]

That's some sweet paint job o. Those LC's. WTG on the fish in the not so good conditions.

[cutbait]

Lots of quality meat in these pics.

I gotta guess mead on the striper slay?

That hillside doesn't have any green to it like our Cali spring rains do to them.

Though I've never been to dvl soooo

[bbqsushi]

And THAT's why they call you the Commander. Nice pull, as always. I'm sure it was just "luck"...:UDaMan:

[skunked4life]

Love your reports commander! Nice job showing the boys how the commander does it. Also, with daniel amd peter on fire as the newest SWAT brthers, i must say thank you for putting out their fires so that some of us prospects feel less pressured. :Big Grin:

pS love the pug nation afterwords.

[PONTOON]

Well Arthur, If there is anyone who could make things happen in not so ideal conditions it would have to be you. :Cool:

I just finished spooling a couple of reels getting ready for a possible up coming mission and to get ready for the annual covert mission we've been talking about. It's getting to be about that time. :Wink:

Congratulations on a very respectable fish count Arthur and Congrats again to S.W.A.T.'s newest member PTN. :Thumbs Up:

[Rooster]

Another great read and pics. Enjoyed it all. Props as always brother.

[FishNFurious]

You're on a roll Commander.
Pug nation rules! :LOL:
Don't forget the poker tournament next Saturday bro, see you there. :Wink:

[PTN]

I'm glad you were able to make it down to fish with Danny and me :Big Grin:. It was a pleasure fishing with you and I understand why they call you the Commander :LOL:. Even though I got the skunk, I enjoyed the company and thanks for lunch!

Your fishing mojo just amazes me :Envious:. As you were saying, "Couple of years ago, I caught a 30 incher here..." SMACK! Halibut bites his lure in mid-sentence. "...PETER! I got a good one here, it's big!" Don't know how you did it but it was pretty cool :UDaMan:. Thanks for the package too. The kindness and humbleness never stops from you :Smile:.

One of Arthur's shorts being measured
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc484/ptfishing/04-07-13%20Arthur%20Legal/IMG_0692_zps53f678b4.jpg

Camera on Camera action?
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc484/ptfishing/04-07-13%20Arthur%20Legal/IMG_0694_zps4a4ecb4c.jpg

Easily a 25 inch halibut Arthur (trying to downplay your fish to 24" :Cool:)
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc484/ptfishing/04-07-13%20Arthur%20Legal/IMG_0696_zps5d3ab4b5.jpg

Looking forward to fishing with you again and the S.W.A.T. brothers.

-Peter

[onekrzyboi]

And, with my first post, I would like to say thank you to Arthur and Peter for a fantastic morning of fishing. The conditions weren't the best, but nonetheless I was just happy to be out on the surf fishing with great company. :Big Grin: Seeing all of these reports by the commander of S.W.A.T. really entices you to fish, and I'm proud to finally be a part of one of them :Cool:

Having a mentor like Peter is a great asset. Being a big noobie, I would have no idea as to where to even begin fishing. Peter takes me to where the fish are, and even if I don't catch anything, it doesn't feel like a skunk when he catches one. :Razz: When I talked to Peter the night before and he told me Wingnut was going to be out there with us, I thought to myself, "Well at least I'll get to see a legal today" considering I would be fishing with ptn AND Wingnut. Was I in for a surprise.

Hooked up to a halibut about 2 hours into the session, and in my excitement and noob fashion, had my rod tip low and as I was about to bring her in, the hooks fell off. :Crying: I can still hear Peter in the back of my mind as I type this yelling "KEEP YOU'RE ROD TIP UP!" I promise you mentor, that will not happen again, at least not in your presence :LOL: Being optimisitc, I thought to myself, "Well at least I got to see what it was, and at least it wasn't a legal." Arthur then tells us that it's a good sign that there are fish sliding in. About 45 mins later, he lands a legal and as he's pulling it out of the water, both of these vets are already calling out the EXACT length of this guy while I'm just thinking, "That thing is huge." :Envious: Arthur offers her to me, and after some thought, I decided to keep her. Couldn't say no to the commander, and I know my dad would definately appreciate seeing a legal after taking me out so many times when I was a kid and coming home with only one legal ever!

Fished a bit longer and decided to call it a day for surf fishing. Of course since I was taking the butt home, I was lugging it around everywhere I walked, and this is about 10am when all the beach goers are in full bloom. I got way too much attention for a fish I didn't even catch! They were asking me all sorts of questions and I felt kind of embarassed since I wasn't the actual one that caught the her. :Embarrassed: A guy on his bike even offered me $30 for her as I was walking with Peter back to his car! But no, there is no price that I could put on this butt that was gifted to me from Arthur. :Smile:

Here's a pic of the butt after giving her a brief shower.
40103

As promised, a food pic. I'm no Iron Chef :Big Grin: but it sure was tasty! Halibut steak in a sautee'd garlic and red onion butter sauce with a dash of lemon and some steamed rice.
40104

Only a portion was cooked so far, as I felt like eating halibut today, so I decided to use simple and on-hand ingredients. More food pics to come this weekend with a fresh batch of ingredients!

Peter: It is always a pleasure to fish with you. I am learning something new every outing and your advice is always appreciated. I don't think I would even be out fishing if it weren't for you!

Arthur: It was great meeting you! You are a master of the halibut :Cool: and it didn't surprise me to see you land a legal. Seeing the commander in action is so much better in person. Thank you for the halibut and for lunch. I will definitely remember what you told me that day, and that is to "Pay it forward" :Cool: I hope to fish with you again someday and maybe with some other members of S.W.A.T. as well!

[dlmoo312]

All these reports of legal halibut being caught are killing me!
I have to admit, the unfavorable swells and wind have gotten me a little reluctant to venture out to the surf lately:Embarrassed:
I've tried my hand at some freshwater bassing a couple of days while waiting for conditions to change with some success, but you can expect to see a surf report from me by the end of the week:Cool:
Congratulations on another legal, Arthur!


-Daniel

[bachiboy]

Here I'm thinking, "Wow, how the hell did Arthur pull out multiple flatties and a legal out of those conditions?" Now, looking at those pictures, your conditions were a little different than the 'perfect storm' surf that Nate and I tried to tackle. I'm sure it was a little rougher than the pictures show...never seems to come across as bad when you look back at a picture of the waves.:Wink: Way to go man! That's a hell of a track record over your last 3 sessions. I hear a NEW Blackwater challenge awaits you.:LOL: Gonna go for four in a row this weekend? AND top it off with a PB pig? Don't doubt it'll happen...just keep going in a different direction than me and it'll be all good.:ROFL:

Congrats man!!!
Don

[Jaysuuun]

Catching multiple flatties, a legal and leaving no scraps for our rookie and the newb! That's brutal! LOL :LOL: j/k Im digging the new gear. When is the LC artist gonna go public? :Cool:
Happy belated birthday commander and very cool of you to pay it forward.

Danny, I think everyone who has fished with Arthur has witnessed his ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat. It's funny to read about it through reports, but to physically witness it is something else. The only way I can describe it is it's frustrating and exciting to see at the same time. :LOL: Just when you think there's no fish to be caught, he yanks a quality fish right in front of you.:???::Surprised:

"Keep your rod tip up!" Excellent advice from Peter. Reminds me of Tess' early fishing days in the harbor. Every time she got bit she would wind her line in furiously,without setting the hook, and wonder why she wasn't catching any fish. :Angry: Now she's got one of the meanest hook sets :Twisted:
Follow Peter's advice and you'll be landing your first legal soon.:Cool:

[Which Way Out]

I am out of words.
Thanks for rubbing it in.


Good day fishing that's the least I can say. Now off to work I go................

WWO

[Nuoc Mam]

Thanks for the report. That is sweet, 3 flatties in 15 minutes. It seems like no matter what the conditions are you always come out on top. Great kodak moments you shared. Thanks. Hopefully I'll run into you one day on the water. Once again, congrats on the catch and thanks for the report.

[murrieta angler]

Nice session out in the surf Arturo :Big Grin:
Looking out the window, this morning, it looks like some of this crappy weather is over with....for now :Rolls Eyes:
You are on a nice run, and with everyone else bringing in some nice legals, it might be a fun year in the surf :Wink:
The competition is going to be tough and I for one am looking forward to a friendly competiition with my fellow anglers :Envious:
I saw your response on the other thread and I am going to get out, either tomorrow or Thursday, and see if there is anything happening down here.
If so, I will let you know, but I might not be able to join anyone if the surf this weekend, with Sheila being off. BUT, who knows...:Smile:
Great report!

Robert
<><

[iLLest]

Ahhh another great outing.
You guys are killing me man, legals are being brought in left and right and I havent hit the surf once this year (aside form the gathering)
Like always, it looks like a blast out there.
Sweet looking rod Arthur and even better looking Reel, good stuff Binh. :Big Grin:
I'll see you guys soon

[Nuoc Mam]

Like the saying, "You can run but you can't hide"

Flatties beware when Arthur is out scouting the beach.

[skunked4life]

Lots of quality meat in these pics.

I gotta guess mead on the striper slay?

That hillside doesn't have any green to it like our Cali spring rains do to them.

Though I've never been to dvl soooo

x2 on Lake Mead...my old stomping grounds!

[bones]

Great job out there Arthur. Looks like the legal flatties can't hide anywhere and be safe from you. That New reel looks sweet....wonder how it compares to the currado?
When you told me that you were heading way south I already knew that I was going to get that afternoon text with success!

Keep up the great work my friend!

[5150fishn]

What a great day in challenging conditions. Congrats on another legal flattie! Thanks for another great report and pics.

[DockRat]

Nice Halibut there Arthur. WTG.
DR

[saltman]

Hey

Yes, you did pull the raddit out of the hat! Very nice brother. As always nice report.
congrats.

Saltman..

[fish4life]

I call black magic on this one guys heheh. Those waves don't look so bad considering the recent weather/fishing reports but none the less you were able to pull it off. You must be some kind of fishing wizard hehe.

[sidified]

Like Bill says, ''I'm outta words''... you the man pho-sure..
And so far as ''where's the striper AO'', that's not a tough one...just never seen that many jailbirds taken from Piru!

[skunked4life]

I call black magic on this one guys heheh. Those waves don't look so bad considering the recent weather/fishing reports but none the less you were able to pull it off. You must be some kind of fishing wizard hehe.

I was out on Friday morning within 10 miles of there. Let me tell you that yes indeed, the conditions were rough. The waves were pounding so hard that the fist sized rocks at the beach I was fishing at were hitting my shins and I have the bruises to prove it. To catch anything in those conditions---well...black magic may be close!:LOL:

[Bochixter]

Nice way to pull that rabbit out of the Hat. Great job out there Arthur
And keep slaying those flatties just like you know. By the way that wounded sardine
Looks killer and it work!!!!

[troublehook]

Every time I try to pull a Rabbit out of a hat, one of these :Skunk: come out. :LOL:
Nice job Commander, nothing you do surprises me anymore.

[jinbow]

Once you posted that wounded sardine pattern you got in the other thread, I wanted to know how good it produces.
It is as good as it looks! Real tasty looking too.
Glad to see more and more butts now.

Thanks for the report Arthur.

Albert (jinbow)

[Wingnut]

Great report,,, as always.

3 for 3 ? Batting 1000. Wanna play for the Angel's,,, they hand out huge contracts : )

Good job in the surf,,, and on a side note,,,

That striper shot is a,,,

MASSACRE !!! Nicely done.\
I'll play for anybody except for the Giants, lol
Yeah, they absolutely murdered the Stripers. :Twisted:


That's some sweet paint job o. Those LC's. WTG on the fish in the not so good conditions.
He did a fantastic job on those LC's, the best I've seen anywhere. :Cool:


Lots of quality meat in these pics.

I gotta guess mead on the striper slay?

That hillside doesn't have any green to it like our Cali spring rains do to them.

Though I've never been to dvl soooo
Ding, ding... we have a winner! Lake Mead it is. :Wink:


And THAT's why they call you the Commander. Nice pull, as always. I'm sure it was just "luck"...:UDaMan:
I got "lucky" again Nate! :ROFL:


Love your reports commander! Nice job showing the boys how the commander does it. Also, with daniel amd peter on fire as the newest SWAT brthers, i must say thank you for putting out their fires so that some of us prospects feel less pressured. :Big Grin:

pS love the pug nation afterwords.
Hey Ken, the Young Guns are making a push for S.W.A.T. supremacy... just trying to put down the revolt the best way I know how...
But after what peter pulled off this morning, we may have a full-scale riot on our hands. :LOL:


Well Arthur, If there is anyone who could make things happen in not so ideal conditions it would have to be you. :Cool:

I just finished spooling a couple of reels getting ready for a possible up coming mission and to get ready for the annual covert mission we've been talking about. It's getting to be about that time. :Wink:

Congratulations on a very respectable fish count Arthur and Congrats again to S.W.A.T.'s newest member PTN. :Thumbs Up:
I'm very much looking forward to that joint mission my friend. :Big Grin:


Another great read and pics. Enjoyed it all. Props as always brother.
Thanks Rob, always appreciate your kind words. :Big Grin:


You're on a roll Commander.
Pug nation rules! :LOL:
Don't forget the poker tournament next Saturday bro, see you there. :Wink:
Thanks Vincent, see you tonight bro. :Cool:


I'm glad you were able to make it down to fish with Danny and me :Big Grin:. It was a pleasure fishing with you and I understand why they call you the Commander :LOL:. Even though I got the skunk, I enjoyed the company and thanks for lunch!

Your fishing mojo just amazes me :Envious:. As you were saying, "Couple of years ago, I caught a 30 incher here..." SMACK! Halibut bites his lure in mid-sentence. "...PETER! I got a good one here, it's big!" Don't know how you did it but it was pretty cool :UDaMan:. Thanks for the package too. The kindness and humbleness never stops from you :Smile:.

One of Arthur's shorts being measured
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc484/ptfishing/04-07-13%20Arthur%20Legal/IMG_0692_zps53f678b4.jpg

Camera on Camera action?
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc484/ptfishing/04-07-13%20Arthur%20Legal/IMG_0694_zps4a4ecb4c.jpg

Easily a 25 inch halibut Arthur (trying to downplay your fish to 24" :Cool:)
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc484/ptfishing/04-07-13%20Arthur%20Legal/IMG_0696_zps5d3ab4b5.jpg

Looking forward to fishing with you again and the S.W.A.T. brothers.

-Peter
Peter, I'm just struggling trying to keep up with your hot streak. :Envious:
Your success is well deserved. You found the spot, you fished it hard and you are willing to share it with your Brothers. :Thumbs Up:
Congrats on your PB this morning and I have a feeling, you're not even close to cooling off yet. :Wink:


And, with my first post, I would like to say thank you to Arthur and Peter for a fantastic morning of fishing. The conditions weren't the best, but nonetheless I was just happy to be out on the surf fishing with great company. :Big Grin: Seeing all of these reports by the commander of S.W.A.T. really entices you to fish, and I'm proud to finally be a part of one of them :Cool:

Having a mentor like Peter is a great asset. Being a big noobie, I would have no idea as to where to even begin fishing. Peter takes me to where the fish are, and even if I don't catch anything, it doesn't feel like a skunk when he catches one. :Razz: When I talked to Peter the night before and he told me Wingnut was going to be out there with us, I thought to myself, "Well at least I'll get to see a legal today" considering I would be fishing with ptn AND Wingnut. Was I in for a surprise.

Hooked up to a halibut about 2 hours into the session, and in my excitement and noob fashion, had my rod tip low and as I was about to bring her in, the hooks fell off. :Crying: I can still hear Peter in the back of my mind as I type this yelling "KEEP YOU'RE ROD TIP UP!" I promise you mentor, that will not happen again, at least not in your presence :LOL: Being optimisitc, I thought to myself, "Well at least I got to see what it was, and at least it wasn't a legal." Arthur then tells us that it's a good sign that there are fish sliding in. About 45 mins later, he lands a legal and as he's pulling it out of the water, both of these vets are already calling out the EXACT length of this guy while I'm just thinking, "That thing is huge." :Envious: Arthur offers her to me, and after some thought, I decided to keep her. Couldn't say no to the commander, and I know my dad would definately appreciate seeing a legal after taking me out so many times when I was a kid and coming home with only one legal ever!

Fished a bit longer and decided to call it a day for surf fishing. Of course since I was taking the butt home, I was lugging it around everywhere I walked, and this is about 10am when all the beach goers are in full bloom. I got way too much attention for a fish I didn't even catch! They were asking me all sorts of questions and I felt kind of embarassed since I wasn't the actual one that caught the her. :Embarrassed: A guy on his bike even offered me $30 for her as I was walking with Peter back to his car! But no, there is no price that I could put on this butt that was gifted to me from Arthur. :Smile:

Here's a pic of the butt after giving her a brief shower.
40103

As promised, a food pic. I'm no Iron Chef :Big Grin: but it sure was tasty! Halibut steak in a sautee'd garlic and red onion butter sauce with a dash of lemon and some steamed rice.
40104

Only a portion was cooked so far, as I felt like eating halibut today, so I decided to use simple and on-hand ingredients. More food pics to come this weekend with a fresh batch of ingredients!

Peter: It is always a pleasure to fish with you. I am learning something new every outing and your advice is always appreciated. I don't think I would even be out fishing if it weren't for you!

Arthur: It was great meeting you! You are a master of the halibut :Cool: and it didn't surprise me to see you land a legal. Seeing the commander in action is so much better in person. Thank you for the halibut and for lunch. I will definitely remember what you told me that day, and that is to "Pay it forward" :Cool: I hope to fish with you again someday and maybe with some other members of S.W.A.T. as well!
Danny, yes... keep that rod tip up! :LOL:
It was nice meeting you man, you are one cool dude. :Cool:
You can't go wrong by following Peter's lead... his recent success speaks for itself. :Envious:
Hope to fish with you again soon.


All these reports of legal halibut being caught are killing me!
I have to admit, the unfavorable swells and wind have gotten me a little reluctant to venture out to the surf lately:Embarrassed:
I've tried my hand at some freshwater bassing a couple of days while waiting for conditions to change with some success, but you can expect to see a surf report from me by the end of the week:Cool:
Congratulations on another legal, Arthur!

-Daniel
Get back out there in the surf Daniel and support Team Rookies Daniel, you can't let Peter do all the work, lol :LOL:


Here I'm thinking, "Wow, how the hell did Arthur pull out multiple flatties and a legal out of those conditions?" Now, looking at those pictures, your conditions were a little different than the 'perfect storm' surf that Nate and I tried to tackle. I'm sure it was a little rougher than the pictures show...never seems to come across as bad when you look back at a picture of the waves.:Wink: Way to go man! That's a hell of a track record over your last 3 sessions. I hear a NEW Blackwater challenge awaits you.:LOL: Gonna go for four in a row this weekend? AND top it off with a PB pig? Don't doubt it'll happen...just keep going in a different direction than me and it'll be all good.:ROFL:

Congrats man!!!
Don
Yeah, the pics don't do the swells justice, trust me, it was kinda rough. It was mostly an outside break, but the surge was crazy strong in some places.
I'll be negotiating a new "challenge" with Phuong tonight at the poker tournament. :Twisted:


Catching multiple flatties, a legal and leaving no scraps for our rookie and the newb! That's brutal! LOL :LOL: j/k Im digging the new gear. When is the LC artist gonna go public? :Cool:
Happy belated birthday commander and very cool of you to pay it forward.

Danny, I think everyone who has fished with Arthur has witnessed his ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat. It's funny to read about it through reports, but to physically witness it is something else. The only way I can describe it is it's frustrating and exciting to see at the same time. :LOL: Just when you think there's no fish to be caught, he yanks a quality fish right in front of you.:???::Surprised:

"Keep your rod tip up!" Excellent advice from Peter. Reminds me of Tess' early fishing days in the harbor. Every time she got bit she would wind her line in furiously,without setting the hook, and wonder why she wasn't catching any fish. :Angry: Now she's got one of the meanest hook sets :Twisted:
Follow Peter's advice and you'll be landing your first legal soon.:Cool:
Hey Jason, Peter is starting to pull away... I thought I had him reigned in for a moment, but he broke loose and went on a tear again. :Envious:
Oh, how I wish I could fish four times a week! :LOL:
It's all good, we are all genuinely happy when one of our S.W.A.T. Brothers or Sisters do well. :Cool:



I am out of words.
Thanks for rubbing it in.


Good day fishing that's the least I can say. Now off to work I go................

WWO
Hey Bill, you boys need to make a Southern trek soon... looks like the Halibut bite up there has been on life support, lol :Neutral:


Thanks for the report. That is sweet, 3 flatties in 15 minutes. It seems like no matter what the conditions are you always come out on top. Great kodak moments you shared. Thanks. Hopefully I'll run into you one day on the water. Once again, congrats on the catch and thanks for the report.
Thank you... good luck to you out there as well. :Cool:


Nice session out in the surf Arturo :Big Grin:
Looking out the window, this morning, it looks like some of this crappy weather is over with....for now :Rolls Eyes:
You are on a nice run, and with everyone else bringing in some nice legals, it might be a fun year in the surf :Wink:
The competition is going to be tough and I for one am looking forward to a friendly competiition with my fellow anglers :Envious:
I saw your response on the other thread and I am going to get out, either tomorrow or Thursday, and see if there is anything happening down here.
If so, I will let you know, but I might not be able to join anyone if the surf this weekend, with Sheila being off. BUT, who knows...:Smile:
Great report!

Robert
<><
Roberto, really fun fishing with you this morning my friend. We have to keep these Rookies in check and pop their big heads with a hot streak of our own! :Razz:
Hope you can make it out again tomorrow bro. :Wink:


Ahhh another great outing.
You guys are killing me man, legals are being brought in left and right and I havent hit the surf once this year (aside form the gathering)
Like always, it looks like a blast out there.
Sweet looking rod Arthur and even better looking Reel, good stuff Binh. :Big Grin:
I'll see you guys soon
Frank, the most important thing is you being healthy and I'm glad that things are back to normal bro. :Big Grin:
Now find some time and get back out there on the battlefield soldier! :Wink:


Like the saying, "You can run but you can't hide"

Flatties beware when Arthur is out scouting the beach.
Sometimes you find them... sometimes you don't... I've been pretty lucky. :Wink:


x2 on Lake Mead...my old stomping grounds!
Lake Mead is correct Ken. :Wink:


Great job out there Arthur. Looks like the legal flatties can't hide anywhere and be safe from you. That New reel looks sweet....wonder how it compares to the currado?
When you told me that you were heading way south I already knew that I was going to get that afternoon text with success!

Keep up the great work my friend!
The Daiwa Lexa is actually the comparable model to the Curado. Both fine reels... I prefer round reels, but this one is quite nice and comfortable. Going to give it a test drive for a month.
See you tomorrow bro. :Wink:


What a great day in challenging conditions. Congrats on another legal flattie! Thanks for another great report and pics.
Thanks Dan, hope you've been catching a few yourself my friend. :Cool:


Nice Halibut there Arthur. WTG.
DR
Thanks Martin. :Cool:


Hey

Yes, you did pull the rabbit out of the hat! Very nice brother. As always nice report.
congrats.

Saltman..
Thanks Ramiro, when are you going to get back out there again? Try to get Steve out there too! :Wink:


I call black magic on this one guys heheh. Those waves don't look so bad considering the recent weather/fishing reports but none the less you were able to pull it off. You must be some kind of fishing wizard hehe.
No black magic at play whatsoever, or any wizardry either... just plain old fashion "luck." :Wink:


Like Bill says, ''I'm outta words''... you the man pho-sure..
And so far as ''where's the striper AO'', that's not a tough one...just never seen that many jailbirds taken from Piru!
Brother Sid, we finally got a chance to fish together this morning. :Big Grin:
The Striper massacre was at Lake Mead. :Twisted:
Hope to see you on the sand tomorrow my friend. :Wink:


I was out on Friday morning within 10 miles of there. Let me tell you that yes indeed, the conditions were rough. The waves were pounding so hard that the fist sized rocks at the beach I was fishing at were hitting my shins and I have the bruises to prove it. To catch anything in those conditions---well...black magic may be close!:LOL:
Ken, you came close to a 30" Halibut today... too bad it was on somebody else's line, lol
Your time will come soon my friend. When you do complete your challenge, I'm sure it will be in grand style. :Big Grin:


Nice way to pull that rabbit out of the Hat. Great job out there Arthur
And keep slaying those flatties just like you know. By the way that wounded sardine
Looks killer and it work!!!!
Thanks man, that Wounded Sardine LC is really a work of art. :Big Grin:
Hope I don't lose it... it's always on the back of my mind whenever I throw it. :LOL:

Every time I try to pull a Rabbit out of a hat, one of these :Skunk: come out. :LOL:
Nice job Commander, nothing you do surprises me anymore.
We still need to put you on your first surf Halibut of any size Sokha. Let;s try to get it done this year! :Razz:
Good luck fishing the fresh tomorrow bro and see you tonight at the poker table. :Wink:


Once you posted that wounded sardine pattern you got in the other thread, I wanted to know how good it produces.
It is as good as it looks! Real tasty looking too.
Glad to see more and more butts now.

Thanks for the report Arthur.

Albert (jinbow)
It definitely works! Proven with extensive field testing Albert. :Wink:
Good effort that you gave in the surf today my friend and thanks for the text update. :Cool:

[SP Dan]

Hi Brotha.....I've really missed you and all of SWAT Broth's and Sister!

"CONGRATULATIONS" on finding that damned hat .... and he pulls out a legal Hali!

I really like the wounded Sardine .... hint...hint...hint :Big Grin:

Thanx Arty for the great read with pictures!

SP Dan <"))><

[blackwater]

Way to put a butt whoopin' on those youngsters Commander. :Twisted:

[Badbeat]

Congrats on the nice Wabbit Commander. :LOL:
Take me fishing bro, I haven't been out there in over a month. :Sad:

[Wingnut]

Hi Brotha.....I've really missed you and all of SWAT Broth's and Sister!

"CONGRATULATIONS" on finding that damned hat .... and he pulls out a legal Hali!

I really like the wounded Sardine .... hint...hint...hint :Big Grin:

Thanx Arty for the great read with pictures!

SP Dan <"))><
We missed you too Brother Dan. :Big Grin:
Hey Dan, Jkim gave you all the details on how to customize the LC, let's see how creative you are. :Wink:

Way to put a butt whoopin' on those youngsters Commander. :Twisted:
The competition starts today Phuong, too bad you'll be of no help to us, lol :LOL:

Congrats on the nice Wabbit Commander. :LOL:
Take me fishing bro, I haven't been out there in over a month. :Sad:
I don't think I can fish this week bro... "honey-do" weekend. :Wink:
I might be able to get out for a couple of hours Saturday morning and that's it, Sunday is out. :Envious: