S.W.A.T. Solo Mission

[bloox8]

5/31 Friday

Fishing Count
Surf: (3) Calicos, (3) YFC, and (1) Zebra Perch
Rocks: (3) Calicos and (1) WSB


Hey guys!

I finally have my own report to write this time. Throughout this whole year, I’ve always gone fishing with at least one other person, and I think almost every single time, I’ve been out-fished (At least always on the quality scale):Crying:. Therefore I haven't been required to write a report lately. BUT NOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED:Cool:!

At long last I finally got myself to go on the long-overdue solo mission that my SWAT brothers have been telling me to go on for quite some time (I knew I should have too). Don’t get me wrong, I love solo missions. Especially because I get to fish with 110% focus, and everyone knows that’s the best weapon to fight the evil skunk if not mussel. It’s just hard to wake up and drive there by myself. Not to mention the dreadful and tiring ride back home in traffic…. with no one to keep you awake. But I guess its not that bad :LOL:

Time: 6am – 12pm
A.O: Highly Classified
Weather: mild and partly cloudy; light breeze
Swell: 2-3 ft surf with occasional 4ft
Water: Clear on one side of the beach. Hell on the other
Tide: Outgoing; Peak low at about 9:30am
Tackle: LC110 and 4” Big Hammers; 12lb mono (maxima) on Revo SX
Lost LC’s: 1 (Overall total of 6)

With no delay, I got to the spot and began casting right away. First cast, I got a nice YFC on a nice steady retrieve. I know you guys know what it feels like to get hit on your first cast. Well yea, I knew it was going to be a good day :Big Grin: A few cast later I get a THUNK but nothing stuck so I immediately slowed down my retrieve. Two seconds later, HIT and SET! A NEW SPECIES, the Zebra Perch!! I was pretty stoked. I believe this is my first exotic fish. I took a few pics and released it quickly.

INTERMISSION: Last week my girlfriend Shallom and I decided to go to the Aquarium of the Pacific since we both haven’t been there since I don’t even know, so we were both pretty excited. I was mostly excited to see all the SoCal fish (mainly bass) and how they hung out in their habitat and more specifically, around structure. Luckily for me, there were quite a few tanks with Calicos and Sandies. WOOT WOOT! Man it was an enlightening experience. I finally got to see how calicos hung out under kelp beds and in crevices. There was a bass in almost every fissure and hole that I found. Pretty awesome! I felt like I just got a bit better at bass fishing LOL :Twisted:. I had to go apply what I learned. The end!

I ended up hitting 3 dink Calicos fishing the kelp from the surf. The biggest was 14”. I wanted to continue fishing the surf all day but the waves were too unpredictable, especially since I needed to wade far out to hit the kelp. Every now and then rogue waves that would stand about 2-3ft taller than my head would roll through and force me to run all the way back to shore, which was very tiring. And sometimes I wouldn’t even see them coming. So for the longest time I thought I’ve been “rolled” by waves before. I even thought I got “rolled” a few times this very day. I also thought I’ve seen Daniel get “rolled” a few times. I now realize that I officially got “rolled” as of May 31st. As I was fishing parallel to the sand, a huge… I mean HUGE wave that was well over 3ft above my head came cruising in and left me with no time to run. Before I knew it I was getting sucked up by the strong current and thinking S#*#((@!!!!! To make things even more exciting, the wave decided that it would crash directly on me. Not before. Not later. Great. I gave one last look at this huge wall of water and smiled. I already accepted what was about to happen to me. This is the real deal. ………….CRASH…… and now I’m literally rolling under water with no sense of which way is up. Last time this happened was when I got owned by a huge wave while bodyboarding. When it finally ended, I plopped myself up from the floor and saw that my rod was completely covered with seaweed and tangled with my loose LC. Perfect! So yea, I decided that I had enough of the surf for now and decided to hit the rocks.

I tied on my Big Hammer and made my way out to the tip of the rocks. After seeing how these bass live in nooks and crannies in person, I felt a lot more confident than usual. I immediately started crashing my lure all around the bottom structure with mainly a slow steady retrieve and I guess that’s what the bass wanted that day. I ended up landing 3 nice sized Calicos and my first WSB this year. The biggest Calico was about 18” and the WSB was about 23”. Pretty good day I would say.

Here are some pictures.

12.5” Zebra Perch
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2071_zpsd88d2ace.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2071_zpsd88d2ace.jpg.html)

14” Surf Calico
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2076_zps08a6f553.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2076_zps08a6f553.jpg.html)

18” Calico from the rocks
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2095_zps7a90d950.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2095_zps7a90d950.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2096_zps3296eaa3.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2096_zps3296eaa3.jpg.html)

23” WSB from Rocks
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2113_zpsb5abeec9.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2113_zpsb5abeec9.jpg.html)

16” Calico
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2117_zps6af4a6f9.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2117_zps6af4a6f9.jpg.html)


Both the WSB and Calico had sharp teeth. Its like this on both of my thumbs :Shocked:
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2122_zpsd0a34d7e.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2122_zpsd0a34d7e.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2123_zps26f4787f.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2123_zps26f4787f.jpg.html)

More Calico pics
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2090_zps891b57ed.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2090_zps891b57ed.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2086_zps363ced9e.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2086_zps363ced9e.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2141_zpsbd9ddfc0.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2141_zpsbd9ddfc0.jpg.html)

Additional Pics!
Some of these pics are kinda bad because the aquarium was super duper packed. I pretty much got pushed up on most of the fish tanks.

Can you see him? Ninja Calico!
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2039_zps9bfdcb5f.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2039_zps9bfdcb5f.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2035_zpsf610cac1.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2035_zpsf610cac1.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2032_zpsf1ef0570.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2032_zpsf1ef0570.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2149_zpsf2d36e49.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2149_zpsf2d36e49.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2148_zpsdc5e5846.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2148_zpsdc5e5846.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2145_zpse7adf844.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2145_zpse7adf844.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2005_zps68943dab.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2005_zps68943dab.jpg.html)

http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2143_zps27d50602.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2143_zps27d50602.jpg.html)

Shallom wanted to do some simple fishing, so I took her to Alamitos Bay.
YFC
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2152_zps0775ebea.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2152_zps0775ebea.jpg.html)

A shorty
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q596/thienvo8/IMG_2151_zpsa71178e0.jpg (http://s1165.photobucket.com/user/thienvo8/media/IMG_2151_zpsa71178e0.jpg.html)

[Wingnut]

That's one heck of a solo session Thien... well done! :Big Grin:
Let me guess, you got rolled at the far left corner where the waves sometimes sneaks up on you. :LOL: Glad that you are okay... getting rolled to the point where you don't know which way is up is no fun. :mad:
You're getting awfully close to that "induction" fish... keep up the nice job. :Cool:
My turn tomorrow, far from that A.O. :Secret:

Competition Final Update! May Final Points Tally.
Team Veterans – 179 Points
Team Rookies – 95 Points

Better luck in June Youngsters!
After June's contest, I will change things up a bit. I will elect two team captains to pick teams. This way the Veterans and Rookies can fish together on the same team. :Cool:

[PTN]

Nice job out there Thien. Looks like you had a great time out there going solo and with the girlfriend. Careful of those rolling waves though..:LOL: Cool zebra perch too! Thanks for all the great pictures.

-Peter

[Bob_B]

Awesome session right there!! Nice going.

[sidified]

Rule#1..Find what they're hitting on... then of course, stick with that bait!
HA, 'stick this' Thien demonstrates, changing up baits after nearly every catch. Brotha', I dig your style..

[murrieta angler]

Thien,
You had a great session, minus the "ROLL"...:LOL:
When you catch a first, or an exotic, do you examine the fish?
That is one of the fun things about a new species.
If you had looked at the Zebras teeth, you would have tripped out. They are as straight as yours...:Smile:
It's nice to do the solo missions, like you said, you are a little more focused, but, it let's you think about life.
More often than not, I will catch a fish when I am thinking about other things. I just let my instincts take over, when I do finally get a hit..:Wink:
I like going to the aquariums, I also like to see the fish in it's natural habitat.
I went with the family, to Sea World last week, and made it a point to check out the aquariums there...Fun Stuff!
Last, how come Shallom has pictures of her that day and not yourself...:Envious:
Did we get skunked?!? :LOL:
Nice report and pictures,
Robert
<><

[skunked4life]

Brother, I don't know about you, but I am dead tired from so much fishing lately. What an amazing solo mission! What more can I say other than what I already texted you that day??? Just be careful out there when fishing by yourself, especially at those insane times that you go.

P.S. spend some more time with Shalom...leave the fishing to me! JK! LEt's get that induction fish together brother!

[madbass]

Great report and pictures. Looks like you had an awesome time for sure.
Congrats on ur WSB, must have been a blast on light tackle.
Thanks for the report and pictures.

Alex

[dlmoo312]

I remember you were trying to get your first surf calico not too long ago.. now you got 6 in one session :Smile:
Very nice solo mission and congrats on the rare species! I'm curious how a zebra perch's teeth look now..
It's funny how all of your best sessions seem to come when you go out solo. It's always a nice and relaxing time.
Nice report. Can't wait to get back to the west coast and get in a surf session. See you soon buddy.


-Daniel

[bachiboy]

Way to go out there Thien! Great lookin assortment, especially the zebra and ghost. Sorry to hear about the roll, but way to bounce back and score! Be careful out there, especially when you go out there alone. I tend to be a ton more timid about what I do when I don't have backup around...and still manage to get into "tough" situations.:Wink:

Congrats on the scores!
Don

[Which Way Out]

Wow Thien! Looks like a very successful fishing adventure.
Glad to see you getting after it. In no time the prospect label will be gone. Best of luck.

WWO

[PONTOON]

Thien, solo surf sessions are fun because like you said 100% of your focus is on the task at hand. All I ask is that you be careful Buddy! :Cool:

I'm sure that your induction fish is going to come soon and it will definitely be one to remember! :Thumbs Up:

[Nipple Twister]

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH THIEN!

Nice fish count and multi-species!!!!!!!!

You are one of the hardest workin anglers out there my friend and it clearly shows, very impressive.......nice report, great pics....of the fish too!

Now watch that Ol Man in the Sea, he can lull you in and when your not lookin....BAM, your swimmin..........well, done.


Induction Day is gonna be HUGE!!!!!!!

[Homefish]

Bloox8, Thanks 4 the report(s)! Nice fish, Congrats! Glad your ok after your dunk! Next time you wanna get underwater w/ the fishes do it @ the aquarium, not the beach! :)
Thanks 4 post'n,
Homefis

[S_yang]

YUUUUSSSSS!!!!! That solo mission was definitely an epic adventure for you. Fortunately, nothing serious went down, but I definitely agree with everyone else when they say to take it down a notch when you're alone. ‘Woot woot’ to those catches though!:Big Smile:

Those are some beauuuutiful calicos. I never knew how exotic they looked - each one with a different shade of blue/green/orange/yellow. And thanks to our trip to the Aquarium, I got to see how these fish kick it IN the water, not to mention how huge they become. I’m still such a noob, but I have a fresh newfound appreciation for these fish. We are definitely going back when there are way less people. I swear, we could’ve stayed at each gallery for 10-15 more minutes had it not been for all those strollers and shoves, haha. Regardless, I had a wonderful time!

Summer time is here and I couldn’t be more excited. Fishing in that warm still water as I looked out onto the sunset allowed me to get out of my head, and just breathe. It’s in these moments I learn to treasure and appreciate the simple things in life.
Looking forward to this summer!