bbqsushi
11-28-2013, 12:02 AM
Date: November 24, 2013
AO: Classified, LA County
Session: 06:30 – 09:30
Condition: A/W temp 51/62 Surf 1-2’ clear Tide Low@ 07:40 +3.2
Gear: Phenix 8’6” rod w/ Shimano Stradic Ci4, 15# Power Pro w/ 12# Mono top Lucky Craft Flashminnow 110 Metallic Ayu
The record, will, of course have to be verified by SWAT central command, but by all estimates, I now hold the distinct honor of taking “the most amount of time required to catch an induction fish’. Though not particularly proud of this dubious achievement, I can now say that I DID IT!!! More importantly, however, I have a deep and profound respect for the journey. I can say of my many outings, that lessons were learned with each step along the way, if only the hard lessons of patience and failure. I would’ve been cheated had I succeeded early on. It would have meant less, in the whole scheme of things. This particular fish, albeit “just a nice calico”, was the culmination of hours and hours spent in the surf, thousands of casts, dozens of “hall passes”, many early mornings, cold/wet drives home, sandy boots, and of course, $$$$ of lost LC’s. Now I feel worthy of the membership. Now I want to share those experiences with others. My wingman that day, Danimal (SPDan), shook my hand, looked me in the eyes, and said, “This was ALL you, brother. DON’T think otherwise”. Now I understand, Dan. Thank you. Here’s the three-paragraph, long-winded account of the journey. Of course this is a fish story, so….
I don’t remember ever “learning to fish”. My dad handed me a rod and reel before real memory kicks in, and that was over 40 years ago. The surf-fishing bug happened a just a few years ago, however, on an Alaskan Cruise for my parents’ 50th anniversary. My Dad, brothers, and I brought light tackle gear along to wet a line. At one particular stop, we had a couple of hours to kill, so we all went down to the shore and started chucking lures in to the sound. By some piece of dumb luck, a very nice salmon hit my Mepp’s spinner, and after a long, super fun battle, I was able to CPR that beauty. Now I was hooked!! After that trip, my younger brother Al pointed me to FNN, and we were all fascinated by the stories in the surf section. I, in turn, got my very good friend Don (Bachiboy) into the scene, by pointing HIM to FNN. He knew a few guys in the SWAT group, and the next thing you know, we were at HG4. Don had already become a member by that time. Shortly thereafter (this past spring) I was thrilled to receive an invitation and challenge from Arthur (Wingnut) and the gang. That was roughly 9 months ago…
Flash forward to this past weekend. I was stuck working a very long Saturday, when Bachiboy called me with some really good intel on the Checker-fest that he had just enjoyed. Work was going to keep me out late and my lazy butt didn’t feel like I could wake up early enough to fish, so the plan was to sleep in. That’s when SPDan texted me and invited me to be his wingman in the morning. (Little did I know that this was a premeditated attempt by Dan, Don and Arthur to get me in to an induction fish scenario). I got clearance from the control tower, and Dan and I agreed to meet at the same spot that Don had just slammed. I showed up a little late, as the sun started to squeak above the horizon. Conditions looked great, and Dan’s truck was parked and empty. As I made my way down to the beach, I saw Dan working the northern half of the AO, and he was in full attack mode. I veered left, and went to scout the southern half. Within 15 minutes I got a hesitant strike on the LC, so my swing was a little slow. I thought I missed the strike, but then felt the familiar headshake of a flattie. It wasn’t big, nor was it on my hooks for very long. He let go after about 30 seconds. No other hits for quite sometime as I worked further south. At peak low tide I decided to fish off the rocks that border the south end of this AO. When I finally made it out there, my first cast was met with a solid strike!! Yes!! The stripes are off, and I pulled up a legal+ Calico. Not huge but a good fighter. After another 20 minutes on the rocks, I could see Dan bending down to CPR yet another fish. I couldn’t see what it was, but I saw a rather large splash as he released it, so I called him to find out what it was. All I heard in the phone was Dan yelling at me – “What the heck are you doing on those rocks?!?!? You can’t get an induction fish off rocks!! It won’t count!! GET YOUR BUTT BACK ON THE BEACH, SON!!!” I knew he was right, and the rising tide was going to cut off my exit strategy, so I made my way back in to the sand.
With time running out, I fished the exact spot that Don had hit the day before, closely following his instructed methodology. This forced me in to wading out way farther than I usually do – doing ballet pirouettes with each incoming wave to prevent from getting swamped. The water was between my belly button and chin, but this was necessary to cast out to a kelp bed that sits juuuuust outside of casting range. Conditions were still glassy, clear, and calm. On THE cast that counted, I had one of those particularly sweet casts, where you time the whip just right, and the LC is properly weighted, so as not tumble end-over-end. It was just few yards shy of the kelp paddie. As the LC hit the water, and I was flipping the bail over I heard something big, boil up out of the water with splash!! I was like, “what the heck was tha….” And BAM!!! Before I realized what was happening the tip of my rod slams south, and swing back reactively. Its ON!!! I start backing my way out of the deep and Dan yells over to me “Is that thing legal??” I yelled back “uhhh, I don’t know?!?” But Dan knew by the deep arc of my rod that it was a fat toad – he hustled over to back me up. The fight was relatively short, and after a couple of wave-timed drags up the beach Dan starts shouting, “THAT’S A 19!!! YOU DID IT!!!” I didn’t believe him, but as we taped it out, it was exactly 19”. (that’s what you call experience!!). We did the requisite poses with the beast, and could tell that he was anxious to get back in the water. Dan happened to snap a picture just as he leaped out of my hands and headed back to his lair. I did it. YESSSSSS. After high fives, hugs, and some disco dancing in the sand Dan threw out more wisdom… I wanted to immediately jump back in to the water but he calmly said, “Take a minute there, son. Breathe it in and remember the moment…. Thank those who you need to thank. Text or call those who you need to, and enjoy it for a bit”. I knew what he meant. Best words of advice. I took a knee, took a breath, and said a prayer of thanks. Looked out over the beautiful beach, and then slowly started the text/call chain. Best 10 minutes of year. Again, Dan, thanks. That was key. (along with you yelling at me to get off the rocks. :Embarrassed:)
Every SWAT brother that I have had the privilege of fishing with has been genuine, helpful, conscientious, and fun. It is my honor to join the team, and I hope to contribute to the sport as you all have. Big shout outs to those brothers who have been supportive of my efforts. Arthur, Dan, John, Ken, and of course the guy who calls my wife to get me hall passes, AND drives us to the AO’s, my very good friend Don. Thank you for the help along the way. Last, and most importantly, thanks to God, and my wonderful wife and kids!!!
A Pic of the fish that got me in to Surf fishing:
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/FirstSalmon_zps579ed760.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/FirstSalmon_zps579ed760.jpg.html)
Pictures of the prize:
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFish2_zpsdc091426.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFish2_zpsdc091426.jpg.html)
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishCloseup_zpsfacb6ed7.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishCloseup_zpsfacb6ed7.jpg.html)
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishFull_zpsaf9e5bd2.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishFull_zpsaf9e5bd2.jpg.html)
The Release!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishRelease_zpsf3819b60.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishRelease_zpsf3819b60.jpg.html)
Not to be left out of all the action, Dan had a GREAT day as well, ending up with 2 Halibut and 5 Calico's, including this 18" beauty!!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/Danimal_zps76204f4a.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/Danimal_zps76204f4a.jpg.html)
Happy brothers! Good times!!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/nateanddan_zps0a0e70fe.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/nateanddan_zps0a0e70fe.jpg.html)
Arthur - Package received!! The whole family is stoked! Thank you!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/photo2_zpsd7833437.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/photo2_zpsd7833437.jpg.html)
AO: Classified, LA County
Session: 06:30 – 09:30
Condition: A/W temp 51/62 Surf 1-2’ clear Tide Low@ 07:40 +3.2
Gear: Phenix 8’6” rod w/ Shimano Stradic Ci4, 15# Power Pro w/ 12# Mono top Lucky Craft Flashminnow 110 Metallic Ayu
The record, will, of course have to be verified by SWAT central command, but by all estimates, I now hold the distinct honor of taking “the most amount of time required to catch an induction fish’. Though not particularly proud of this dubious achievement, I can now say that I DID IT!!! More importantly, however, I have a deep and profound respect for the journey. I can say of my many outings, that lessons were learned with each step along the way, if only the hard lessons of patience and failure. I would’ve been cheated had I succeeded early on. It would have meant less, in the whole scheme of things. This particular fish, albeit “just a nice calico”, was the culmination of hours and hours spent in the surf, thousands of casts, dozens of “hall passes”, many early mornings, cold/wet drives home, sandy boots, and of course, $$$$ of lost LC’s. Now I feel worthy of the membership. Now I want to share those experiences with others. My wingman that day, Danimal (SPDan), shook my hand, looked me in the eyes, and said, “This was ALL you, brother. DON’T think otherwise”. Now I understand, Dan. Thank you. Here’s the three-paragraph, long-winded account of the journey. Of course this is a fish story, so….
I don’t remember ever “learning to fish”. My dad handed me a rod and reel before real memory kicks in, and that was over 40 years ago. The surf-fishing bug happened a just a few years ago, however, on an Alaskan Cruise for my parents’ 50th anniversary. My Dad, brothers, and I brought light tackle gear along to wet a line. At one particular stop, we had a couple of hours to kill, so we all went down to the shore and started chucking lures in to the sound. By some piece of dumb luck, a very nice salmon hit my Mepp’s spinner, and after a long, super fun battle, I was able to CPR that beauty. Now I was hooked!! After that trip, my younger brother Al pointed me to FNN, and we were all fascinated by the stories in the surf section. I, in turn, got my very good friend Don (Bachiboy) into the scene, by pointing HIM to FNN. He knew a few guys in the SWAT group, and the next thing you know, we were at HG4. Don had already become a member by that time. Shortly thereafter (this past spring) I was thrilled to receive an invitation and challenge from Arthur (Wingnut) and the gang. That was roughly 9 months ago…
Flash forward to this past weekend. I was stuck working a very long Saturday, when Bachiboy called me with some really good intel on the Checker-fest that he had just enjoyed. Work was going to keep me out late and my lazy butt didn’t feel like I could wake up early enough to fish, so the plan was to sleep in. That’s when SPDan texted me and invited me to be his wingman in the morning. (Little did I know that this was a premeditated attempt by Dan, Don and Arthur to get me in to an induction fish scenario). I got clearance from the control tower, and Dan and I agreed to meet at the same spot that Don had just slammed. I showed up a little late, as the sun started to squeak above the horizon. Conditions looked great, and Dan’s truck was parked and empty. As I made my way down to the beach, I saw Dan working the northern half of the AO, and he was in full attack mode. I veered left, and went to scout the southern half. Within 15 minutes I got a hesitant strike on the LC, so my swing was a little slow. I thought I missed the strike, but then felt the familiar headshake of a flattie. It wasn’t big, nor was it on my hooks for very long. He let go after about 30 seconds. No other hits for quite sometime as I worked further south. At peak low tide I decided to fish off the rocks that border the south end of this AO. When I finally made it out there, my first cast was met with a solid strike!! Yes!! The stripes are off, and I pulled up a legal+ Calico. Not huge but a good fighter. After another 20 minutes on the rocks, I could see Dan bending down to CPR yet another fish. I couldn’t see what it was, but I saw a rather large splash as he released it, so I called him to find out what it was. All I heard in the phone was Dan yelling at me – “What the heck are you doing on those rocks?!?!? You can’t get an induction fish off rocks!! It won’t count!! GET YOUR BUTT BACK ON THE BEACH, SON!!!” I knew he was right, and the rising tide was going to cut off my exit strategy, so I made my way back in to the sand.
With time running out, I fished the exact spot that Don had hit the day before, closely following his instructed methodology. This forced me in to wading out way farther than I usually do – doing ballet pirouettes with each incoming wave to prevent from getting swamped. The water was between my belly button and chin, but this was necessary to cast out to a kelp bed that sits juuuuust outside of casting range. Conditions were still glassy, clear, and calm. On THE cast that counted, I had one of those particularly sweet casts, where you time the whip just right, and the LC is properly weighted, so as not tumble end-over-end. It was just few yards shy of the kelp paddie. As the LC hit the water, and I was flipping the bail over I heard something big, boil up out of the water with splash!! I was like, “what the heck was tha….” And BAM!!! Before I realized what was happening the tip of my rod slams south, and swing back reactively. Its ON!!! I start backing my way out of the deep and Dan yells over to me “Is that thing legal??” I yelled back “uhhh, I don’t know?!?” But Dan knew by the deep arc of my rod that it was a fat toad – he hustled over to back me up. The fight was relatively short, and after a couple of wave-timed drags up the beach Dan starts shouting, “THAT’S A 19!!! YOU DID IT!!!” I didn’t believe him, but as we taped it out, it was exactly 19”. (that’s what you call experience!!). We did the requisite poses with the beast, and could tell that he was anxious to get back in the water. Dan happened to snap a picture just as he leaped out of my hands and headed back to his lair. I did it. YESSSSSS. After high fives, hugs, and some disco dancing in the sand Dan threw out more wisdom… I wanted to immediately jump back in to the water but he calmly said, “Take a minute there, son. Breathe it in and remember the moment…. Thank those who you need to thank. Text or call those who you need to, and enjoy it for a bit”. I knew what he meant. Best words of advice. I took a knee, took a breath, and said a prayer of thanks. Looked out over the beautiful beach, and then slowly started the text/call chain. Best 10 minutes of year. Again, Dan, thanks. That was key. (along with you yelling at me to get off the rocks. :Embarrassed:)
Every SWAT brother that I have had the privilege of fishing with has been genuine, helpful, conscientious, and fun. It is my honor to join the team, and I hope to contribute to the sport as you all have. Big shout outs to those brothers who have been supportive of my efforts. Arthur, Dan, John, Ken, and of course the guy who calls my wife to get me hall passes, AND drives us to the AO’s, my very good friend Don. Thank you for the help along the way. Last, and most importantly, thanks to God, and my wonderful wife and kids!!!
A Pic of the fish that got me in to Surf fishing:
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/FirstSalmon_zps579ed760.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/FirstSalmon_zps579ed760.jpg.html)
Pictures of the prize:
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFish2_zpsdc091426.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFish2_zpsdc091426.jpg.html)
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishCloseup_zpsfacb6ed7.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishCloseup_zpsfacb6ed7.jpg.html)
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishFull_zpsaf9e5bd2.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishFull_zpsaf9e5bd2.jpg.html)
The Release!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishRelease_zpsf3819b60.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/InductionFishRelease_zpsf3819b60.jpg.html)
Not to be left out of all the action, Dan had a GREAT day as well, ending up with 2 Halibut and 5 Calico's, including this 18" beauty!!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/Danimal_zps76204f4a.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/Danimal_zps76204f4a.jpg.html)
Happy brothers! Good times!!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/nateanddan_zps0a0e70fe.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/nateanddan_zps0a0e70fe.jpg.html)
Arthur - Package received!! The whole family is stoked! Thank you!!
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q761/BBQSushi/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/photo2_zpsd7833437.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/BBQSushi/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20NATHANs%20iMac/Surf%20Fishing/photo2_zpsd7833437.jpg.html)