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bachiboy
12-15-2013, 10:11 PM
FLASHBACK

Back in March, I got humbled by a striper in the surf. In my haste and excitement, I tried to horse the beast in and ended up straightening two hooks on my LC and watched the fish of a lifetime swim away at my feet. Since then, I’ve returned to the scene of the crime a few times trying to get my payback. I jokingly named that fish Kimble, after Dr. Richard Kimble from the movie THE FUGITIVE, since this was an escaped jailbird. Every time I’ve hit the sand in the vicinity I’ve always been on the high alert, awaiting that 2nd chance.

A couple of weeks ago, I went back to the crime scene to give it a look since I had heard that there was a jailbird landed there. I ended up with a legal halibut, which I was thrilled about, but I had run across another angler that showed me some photos of a striper he had landed a few days prior. SO, Kimble was in the area and the opportunity was laid out for an epic rematch.

Taking those to bent hooks to the chin and getting dropped to my knees has never sat well with me over the past few months. I figured that very few people had ever had the opportunity to tangle with Kimble and I might have blown the only chance I'd ever get.


WEDNESDAY - Round 2

So, I got back in the ring, strapped on the gloves and dove into battle. I get a couple perch hits but right around 15 minutes into the session, I see Kimble coming right at me with a full head of steam in a swell. I start casting in his direction and get no love...but on the third cast, BAM, I’m on. He slips a couple of stiff jabs and within 2 seconds of the fight, I get dropped on the canvas AGAIN! What the *&^$?!!!! REALLY? How the heck can this happen twice? At least this time there was nothing I could do. He gave a couple quick headshakes and the hooks just pulled. I keep at it and about a half hour later, I see a shadow lurking in the skinny. I figured it’s just a leo or sngf but as the whitewater subsided and the water cleared I see his tail and markings. I start casting like mad but this time he just laughs me off and swims away. After a couple hours of searching, I finally called it a day and headed home...humbled.


FRIDAY the 13th - Training Day

With the low tides predicted at the time I would be entering the water, I decided to try a different A.O. and concentrate on different quarry. I had been talking to Arthur (Wingnut) about an A.O. that we hadn’t visited in a while and decided to give it a look. The swells were vitually non-existant but the water clarity was terrible. Soup and salad was pretty bad but I still managed to pull out a small pancake to erase the stripe.

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/pancake1_zps4052cf14.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/pancake1_zps4052cf14.jpg.html)


After an hour of futile casts, I figured it was time to pack it in. As I’m about to hike out, I decided, “What the heck? I might as well take heart-attack ridge and see how the other A.O. looks as long as I’m here.” After huffing and puffing up the hill, I get to the top and look down at the A.O. and it looks pretty clear. So, I drop in and immediately head for some rocks that I’ve done some damage on recently.
I get down on the rocks but it’s right around noon and I had no expectations to get any action at this time of day. As I look down off the rocks, I can see that the water is crystal clear with very little swell and surge. In fact, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen it this clear before. I could see schools of fish swimming below and tried to get them to rise on my LC but, though they followed it, they wouldn’t commit. I figured they were opaleye or some kind of perch. I keep working the rocks and, after about 10 minutes, I strike gold. I was just about to lift the LC out of the water, but left it since there was a back-surge. I’ve gotten hit like this before, but it still never ceases to amaze and shock me. As the lure was fluttering I see a huge calico come up right below the surface and engulf it. I know that if I let this thing dive back to the rocks, I’m done for, so I jammed my thumb on the spool and just prayed that the line and hooks hold up. I had switched out the stock hooks to Owner ST-46s so I’m pretty confident they’re gonna withstand the pressure, but even with just 6 ft. of line out, this fish has gone down just below the edge of the rocks and is rubbing the line against it to get home. It’s a brutal tug-of-war but I finally get him back to the surface and I start thinking, “Now how the heck am I gonna get him up on the rocks. I see a slight ledge and bounce him on it. Then reel down till he was a couple of feet from the tip, the only time I actually had to turn the handle during the battle, and fling him up the rest of the way, putting the reel in free spool and letting him down gently on some kelp piled up next to me. I’m in awe that I managed to land this beast and get him taped and photographed. He comes out to around 21”.

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/check1_21_zpsb56dfc69.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/check1_21_zpsb56dfc69.jpg.html)


I’m figuring, “Well, you just pulled a rabbit out of a hat, but I think that’s probably gonna be the last of the action you’ll see today.” Boy was I wrong. I proceed to nail 6 more checkers up to just shy of 17”. At one point, I cast at a distant kelp and pulled 4 fish out on consecutive casts. After about an hour, I figure I’ve done all the damage I can on this spot and start heading back to the sand. Once on the beach I get one last pancake and call it a day...and what a day it was, equaling my best checker total for one session.

Full stack of checkers and my second pancake to round out the day

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/check2_zps6a0662e3.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/check2_zps6a0662e3.jpg.html)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/check3_zpsac561619.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/check3_zpsac561619.jpg.html)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/check4_zpsca0781d0.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/check4_zpsca0781d0.jpg.html)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/check5_17_zpsa2c398a3.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/check5_17_zpsa2c398a3.jpg.html)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/check6_zps57bf1f36.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/check6_zps57bf1f36.jpg.html)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/check7_zps5dab7c68.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/check7_zps5dab7c68.jpg.html)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/pancake2_zps40386c28.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/pancake2_zps40386c28.jpg.html)

I woulda went back there for a Saturday greylight session but the tide was gonna be too high to attempt that so I figure that I’d take another shot at Kimble in the morning.

SATURDAY - Round 3: Payback...BIG TIME!

Lt. Bones had contacted me and had told me that he was going to see a late movie and, if he could wake up, that he’d meet me down at the arena to join the fight. If he didn’t tell me that, I probably wouldn’t have gone, cuz when my alarm went off, all I wanted to do was go right back to sleep...THANKS MIKE!!!:Wink:

So, after dragging my feet I started making the drive down the the A.O. Halfway there, I realized that I had forgot my camera at home...“Oh well, not like I’m sure that I’m gonna strike gold two days in a row.”:Rolls Eyes: I get to the parking area and see that there’s quite a bit of surfers getting geared up in the lot. I’m thinking, “Oh great, I better get my butt down there before they swarm the area.” The guy next to me asks, “What you fishing for?” I tell him, “Stripers.” I realize, what am I saying? Chances are pretty slim that I’m gonna make good on that statement. Then again, he did ask what I was “fishing for”, not “planning on catching.”

I get geared up and walk down to the water. I see that the guy I was talking to was the only person in the water and make my first cast. Usually, I just lob the first cast to get the spool wet, but this cast went sailing. I guess the spool was either still wet from the rinse-off of the day before of the moisture in the air had wet down the line for me. “Okay, well here we go again”, and 10 cranks into the retrieve, KABOOM!!!!:Shocked: I feel good weight and shakes and start working him in. The sun isn’t up yet and it’s still pretty dark. He doesn’t take any big runs and I check my drag to make sure it isn’t too tight (thinking in the back off my mind the first time I screwed up on a striper). It’s not tight, but I back it off even more just to make sure. There’s no dangerous structure around so I figured I’d make it a drawn out battle if need be. After only about a couple minutes, there’s a huge splash about 15 yards out, but I can’t make out what it is in the dark. He makes a medium sized run and gets about 30 or so yards on me. From there, it becomes a dogfight and he just bulldogs me for the next 10 minutes, working back and forth. I realize that my 75 yards or so of topshot is gone and I’m into my spectra...I had actually been losing ground this whole time. Normally I wouldn’t worry too much about it but I snap out of my tunnel vision and it dawns on me that there are now about 20 surfers and paddle boarders around and outside of me. The fish makes it’s biggest run and shoots to my left...right where a paddle boarder is launching. Before I could say anything, and it wasn’t like he could hear me anyway, I feel the line plunk off the skeg. My heart stops for a second but it didn’t wrap or smack the line hard fortunately. I still haven’t seen this thing and start to think that maybe it’s a sngf or leo since I had seen quite a few roaming the skinny on Wednesday. After about 15 minutes I see a splash about 20 yards out. I get a glimpse of what I thought was the tail of a sngf and think, “oh well, it’s been a pretty nice battle anyway.” As I start putting my thumb down and try to muscle him in, a wave rises up and I get to see him broadside in the wave...KIMBLE!!!:Eye Pop: I let go of the spool immediately and back off the drag a bit more cuz I guess the sight of me scared the crap outta him and he bolted. After another 5 minutes or so...which we all know feels more like an hour...I get him back to the skinny, the whole time praying that I don’t get knocked on my butt a third time. The whitewater brings in on the beach, but before I could grab him, he slides back out. After some back and forth another wave slides him back on the beach and I get him to dry land. PAYBACK!!!!!

I get some quick shots with my iPhone, which for some reason, blew out the measurement shots, but he tapes out at 34”. I kept thinking about a post that 4_D_Halibut wrote on Robert’s (Murrieta Angler) report on his striper and how these don’t survive well on a long fight, so I wanted this fish back in the water FAST. I didn’t have anyone around to take a shot with me in it, but I wasn’t going to wait around. I got my shots and ran it back to the water. It swam off really strong so I’m hoping it lives a nice long, post-Bachi life.:Wink: I finally meet up with Mike but we didn't score anything more than some BSP for the rest of the session. We said our goodbye's and discussed a possible gameplan for the next day.

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/striper_zps7d9b5df2.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/striper_zps7d9b5df2.jpg.html)

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/striper_measurement_zps41691f82.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/striper_measurement_zps41691f82.jpg.html)


SUNDAY - Full assault team

So, after making a call for back-up, I met up with Arthur (Wingnut), Ben (a close friend), Mike (Bones) and Danimal (SP Dan). I figured we’d carpet bomb the area and try and overwhelm Kimble and his pinstriped gang. Arthur, Ben and I arrived in the dark and I struck first with a BSP skunkbust. Then Arthur gets bent on something with some good weight. He was pretty sure it was an imposter and, sure enough, up comes Mr. Wiggles. As greylight creeps in, Mike and Dan join the fight. I went into the day with no expectations for myself but REALLY wanted to put these guys on fish. If I could at least put one, if not all of these guys, on a striper, that would make my day. I enjoy helping/watching people get on fish as much, if not more, than catching myself. Well, I’ll just say mission accomplished. The lucky winner for the day will tell his tale...and what a tale it is! I will say that, unfortunately, Arthur got sucker punched by Kimble and got staggered after a quick five minute slugfest. We unfortunately missed having a double success story to tell. Everyone got to pull on some perch at the very least and we had a great time hanging out together on our quest, but this fight ain’t over. We’ll be back swinging for the fences, especially Arthur.:Wink:

Skunkbuster in the dark

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/skunkbustBSP_zps5d774c0a.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/skunkbustBSP_zps5d774c0a.jpg.html)


Arthur Pulling on the imposter

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/arthur_zps598ef07e.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/arthur_zps598ef07e.jpg.html)


Mr. Wiggles

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/wiggles_zpsa2b6a068.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/wiggles_zpsa2b6a068.jpg.html)


Mike with the best pig of the day

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r627/bachidym/Mike_zpse6b216ba.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/bachidym/media/Mike_zpse6b216ba.jpg.html)


Hope you enjoyed the read and hope you all have a great holiday season...
Don

Wingnut
12-15-2013, 10:33 PM
Don, first of all... I will have to give you credit and recognition for your success in capturing the elusive "Kimble". Also, for being an indirect influence in the capture of Kimble's Brother by Dan. :Razz:
Here in Southern Cal, nobody really goes out there and specifically target Stripers in the surf. The Linesides are a by catch bonus when you're fishing for something else.
But you actually went out there with the intent to catch one... and succeeding! That deserves all the props in the world. :Applause:
Well done my friend, well done... and thank you for sharing the intel with the rest of your S.W.A.T. Brothers.
Even though I failed putting the one I battled with on the sand on Sunday, it gives me some hope that I was so close damn close...
I finally hooked up to one after a 5 year chase and it won the first round. :Evil:
But rest assured that it's just a matter of time until I catch up with him again... :Twisted:
Hopefully, I'll see you guys on Sunday... :Wink:

DockRat
12-15-2013, 11:15 PM
DUDE, What a Battle !!! Congrats on the Victory ! :Worship:
Huge Calico also. :Applause:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u494/TheBoyerCannon/ford.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/TheBoyerCannon/media/ford.gif.html) DR

Stumpknocker
12-16-2013, 02:36 AM
Now that's a well-told epic adventure...congrats for finally capturing Kimble! It's amazing that you've found a spot in SoCal that appears to have a population of stripers hanging around it...I'm guessing they're from the Sacramento Delta originally? If so, that's quite a long way from home.

SP Dan
12-16-2013, 04:13 AM
Brotha Don,

"CONGRATULATIONS" on finally beaching that beautiful and yet elusive :EyePop: 34" Striped Bass aka: Mr Kimble ... the captured jailbird! :Big Smile::Applause:
He has given you a great run for your money and quite the adventure, to say the least Sir!
WELCOME TO THE ELITE "S.W.A.T. STRIPED BASS CLUB" BROTHA DON. We are only three members strong so far!

Don ... you persevered, continually pushing forward with determination, you never gave up ...... and in your heart, this hunt wasn't going to be over until your MISSION (which lasted many months) had been accomplished! This is definitely one for the "Record Books" .... indeed!
You've put in the time and the miles ... and used up every hall-pass known-to-man, and then to have Poseidon reward (Bless) you with this trophy fish! :Thumbs Up: WTG!

What a great write up and what a great adventure with pictures! You had me on the edge of my chair and glued to the monitor!
Thanks for sharing your session with all of us and for the INTEL Brotha Don! :Cool:

If ever you find that you need a wingman ........... I'm there!

Again .... what an amazing fish! Also ... :Wink: Great job on the release ... the two of you will get to battle yet another day!

SP Dan <"))>< "The Danimal"!

Which Way Out
12-16-2013, 06:35 AM
Don, I would of passed on painting my house that I have been working on all summer just to watch you battle that fish. The story you told was so well written I felt as if I were there. Very well done.
Now I can't wait to see Dan's report,

WWO

bones
12-16-2013, 07:31 AM
Don,

As a seasoned fisherman you have had that gleam in your eye for many years hunting that REAL ghost in our SoCal waters. Even though White Sea Bass are commonly referred to as the ghost here locally we all know how the Striped Bass has been the real elusive target. You have even been taunted quite a few times by Mr. Richard Kimball aka the escaped jailbird from the movie " The Fugitive " and now.....you can feel the pride that you have accomplished the task of being a fine bounty hunter to say the least.
When I received that text from you when I was just dragging my butt in the parking lot south of you.... I bowed my head and thanked Poseidon for rewarding such a friend.

I'm proud to know you Don and feel very fortunate to have shared the sand with such a talented and dedicated angler. May the up coming new year hold many more goals accomplished for you in both your fishing adventures and your dreams with your wife and children.

AWESOME JOB BROTHA !

Have a Merry Fishmas and a wonderful new year !



---------<><

skunked4life
12-16-2013, 07:32 AM
Sensei!!!

When you sent me that text, I was nearly falling asleep at church....then a slew of response texts start making my phone vibrate like crazy. OMG! You were not kidding when you started talking all of that redemption talk these last few weeks. Remember what I said the day before about possibly going out to target stripers? Well you picked the right AO at the right time and you were WELL rewarded!

Now, you really need two things here on out: 1) a videographer to document these amazing sessions, and 2) a wingman to help clear the surfers and bystanders...you know that I am available! :Wink:

What a way to continue your streak of great fishing! I bet yesterday was icing on the cake when you led the group (and especially Dan) to some of that epic fishing.

I look forward to chatting with you and hearing about both days in person.

Skunked4life, aka Corporal Croaker, aka "Daniel-san."

fishshep
12-16-2013, 08:35 AM
Congrats. You certainly deserve that one !!! :Shocked::Big Grin:

Got a feelin ,you will get more. !!! :Smile:

EfrenM
12-16-2013, 09:53 AM
nice!!!! congrats on your striper>>>>>>>>> i know that filing wignut whith the imposter...

murrieta angler
12-16-2013, 10:01 AM
Welcome to the club Brotha :Beer Toast:
When I received your text and no picture popped up, all kinds of things went through my head.
I was hoping that it was Mr. Kimble and when you resent the picture, it confirmed it..:Smile:
You have been blessed with a beautiful family, plenty of work, and now this great fish, what more could you ask for...:Wink:
I look forward to fishing with you, as well as all my S.W.A.T. Brothers and Sisters, this upcoming year.
With my busy schedule, it is very tough right now, especially with the holidays among us.
Great report and Happy Holidays,
Robert
<><

Nipple Twister
12-16-2013, 11:53 AM
YEAHHHHHHHHHHH DONNNNNNNNNNN............you are a true master of your domain, great report.......
I got a text from Arthur about Dan as well, I was wishing I was there but all I got was a 70" Honey-Do..........

Well, Done Sir, well done indeed..........:Thumbs Up:

koifish
12-16-2013, 05:36 PM
Don
that is a beautiful fish. Congrats to you

bbqsushi
12-16-2013, 10:07 PM
What was it you said to me again? Oh yeah. "Yes Virgina, there IS a Santa Claus". Merry Christmas brother. Now I don't have to get you anything. After all, what more could you want?

BIG ups. Congrats. I knew it wasn't going to be long.

Till Sunday.....

N

fish_sauce
12-17-2013, 11:26 AM
Don,

Now that finals are out of the way, I hope i could finally join you guys out there. Aside from the obvious and beautiful trophy fish, I'm also lovin' those calico pictures! Congrats brother! :Beer Toast:

Andrew

PONTOON
12-17-2013, 05:39 PM
Don, okay now I've sat through reading two of the most exciting reports I've read in a long time and again OMG Dude... That is awesome! Congratulations! :Cool:

Like I told Dan, I've had the pleasure of hitting the surf with you as well and I could easily tell you are relentless when you hit the surf and I know you too deserved to bring Mr. Kimble in for a measurement and picture. All I can say is that you are very deserving of the prize and Congratulations! :Thumbs Up:

bachiboy
12-17-2013, 11:01 PM
Don, first of all... I will have to give you credit and recognition for your success in capturing the elusive "Kimble". Also, for being an indirect influence in the capture of Kimble's Brother by Dan. :Razz:
Here in Southern Cal, nobody really goes out there and specifically target Stripers in the surf. The Linesides are a by catch bonus when you're fishing for something else.
But you actually went out there with the intent to catch one... and succeeding! That deserves all the props in the world. :Applause:
Well done my friend, well done... and thank you for sharing the intel with the rest of your S.W.A.T. Brothers.
Even though I failed putting the one I battled with on the sand on Sunday, it gives me some hope that I was so close damn close...
I finally hooked up to one after a 5 year chase and it won the first round. :Evil:
But rest assured that it's just a matter of time until I catch up with him again... :Twisted:
Hopefully, I'll see you guys on Sunday... :Wink:

Thank you sir! I got damn lucky this weekend...in a multitude of ways. Even with the intel and sightings, the chances were slim...but slim is better than "almost no chance", which is what it usually boils down to. I waited a few months for my redemption but I get this feeling you're not gonna have to wait that long. You've been due for that success story. Thanks for all of your help and friendship over the past couple years. You've been a tremendous inspiration and when you land that bad boy, it will be WELL deserved!


DUDE, What a Battle !!! Congrats on the Victory ! :Worship:
Huge Calico also. :Applause:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u494/TheBoyerCannon/ford.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/TheBoyerCannon/media/ford.gif.html) DR
Thanks DR! It was an incredible 3 days. Couldn't have scripted it better in a movie.:Wink:


Now that's a well-told epic adventure...congrats for finally capturing Kimble! It's amazing that you've found a spot in SoCal that appears to have a population of stripers hanging around it...I'm guessing they're from the Sacramento Delta originally? If so, that's quite a long way from home.
Thanks Stump! Not to often at all that you find these guys in any numbers. Not sure how they got down here. I've heard that there was a stocking plan set many years ago, but it was thought that it didn't take. My guess is that these weren't part of that plan and they did just make their way down here from up north naturally.


Brotha Don,

"CONGRATULATIONS" on finally beaching that beautiful and yet elusive :EyePop: 34" Striped Bass aka: Mr Kimble ... the captured jailbird! :Big Smile::Applause:
He has given you a great run for your money and quite the adventure, to say the least Sir!
WELCOME TO THE ELITE "S.W.A.T. STRIPED BASS CLUB" BROTHA DON. We are only three members strong so far!

Don ... you persevered, continually pushing forward with determination, you never gave up ...... and in your heart, this hunt wasn't going to be over until your MISSION (which lasted many months) had been accomplished! This is definitely one for the "Record Books" .... indeed!
You've put in the time and the miles ... and used up every hall-pass known-to-man, and then to have Poseidon reward (Bless) you with this trophy fish! :Thumbs Up: WTG!

What a great write up and what a great adventure with pictures! You had me on the edge of my chair and glued to the monitor!
Thanks for sharing your session with all of us and for the INTEL Brotha Don! :Cool:

If ever you find that you need a wingman ........... I'm there!

Again .... what an amazing fish! Also ... :Wink: Great job on the release ... the two of you will get to battle yet another day!

SP Dan <"))>< "The Danimal"!

Thanks Danimal! And thanks for making that third day just as memorable!:Wink: I think there are actually 5 of us that have salt-caught stripers to our name in S.W.A.T., but 3 of us were actually members at the time of the capture. Either way, it doesn't happen often, so it does feel pretty remarkable. I know a guy who has caught two Opah in his life...your accomplishments exceed that by one.:Big Grin: You're a great person to fish with and learn from. It's been a great pleasure having shared the sand with you over the past year and look forward to many outings to come.


Don, I would of passed on painting my house that I have been working on all summer just to watch you battle that fish. The story you told was so well written I felt as if I were there. Very well done.
Now I can't wait to see Dan's report,

WWO
Thanks Bill! Wish you coulda been there bud. Heck, I wish anyone coulda been there. Makes it that much sweeter to share that kind of experience with friends. Looking forward to seeing all of you again soon...and if I don't get to see you before then, I hope you and Noriko have a great holiday season!!!


Don,

As a seasoned fisherman you have had that gleam in your eye for many years hunting that REAL ghost in our SoCal waters. Even though White Sea Bass are commonly referred to as the ghost here locally we all know how the Striped Bass has been the real elusive target. You have even been taunted quite a few times by Mr. Richard Kimball aka the escaped jailbird from the movie " The Fugitive " and now.....you can feel the pride that you have accomplished the task of being a fine bounty hunter to say the least.
When I received that text from you when I was just dragging my butt in the parking lot south of you.... I bowed my head and thanked Poseidon for rewarding such a friend.

I'm proud to know you Don and feel very fortunate to have shared the sand with such a talented and dedicated angler. May the up coming new year hold many more goals accomplished for you in both your fishing adventures and your dreams with your wife and children.

AWESOME JOB BROTHA !

Have a Merry Fishmas and a wonderful new year !



---------<><

Mike, I gotta say, I don't think I coulda got this fish without you. The intel we've been swapping helped narrow down our options and I got real lucky that we boxed him in. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your help and guidance over the past couple years. I know you'll get on one of these guys soon, but know that you had a big hand in this.:Wink: Merry Fishmas Sir!!!


Sensei!!!

When you sent me that text, I was nearly falling asleep at church....then a slew of response texts start making my phone vibrate like crazy. OMG! You were not kidding when you started talking all of that redemption talk these last few weeks. Remember what I said the day before about possibly going out to target stripers? Well you picked the right AO at the right time and you were WELL rewarded!

Now, you really need two things here on out: 1) a videographer to document these amazing sessions, and 2) a wingman to help clear the surfers and bystanders...you know that I am available! :Wink:

What a way to continue your streak of great fishing! I bet yesterday was icing on the cake when you led the group (and especially Dan) to some of that epic fishing.

I look forward to chatting with you and hearing about both days in person.

Skunked4life, aka Corporal Croaker, aka "Daniel-san."

Thanks Ken! When I sent the text, I was thinkin that it might be too early to be waking everyone up with a fish story. Guess waking you up wasn't such a bad thing considering where you were, eh?:LOL: I figured this was one that I should share with everyone...even the wife.:ROFL: Hope you and your family have a great holiday and get back soon so we can go get you on some of this action!:Wink:


Congrats. You certainly deserve that one !!! :Shocked::Big Grin:

Got a feelin ,you will get more. !!! :Smile:

Thanks Daniel! Not sure I'll be that blessed, but I'll be even happier to see others score some of these beauties! You never know, most guys are targeting perch when they nail one, so don't be surprised when your rod doubles over one of these days.:Wink:


nice!!!! congrats on your striper>>>>>>>>> i know that filing wignut whith the imposter...

Thanks Efren! Arthur wasn't fooled...but I was hopeful.


Welcome to the club Brotha :Beer Toast:
When I received your text and no picture popped up, all kinds of things went through my head.
I was hoping that it was Mr. Kimble and when you resent the picture, it confirmed it..:Smile:
You have been blessed with a beautiful family, plenty of work, and now this great fish, what more could you ask for...:Wink:
I look forward to fishing with you, as well as all my S.W.A.T. Brothers and Sisters, this upcoming year.
With my busy schedule, it is very tough right now, especially with the holidays among us.
Great report and Happy Holidays,
Robert
<><

Thanks Robert! I don't think I can ask for much more. I am truly blessed...all the way around. On the fishing front, I don't think I coulda had a much better year! You and the rest of the crew are a big part of that and I thank you immensely. I know you've been swamped lately but hope you get some time out on the sand soon. Happy Holidays to you and your family brotha!!!


YEAHHHHHHHHHHH DONNNNNNNNNNN............you are a true master of your domain, great report.......
I got a text from Arthur about Dan as well, I was wishing I was there but all I got was a 70" Honey-Do..........

Well, Done Sir, well done indeed..........:Thumbs Up:

Thanks John! Those Honey-Do points will pay off for you soon!:Wink: Hope I'm there when it all comes around.


Don
that is a beautiful fish. Congrats to you

Thanks Mr. C! Been missing you in this section of the forums. Time to start hitting the surf a little more.:Wink:


What was it you said to me again? Oh yeah. "Yes Virgina, there IS a Santa Claus". Merry Christmas brother. Now I don't have to get you anything. After all, what more could you want?

BIG ups. Congrats. I knew it wasn't going to be long.

Till Sunday.....

N
Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Santa came early this year for me. You DO have to get me something though...you have to get out there with me again and go nail one of these. Can never have enough of these memories. Let me know if I need to break out the wine to get you the hallpass!:Wink:


Don,

Now that finals are out of the way, I hope i could finally join you guys out there. Aside from the obvious and beautiful trophy fish, I'm also lovin' those calico pictures! Congrats brother! :Beer Toast:

Andrew

Thanks Andrew! Glad to hear that you survived the studies. I thought I was on cloud 9 with those checkers. Had no idea that I was gonna make a weekend out of it. I still can't stop saying, "WOW!":Shocked::Big Smile:


Don, okay now I've sat through reading two of the most exciting reports I've read in a long time and again OMG Dude... That is awesome! Congratulations! :Cool:

Like I told Dan, I've had the pleasure of hitting the surf with you as well and I could easily tell you are relentless when you hit the surf and I know you too deserved to bring Mr. Kimble in for a measurement and picture. All I can say is that you are very deserving of the prize and Congratulations! :Thumbs Up:
Thanks Terry! Dan and I were very fortunate and blessed this weekend. The icing on the cake is sharing the experience with everyone and getting such tremendous feedback. It's been a while since we last shared the sand together. Looking forward to doing it REAL soon.:Wink:

trollmiester
12-18-2013, 08:45 AM
no comment-------------lololololol looks like extra bbq for you

5150fishn
12-18-2013, 10:02 AM
Congrats on your epic journey to catch the once escaped fugitve Kimble! Thanks for the great detailed report that made me feel as though I was there. You put the time and dedication in and it payed off in spades. It was nice of you to let Kimble out on parole to be checked on another day! Great report and pics.

Jaysuuun
12-19-2013, 11:59 PM
Wow Don! Thanks for an epic read and congrats on landing the elusive Mr.Kimble! LOL I felt your heartache when I read your second run in with the jailbird. I'm glad this story had a happy ending and you were able to redeem yourself on your third encounter. WTG Brotha! Oh and those are some nice Calicos too!

bachiboy
12-21-2013, 08:56 PM
no comment-------------lololololol looks like extra bbq for you

Looking forward to that!


Congrats on your epic journey to catch the once escaped fugitve Kimble! Thanks for the great detailed report that made me feel as though I was there. You put the time and dedication in and it payed off in spades. It was nice of you to let Kimble out on parole to be checked on another day! Great report and pics.
Thanks 5150! Hope that release leads to others getting to experience that remarkable rush that I got when I finally nabbed that bad boy!:Wink:


Wow Don! Thanks for an epic read and congrats on landing the elusive Mr.Kimble! LOL I felt your heartache when I read your second run in with the jailbird. I'm glad this story had a happy ending and you were able to redeem yourself on your third encounter. WTG Brotha! Oh and those are some nice Calicos too!

Thanks J! I guess third time was the charm. Thank god cuz I woulda been a spazz if I lost it three times out.:LOL: The calicos were fun. Hope you and Tess enjoy your first holiday season as a married couple!:Wink:

Ifishtoolittle
12-30-2013, 11:44 PM
Man Don, so can I play checkers and catch strippers, um I mean stripers, with you? lol!!!

Really good write up. It definitely sounds like a memorable set of fishing days. I'm expecting your new years resolution to be to post more epic reports like this! lol

bachiboy
01-02-2014, 10:43 AM
Man Don, so can I play checkers and catch strippers, um I mean stripers, with you? lol!!!

Really good write up. It definitely sounds like a memorable set of fishing days. I'm expecting your new years resolution to be to post more epic reports like this! lol

A game of catching strippers? I think I can get into that one! Oops...:Nut Kick::Slap::Spank::Outta Here::Smack:....sorry honey. Guess I better stick to stripers.:Wink: I think the strippers would be a helluva lot easier to get though.:LOL: These stripers are driving me nuts...lost another recently so Kimble is on the loose again!:Shocked:

Hope you have a great New Year!
Don

Ifishtoolittle
01-02-2014, 06:16 PM
A game of catching strippers? I think I can get into that one! Oops...:Nut Kick::Slap::Spank::Outta Here::Smack:....sorry honey. Guess I better stick to stripers.:Wink: I think the strippers would be a helluva lot easier to get though.:LOL: These stripers are driving me nuts...lost another recently so Kimble is on the loose again!:Shocked:

Hope you have a great New Year!
Don

lol!!! Stripers it is! You'll land Kimble's entire family at this rate!

The New Year had been quite pleasant. I hope yours has been too!

anchor3n1
01-04-2014, 08:12 AM
Hi Don:

WOW!!! What an amazing day:EyePop: To catch a fish (Kimble er striper) that is rare in the surf down here and of such a size is outright incredible and a huge achievement .

Congratulations You have my full attention sir!!!

May 2014 bring even more awesomeness.

take care,

Nick