Fishing With My Brothers & Oh Yeah, S.W.A.T. Induction Fish On A Lucky Craft

[remington]

AO: Classified (Sat-Sun)

Tackle: Shimano baby, what else?

Terminal Tackle: Lucky Craft (Green Herring & Zebra Ghost Minnow)

I received a text on Fri from brother bachiboy (Don) inviting me to a AO that would be optimal for a morning session on Saturday as it's a low tide spot that produces halibut. Great brother Don, I'm in! I met Don in the parking lot at O' Dark Thirty and we were quickly on the sand in no time. Don makes his 1st cast & he's on! Turns out to be a YFC, you my friend are the croaker king!!! In all fairness, Don put me in the prime zone all morning to capture my challenge fish & I just want to say, I will never forget that my friend. You are a class act and I am blessed to call you a great friend! I get to work right away & my 1st fish is a short hali, good sign...butts are in the area! I get another bump, felt good, but didn't stick. Very tough fishing this morning only a few bites. I keep at it & finally get to put the wood to a fish that felt legal. I beach a 23-1/2" and Don tapes it out & snaps a couple quick photos for me. Don's camera is acting up so my legal on Sat is not included in this post. Hopefully he can add the pics once the camera gremlins are fixed. We decide to call it a morning & agree to try & meet back up the next day.

I receive a text on Sat afternoon from a person that I have wanted to share the sand with in the worst way. I have read almost all of his posts & I view this angler as one of the best ever at this little sport we all love. Wingnut (Arthur) tells me he's 50/50 on possibly joining the assault on Sunday. Sweet, I know he's in & he just wanted to put a little Jedi mind trick into play. Don unfortunately texts me late Sat night stating his hall pass has been revoked for Sunday, bummer.

I arrive on Sunday to the AO & scout the parking lot for a Prius. No Prius to be found? Hmmm...maybe he (Arthur) won a big hand in poker & is now rolling in the sweet brand new BMW parked next to my Explorer. I quickly put on my new waders, thank you brother Ken (Skunked4life) & make my way down to the sand. I do a quick scan of the AO & see I have the beach to myself. Maybe Arthur was running a bit late is what I was thinking, he was going to show I just knew it. I make a couple casts & then I decide to look behind me as I felt a eerie presence....it was Arthur (Wingnut) with his arms crossed with his rod observing me much like a Jedi instructor would. Sweet, Obi 1 is on the beach! I quickly wind in & go to shake the hand of the man that has graced me with the opportunity to join the S.W.A.T. brotherhood. Arthur informs me his decision to make the long drive down was purely based on making sure I get my induction fish into the brotherhood. Pressure is on now big time! :Shocked:

I receive some important intel about this AO from the master & was instructed to get to work. I'm on it, this will be the day I was thinking. I get bit after a few casts and it's a short sandy. I glance over to watch Arthur as he is retrieving his LC & it's like a scene out of Robert Redford's "A River Runs Through It" pure poetry in motion. A very different technique, but very similar to brother Don (bachiboy). The master has taught you well brother Don, lol. I have the wrong set up to work this technique, but I have stored away this intel & will put it to good use in the near future.

Arthur has a few non target species to my 1 sand bass when he approaches me stating breakfast is in order and after we eat a new AO further south will be our destination. I'm in, I say & we decide to give it another 20 minutes. My mind is currently on a chorizo breakfast burrito at a hole in the wall Mexican joint near this AO & then the chance to go fish a new spot that bites well with a high tide. I keep making casts thou, but my mind is focused on breakfast, hurry up 20 minutes, I'm hungry! :Big Grin:

Time is almost up & while cranking very fast & almost to the beach I get slammed. The fish doesn't make a run, it's just stuck to the bottom. I know this fish, it's flat & has caused me a lot of pain over the past few months. It's go time!!!! :Cool: Arthur is now by my side & can tell it's legit if it's not a shovel. Now I have Mr. Wiggles racing thru my mind, thanks Arthur! lol. This battle went on for a bit & when I finally get the fish close to the beach Arthur says "I see 2 boils" not good..a sure sign it's a big Leo or a shovel. Bummed....A little bit frustrated, but I want to get confirmation as I knew the fish started out acting like a big girl & I needed to beach this thing just to make sure? I time a wave perfectly & get the fish into the skinny water when Arthur awaits the water to drain out & swoops in and grabs my fish by the tail with one hand and his other hand fist bumping the God's above. You did it, he yells, welcome to the brotherhood of S.W.A.T.!!!!!!!!

We had a good size audience & I was pretty freaking pumped! :Big Grin::Big Grin::Big Grin: I think the whole beach heard me once I knew my challenge fish was secured by the master & on the sand. I was pretty vocal, but it felt great to finally accomplish this goal & to become a official member into the brotherhood. My halibut taped out at 31" & was released to fight another day. That fish was deserving to get another chance in life. I feel blessed she allowed me to accomplish my goal, I owed her that much....

Conclusion: We now had a pretty large group of anglers in our general area after watching my battle. Two of the anglers were a couple of young kids. Arthur walked over & gave each a LC from his pack to try in the surf. The looks on their faces was priceless, much like mine the rest of the day. They were stoked on the gift & they both will be future Lucky Craft raving fans, I just know it! Class act by Arthur, you are a inspiration to all of us, I am honored to call you a friend. I ended up in the DP harbor for a family day with great friends in hopes of getting my son his very 1st spottie. Mission accomplished! I added a pic of him holding the spottie, I think he's hooked on fishing now...sweet! Thank you Arthur & Don, this was one Hell of a weekend & I can't wait to do it again....

Thanks for reading my report.

Kelly


http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140627.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140627.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140603.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140603.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140600.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140600.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140597.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140597.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140608.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140608.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140609.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140609.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140610.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140610.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140614.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140614.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140613.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140613.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140611.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140611.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140615.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140615.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140618.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140618.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140619.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140619.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140620.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140620.jpg.html)

Just short!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140622.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140622.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140624.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/P1140624.jpg.html)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/Rem1.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/user/Wingnut32566/media/Wingnut%2012/Wingnut%2013/Rem1.jpg.html)

44514

44515

[bones]

Truly a great read Kelly. Congrats on a fine day of fishing with Arthur. He is definitely a class act and showed it in many ways with you today. I got the text from him as soon as he got to his car. Props on the release too brotha. It's also great to see your son smiling while holding that spottie. My kids always make me smile in such a special way when I get the opportunity to fish with them. Enjoy these times NOW because when you son discovers the "opposite" sex.....It will be a tug of war from that point on out...LOL

Tight lines to you sir....always!

Mike aka Lt. Bones

[bachiboy]

God I woulda loved to have been there to see it!!! It took a little longer than we first thought but you got "the one". Couldn't be any happier for you brotha! I'll get those picts to you ASAP. I took a detour on the way home and stopped for a sundowner...gonna cost me a hotel for the night and a trip to the local amusement park tomorrow. :LOL: All good cuz I can sleep with a smile on my face that you completed your task!

Congrats big time!!!
Don

[basshole1]

Sweet halibut!!. Thanks for the fantastic read and congrats on your induction fish. Cheers!! :Applause:

[skunked4life]

K-dub!!!

First, congrats!!! That's a nice induction fish! I think last time someone caught a halibut induction fish was over a year ago (Daniel?).

What better mentors to have guide you this weekend than the Colonel and The Commander. I am so happy for you! Just when you think the session is over, it's not! Great last minute play. That was simply clutch!

You have had a string of continues success both on and off the surf. I praying that it continues. Congrats also on the new job.

Lastly, thanks for not forgetting about lil ole me and including me in the report! I hope that I can continue to support your addiction.

Ken

[exfactor]

Great to have you finally be "officially" in our special group! My fav part of these is watching the faces of new members releasing their great catches back. Its like a graduation to
the next phase of your angling life, to truly appreciate all the gifts we receive in our exploits, to know you have accomplished something many others are yet striving for. My wish is
for this to happen at our Hunting giants event, and to share it with the whole FNN family. i see the fire in your eyes, continue to look and learn about our great fishery here. Mikey

[SP Dan]

Well Kelly .... you finally did it!

"Congratulations" on all of life's blessings and the competition of your S.W.A.T. challenge by beaching this fine 31" induction Hali and a good job on it's CPR Sir! :Thumbs Up: WTG!! You are strengthening your Karma and I'm certain that Poseidon has more rewards in store for you in the near future!

You had me right there with yourself, Don and Arthur as I read your excellent; blow-by-blow, session report Kelly, a.k.a. S.W.A.T. Brotha Kelly!

Also ..... "Welcome" ... to the S.W.A.T. 30"+ Hali club!
If bowling was like fishing .... I'd say you threw a .... STRIKE! ... here today! :Thumbs Up:

Thanx for the fish report w/ pic's! :Cool:

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

[Nipple Twister]

Awesome, awesome, awesome...........A big CONGRATS to you Sir, well done.............ain't it cool, the milestone memories created with these outstanding folks called SWAT?! I bet there will be many more to come, welcome aboard.

Great write up my friend, thx for taking us along for the ride...........

[Raneman]

WTG Kelly!!! Watching you last weekend I knew there was no quit in you and that you would get your induction fish real soon. 3 legals in 2 weekends is an awesome accomplishment and that 31" kicker is a beauty. Congratulations and welcome to the brotherhood brotha!


Raney

[Which Way Out]

I really like this part of the story.

I make a couple casts & then I decide to look behind me as I felt a eerie presence....it was Arthur (Wingnut) with his arms crossed with his rod observing me much like a Jedi instructor would. Sweet, Obi 1 is on the beach!

He has the force no doubt. You now know the presence he has. Trust me so do the fish.
Welcome to SWAT, look forward to meeting you soon.

WWO

[murrieta angler]

Kelly, Welcome to S.W.A.T. Bro !!! :Smile:
If you haven't already figured it out, you will in the near future?!? :Wink:
Love the pics of your son and the grommits with their new LC's...:Big Grin:
Congrats on a beautiful induction fish and I look forwards to sharing the sand with you...:Cool:
God Bless Bro,
Robert
<><

[Jaysuuun]

Kelly welcome to the brotherhood!
That's a nice well deserved induction fish and you slammed it on my favorite pattern!
Nice job on getting your son on his first spottie!
Hope to see you on the sand sometime.

Jason

[remington]

Truly a great read Kelly. Congrats on a fine day of fishing with Arthur. He is definitely a class act and showed it in many ways with you today. I got the text from him as soon as he got to his car. Props on the release too brotha. It's also great to see your son smiling while holding that spottie. My kids always make me smile in such a special way when I get the opportunity to fish with them. Enjoy these times NOW because when you son discovers the "opposite" sex.....It will be a tug of war from that point on out...LOL

Tight lines to you sir....always!

Mike aka Lt. Bones

Thank you Mike! Just watching Dakota's face light up after the entire crowd in the harbor started cheering him on was priceless. We probably had close to 50 people in our area & he was the only one to catch a fish, it was pretty cool! Your advice is spot on & I will cherish each moment as long as I can as he already has little girlfriends chasing him..lol

Kelly


God I woulda loved to have been there to see it!!! It took a little longer than we first thought but you got "the one". Couldn't be any happier for you brotha! I'll get those picts to you ASAP. I took a detour on the way home and stopped for a sundowner...gonna cost me a hotel for the night and a trip to the local amusement park tomorrow. :LOL: All good cuz I can sleep with a smile on my face that you completed your task!

Congrats big time!!!
Don

Brother, you know I wanted you to be there, but family comes first & you were there in spirit! Thank you for everything my friend, your guidance has been invaluable & I will never forget that. I think dragging this (challenge) out & having the opportunity to fish new spots was the way it was meant to be. I was blessed to fish with you again & the opportunity to fish with the master (Arthur) & to catch my induction fish with him present will be a memory I will never ever forget. This was God's plan & I wouldn't have it any other way...blessed!

Kelly


Sweet halibut!!. Thanks for the fantastic read and congrats on your induction fish. Cheers!! :Applause:

Thank you basshole1, I am still over the moon right now....love it!

Kelly


K-dub!!!

First, congrats!!! That's a nice induction fish! I think last time someone caught a halibut induction fish was over a year ago (Daniel?).

What better mentors to have guide you this weekend than the Colonel and The Commander. I am so happy for you! Just when you think the session is over, it's not! Great last minute play. That was simply clutch!

You have had a string of continues success both on and off the surf. I praying that it continues. Congrats also on the new job.

Lastly, thanks for not forgetting about lil ole me and including me in the report! I hope that I can continue to support your addiction.

Ken

I wouldn't leave you out brother & I hope you know that. We have shared many blessed excursions & I am looking forward to the next one my friend! You have been a huge part of my success & your generosity has no bonds, thank you very much Ken! Good luck with the studying & let me know when you need a study break, halibut are biting!!!!

Kelly


Great to have you finally be "officially" in our special group! My fav part of these is watching the faces of new members releasing their great catches back. Its like a graduation to
the next phase of your angling life, to truly appreciate all the gifts we receive in our exploits, to know you have accomplished something many others are yet striving for. My wish is
for this to happen at our Hunting giants event, and to share it with the whole FNN family. i see the fire in your eyes, continue to look and learn about our great fishery here. Mikey

Thank you Mikey for the kind words. I try to learn something new every time I fish. The fact that I have been blessed to fish with some of the very best anglers on this coast is a pure gift. I now can call them my friends & I have so many more brothers I've yet to meet. I can't wait to continue to learn & share the sand with my new S.W.A.T. brothers.

Kelly


Well Kelly .... you finally did it!

"Congratulations" on all of life's blessings and the competition of your S.W.A.T. challenge by beaching this fine 31" induction Hali and a good job on it's CPR Sir! :Thumbs Up: WTG!! You are strengthening your Karma and I'm certain that Poseidon has more rewards in store for you in the near future!

You had me right there with yourself, Don and Arthur as I read your excellent; blow-by-blow, session report Kelly, a.k.a. S.W.A.T. Brotha Kelly!

Also ..... "Welcome" ... to the S.W.A.T. 30"+ Hali club!
If bowling was like fishing .... I'd say you threw a .... STRIKE! ... here today! :Thumbs Up:

Thanx for the fish report w/ pic's! :Cool:

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

Thank you Dan. You know you were the very 1st S.W.A.T. brother I had the pleasure to meet. I approached you in the parking lot & you were probably wondering, who is this guy? Lol. You took the time out to answer my questions on the Lucky Craft & I will never forget that kind gesture! I was then allowed to share in the fun with you, Don (bachiboy) & Ken (skunked4life). That was a very special day as I got to watch you all lay the wood to the big halibut while I was only catching shorts. Lol. I watched & learned from the best that day. I look forward to fishing with you again very soon my friend!


Awesome, awesome, awesome...........A big CONGRATS to you Sir, well done.............ain't it cool, the milestone memories created with these outstanding folks called SWAT?! I bet there will be many more to come, welcome aboard.

Great write up my friend, thx for taking us along for the ride...........

Some of the best people I've had the pleasure to ever meet. Thank you brother & I look forward to sharing the sand with you!

Kelly


WTG Kelly!!! Watching you last weekend I knew there was no quit in you and that you would get your induction fish real soon. 3 legals in 2 weekends is an awesome accomplishment and that 31" kicker is a beauty. Congratulations and welcome to the brotherhood brotha!


Raney

Thank you very much Raney! It was great to fish with you again & I hope we can get back after it real soon. I still want to get payback down at that spot, I want my LC back!!! Lol

Kelly


I really like this part of the story.

I make a couple casts & then I decide to look behind me as I felt a eerie presence....it was Arthur (Wingnut) with his arms crossed with his rod observing me much like a Jedi instructor would. Sweet, Obi 1 is on the beach!

He has the force no doubt. You now know the presence he has. Trust me so do the fish.
Welcome to SWAT, look forward to meeting you soon.

WWO

He is the Jedi Master, the force is strong in that one. Thank you very much WWO, I look forward to meeting you brother!


Kelly, Welcome to S.W.A.T. Bro !!! :Smile:
If you haven't already figured it out, you will in the near future?!? :Wink:
Love the pics of your son and the grommits with their new LC's...:Big Grin:
Congrats on a beautiful induction fish and I look forwards to sharing the sand with you...:Cool:
God Bless Bro,
Robert
<><

Thank you Robert. It's all about the grommets, the look on their faces after Arthur gifted them both the LC's was priceless. I'm blessed to have been in the presence of such greatness & generosity. I plan on paying it forward just like the master. So many great learning experiences in just one morning of fishing, it was a truly a special day. Can't wait to share the sand with you brother!

Kelly


Kelly welcome to the brotherhood!
That's a nice well deserved induction fish and you slammed it on my favorite pattern!
Nice job on getting your son on his first spottie!
Hope to see you on the sand sometime.

Jason

Thank you Jason! My son's birthday was yesterday, so that spottie was a early birthday present. The kid is hooked & I love it!!!!
I look forward to fishing with you brother.

Kelly

[dlmoo312]

Way to go out there Kelly!
Congratulations on a beautiful induction fish and welcome to the brotherhood :Big Grin:
That was a fun read with a great ending!
From the picture it looks like your kid caught that spottie with his bare hands lol
Hope to see you on the sand sometime soon!


-Daniel

[remington]

Way to go out there Kelly!
Congratulations on a beautiful induction fish and welcome to the brotherhood :Big Grin:
That was a fun read with a great ending!
From the picture it looks like your kid caught that spottie with his bare hands lol
Hope to see you on the sand sometime soon!


-Daniel

Thank you Daniel & I look forward to sharing the sand with you too! My son caught that spottie off the sandbar inside of Dana Point harbor. Fishing in waste deep water was probably not the most ideal 1st time outing for him as he kept lowering his setup into the salt. I'm holding the stick outside of the picture & my wife took the photo from the boat. He now knows dunking reels into saltwater is a big no-no! lol The only guy I know that can get away with that is the Danimal. Those fancy reels of his are built like tanks!

Kelly

[fishinone]

Congrats on the nice hali Kelly. That's a nice one there!

[tomar19]

Congrats and great write up! You definitely had the mojo in your favor.

[bloox8]

That is a very nice induction fish! Lots would kill to land a 30" from the surf - me included. Congratulations! :Not Worthy:

You ain't jokin about Arthur. Theres something about that guy...and fish love it!

Looking forward to meeting you at HG :Big Grin:

T.N

[Badbeat]

My goodness that's a beautiful looking Flattie.
Congrats bro on your induction into the Elite group of anglers. :Applause:
You are the envy of many, including me. :Envious:

[Butch]

Congrats also on releasing her to have babies! Being she was so long it was a noble decision indeed. Makes me feel good inside! Thanks.

[jerryG]

Awesome catch.. To keep or release is solely your decision to make but I gotta say I like the fact that you chose to release that fish.. There's nothing wrong with keeping a fish but every time that fish spawns we will all stand to benefit from the choice you have made. Congratulations and welcome to the team.. I look forward to meeting/ fishing with you hopefully I can make it out sometime sooner than later..

JerryG

[bobabocker]

Congrats on the amazing catch! Must've felt like a million dollars to see that fish you've been waiting for!

[Wingnut]

Mission accomplished! :Big Grin:
You were so determined that morning, I could see it in your eyes. :Death2Above:
I honestly didn't think that you were on a Halibut... it didn't fight like one at all. :Wink:
I'm glad you took your time until we confirmed what it was. At one point, I saw two simultaneous splash, a telltale sign of the dorsal and tail fin flopping, much like a Leopard Shark or Shovelnose. I was kinda shocked when I saw the head and mouth of that Flatty for the first time... :Shocked:
Everything fell into place that morning and it was meant to be. I was glad that I was there to share the special moment with you Brother Kelly.
Kudos on the release and I know you will continue to represent the Brotherhood well... :Cool:
Have a fun & Safe 4th of July weekend with your family... I'll be heading North. :Secret: :Wink: :Big Grin:

[Tesserz]

Welcome to S.W.A.T.!!! Congrats on a beast of an induction fish. :Razz: I'm jealous... I still haven't joined the 30" club. :Rolls Eyes: Anyway, WTG, we hope to see you on the sand sometime.