Hello fellow fisherman. Just started on my pack of sardines. Went out this mourning 5 am grey period. Water was warm and the drop off was at the edge of the surf. Started fishing for about 20 minutes with no bite and dwindling spirits. just as I thought to my self , what am I doing out here I should be sleeping. BOOM!!!! my freshwater daiwa bass rod with 8 lb suffix mono starts to get tighter and tighter . I am thinking man this kelp must be in just the right current. I give it another little tug and it tugs back hard! I thought my reel was going to explode. The battle between man and beast begins....with me the victor . I ended up landing a beautiful 38 inch leopard. And then realized I have no camera .=( Finally I got to see my mystery surf monster. After examining the magnificent specimen I thanked him for the fun time and gently released him back into his home. What a great way to start the mourning. Happy fishing everyone.