Backbreaking weekend...

Surf fishing, pier fishing, and jetty fishing reports and general discussions about fishing San Diego's surf zone.
Post Reply
Zhao
Pro Angler
Posts: 68
Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:03 pm
Has thanked: 25 times
Been thanked: 77 times

Backbreaking weekend...

Post by Zhao »

Had an afternoon and an early morning session. North county reefs. Mostly used 13 ft rod and 40 lb mainline to cast over the reef edge. #2 and #1/0 circle hooks.

The best fish is always the one that was lost. How true! This morning I felt some smaller fish biting, some were fairly strong. Then Bam! It was like a big rock just hit the rod, and I almost could not hold it. Before I could reach down to get the reel, it was over. It broke the swivel of the "hi" hook, and straightened the "lo" hook, in a (literally) split second. Here is what's left of the rig. I suppose I could have loosened the drag to "soften" the first blow. But to be honest, I don't think I could pull it out anyway. Something way beyond the gear's capability.

This is what's left of the rig:
PXL_20230422_193005926.jpg
OK, now let's get to the fish that I actually pulled up :)

Let's start by rocky regulars: kelpfish, opal eye, and black perch. They have been loyal "skunk scrappers":
PXL_20230422_003445668.jpg
PXL_20230422_141110883.jpg
PXL_20230422_002437845.jpg
PXL_20230422_171346512.jpg
Zhao
Pro Angler
Posts: 68
Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:03 pm
Has thanked: 25 times
Been thanked: 77 times

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by Zhao »

Now let's get to the basses. A small sand bass:
PXL_20230422_004124463.jpg
...and some nicer calicos (forgot to include the measure of the 2nd picture. It was 16 in):
PXL_20230422_001358267.jpg
PXL_20230422_155047251.jpg
Cabbie also came to play:
PXL_20230422_160931699.jpg
My very first black croaker. Never caught this specie before
PXL_20230421_234314754.jpg
Zhao
Pro Angler
Posts: 68
Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:03 pm
Has thanked: 25 times
Been thanked: 77 times

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by Zhao »

Last but definitely not the least, a couple sheeps:
PXL_20230421_232852646.jpg
PXL_20230421_222954315.jpg
Later this morning, my lower back was suddenly "locked up", when I was simply walking. I guess all the pulls this week put a toll to my back, and it is telling me to stop. Aye aye Sir Body, I will put an early end to this week's fishing. Can I please start again next week? ;)
Neuroshima
Extreme Angler
Posts: 212
Joined: Sun Apr 09, 2023 9:45 am
Has thanked: 176 times
Been thanked: 178 times

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by Neuroshima »

Dope! What a session. 8 species, and keepers too. Way to go man.
Eg3210
Angler
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2023 11:05 pm
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 6 times

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by Eg3210 »

Sorry about the back. But as long as it recovers I'd say it's a good trade! Great weekend
sdfriday
Angler
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2023 8:36 pm
Has thanked: 9 times
Been thanked: 12 times

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by sdfriday »

Looks like a hell of a session. Bummer about the back. What do you think the big fish was?
Zhao
Pro Angler
Posts: 68
Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:03 pm
Has thanked: 25 times
Been thanked: 77 times

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by Zhao »

sdfriday wrote: Sun Apr 23, 2023 12:54 pm Looks like a hell of a session. Bummer about the back. What do you think the big fish was?
It was after a lot of small fish nibbling, so I would guess it was something that is preying on them. Maybe sea lion?
fishingisfun
Angler
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Apr 08, 2023 3:01 pm
Has thanked: 8 times
Been thanked: 4 times

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by fishingisfun »

Can I ask where this is? lol
ypfish
Angler
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2023 9:13 pm
Has thanked: 1 time

Re: Backbreaking weekend...

Post by ypfish »

WOW! looks really amazing!
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests