Haven't been the greatest luck in the fishing department, coupled with my recent layoff from a company I loved working for, I just felt like laying low for a bit. But, I did squeeze in some trips, like a trip to Cabo, in-between the personal bumps in the road.
CaboThe outcome of this trip was pretty well documented. We flew out a day after 80% of my company was laid off after failing to get positive data from out clinical trials. Also, we were flying into a tropical storm resulting in 2 days of 20kt winds and thunderstorms which made the water roll and turn brown from runoff. Water stayed brown until the day before we had to fly out. Just awesome
Luckily I brought the surf perch outfit. Was able to get into some decent 6lb test action on reef critters.
Caught a bunch of the ones that look like a type of grunt and kept a few for shark bait for a long rod soak sesh the night prior to departure. I had 3 solid pickups and one of them came tight. Was on for about 30 seconds before my line went limp. Bait came back crushed, probably a ray. I called it after 3 hours. Cabo was what I expected, we booked late so a storm was likely. We had great family time playing some rousing games of Boggle with the grownups and then Battleship and War with the kids. Swimming in the pool during the rain and winds was pretty cool. Even go to watch the best angler there do his thing...
This was his spot on top of the mast of the "pirate ship" at the pool. Watched him several times eating various fish perched on the mast. I even did nightly gecko hunts with my boys. Geckos are a tough to catch!!
Liberty "full day" tripTried to get in on some of the sometimes great and sometimes not tuna fishing. Picked a Thursday thinking the boat would have plenty of room, but I guess several others that the same. 55 anglers later I caught 2 YFT and a skipjack. All on my little spinning outfit (Penn Spinfisher V 3500) on 15lb line size 2 hook. I managed to stay away from the cluster in the stern. I did lose 4 fish, but was ok with it knowing I was using what was I using.
Pier funBeen stocking up for the grinners and bugs. Mackerel action has been steady and great at the piers. Lots of macks of varying sizes at OB pier. Kept the salemas for bugs.
Bonfire w/old co-workersGot together with some good peeps to do a little fishing and drink beers. It was fun and a little bitter sweet. I had a great crew
We managed a little spoof fin in-between the buzz.
Liberty Station with my boysAlways a blast with my boys. Hoping to get into some bonefish, but the tides weren't right for the time we could go. They managed several round rays, some small spotties, and a toad YFC.
The bonito huntHit the pier again looking for some tasty bonito. Did 2 trips to the same pier. First trip resulted in 3 bonies and 4 lost ones and plenty of big mackerel. 2nd trip, no bonies, but the macks got even bigger. The surf was loaded with sardines too, schools upon schools! Ended up snagging a few jigging for mackerel.
Recent surf seshDid a solo soak after Josh stood me up. Damn, it was cold! I dumped a for sure soupfin. Was on for about 30 seconds after a ripping strike and then nothing. Bonito head missing. Beat the skunk with a sub-legal leo. Did get to try out a sweet tip light. I liked it, will buy some in the near future.
Time to hit the surf and put some sharks on the sand!!
