The weather shaped up real nice to the point I figured I had to try the run to the 14 for the deep rockfish. Almost out of the paisans from last week already, so already due for a refill. Had a dentist appt at 1500, so factoring in the sunrise launch, I knew I would only have time for about 3 hours of fishing, but that's been enough for rockfish limits lately when it's on.
Got to the ramp with the parking lot lights still on, for once.
2 hour run to the bank. Morning wind blew against the W swell, but it cleaned up after an hour or so.
Used the big ol' Avet EX30 this day with 50# braid and leader, and a 24oz weight. Comfy T-handle. Started in 1050'. The spot was insta-bit last time, but didn't get a peck. Degrading to reel all the way back up without a bite...
On to 950'. This was where I loaded up in December on chameleons. Nothing. Felt the clock ticking.
Tried a new spot in 550'. Didn't take long to get bit there!
Steady pick on the specks, including a nicer 2lber.
Descended this rosy along with a small chili that came up right after. Started getting into the junk.
Haven't seen a greenstripe in a very long time.
It was 10am with 5 fish in the bag and I was feeling like just keeping whatever came up. Got another small chili and bagged it. Then snagged bottom and lost my rig. Last 24oz weight. Had my 30# rig ready with fresh loops so I headed to the high spot around 350' and tried it for 15 minutes with 16oz. Lots of marks and no bites until the very last minute when I caught this poor rosy that went in the bag.
Left at 10:50. Glassy conditions to start and got into white caps at the last stretch, glad I timed it that way. Also saw a whale as I was getting back on the coastal shelf, but not sure on the ID. Only came up once. Looked like we were on a collision course so I slowed down, then it never came back up. Brown(!) and very smooth (unlike humps or greys), 30-40' length. Not used to brown whales. Any guesses? Cool to see. Maybe a minke, or a fin. I think I saw one from afar last week as well, about 5 miles away from this and similarly near the coastal shelf. Loving the whale action so far this year. Though I'm sure the minute I bring Alicia out for it they will be gone to Alaska.
Not the limit I wanted, but it was a nice day and I did see some variety along with a whale, so can't complain.
Well turns out the appointment is next week…should have stayed out. Even got a text from the dentist office on the water to remind me it’s next week and I saw the sender and assumed it was a day-of reminder.
