La Jolla YT 6/13/04

[VAQUERO]

Hit the water early to look for some WSB. Got to the spot at 5:30 A.M. and hit the water. Strong current with limited vis, about 10-15'. As usual a lot of bait in the water. Big schools of greenback mackerel mixed in with dines. Working the edge of the line I caught a glimpse of a big fish. Could barely make it out as it was at the edge of vis. I was hovering around 15' and preparing to take my shot as I closed the distance behind a kelp stringer. As I came around the other side I could still hardly make it out but could tell this thing was huge. I was thinking don't blow this! Got to within about 18' and figured now or never, shoot where you think it is. Just then it veered toward me and got bigger and bigger. The shape did not look right for WSB, too stubby. Got a better look at it and watched what must have been at least a 100# BSB cruise by. Pretty cool! Sure am glad I waited, that would not have been good. After another 45 minutes of diving and seeing schools of barricuda breeze by, a decent YT came trailing after them. Got a good look at it and got my shot off. Instantly disappeared into the murk as I felt the float line tear off the gun and pull through my hands. Battled him for a while on the surface before it tangled deep in the kelp. Took me 45 minutes to cut it out. Pushed me near my limits with over 10 dives at 50+'. I'm tired, but it was great. Now where is that WSB I keep looking for?

[VAQUERO]

Pic 1

[VAQUERO]

Pic 2

[biggsy]

Educate me a little. Why would it have been bad to shoot the 100# BSB (black sea bass?). My guess is a closer shot would have been better, but if not, is it not a good fish to go after?

Again, pardon my ignorance.

thanks!

Great report...I went to HS near LaJolla for a year and that is a great area. Water was always so cold

Nice YT...great pics!

[VAQUERO]

Endangered/Protected Species!!!!!

[BLUEGILL]

Good catch VAQUERO, still amazing having those BSB come near though.

Bigsy check out the post on OChunter.com titled San Quintin, sweet story to follow it as well. South of the border in good ole' Mexico, you are able to hunt the black seabass.
What a rush that must be!
Again Nice yellowtail !

[JustAddWater]

The BSB are really enjoying their status on the protected list. I came to nearly an arm length's distance from two the last time I was diving the the Channel Islands. It's good to to see their numbers improving. Nice pictures of the yellowtail. How are you preparing the steaks/filets?

[VAQUERO]

1) Hamachi

2) Grilled Fillet

3) Ceviche

4) Big Eye IPA

[OceanSwimmer]

Nice Yellowtail, Vaquero! How was the viz?

[Nate Baker]

Nice fish. Nothing like fresh yt. Congratulations.

[Stodelle]

Yo Vaquero. I see you plugging the Ballast Point. Do you brew or just enjoy? Let me know as I am a brewer. Unfortunately, here in Hawaii the only decent beer we get is what we make. I'm dying for some Black Marlin, Big Eye, or even some Stone Arrogant Bastard.........those are about the only things I miss in California.

[VAQUERO]

I am addicted to IPA's. The Hoppier, the better. Southern California used to suck for good beer when I was in college. All the good stuff was up north in the Bay Area and Oregon. Now I have some of the best beer in the U.S. right here in San Diego. It's still a toss up between Ballast Point Big Eye and Stone Ruination. I live closer to Ballast Point and know a lot of the guys down there, so I claim them as my brewery. The beer is the secret part of my strict training routine that I follow to enhance my diving!

[livingwater]

Dove the area on 6/14, wsb are in, but they are deep, 30-40', three fish taken for three divers, 20-30lbs fish.

[Hamrrhed]

Nice fish!

[Bahiano]

Gooood! I remember last time I caught one of those on a line. They are great to fight with.