NorthWest Kayak Anglers
Regional Discussions => Alaska Kayak Fishing => Topic started by: akfishergal on April 24, 2012, 09:33:54 AM
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There's a good tide at the end of this week, so if conditions hold I'm going to launch the Revo from Deep Creek in search of halibut. I'm tagging along with some pals who will be rowing a dory and providing some support in the unlikely event I actually catch a fish. Current plan is to depart Anchorage Thursday pm, fish Friday and Saturday and return late Saturday or Sunday am.
Anybody else planning to target halibut this week?
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going to go out of homer that weekend if the weather holds up
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Regardless of the results, I wanna hear the story when you get back!
-Spot-
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Unlikely to make those dates. Darn. The dory folks are going to look at you in envy I think! Unless you plan on just fishing a few hours, anchoring vs not anchoring may make support for either parties.
Let us know how it goes!
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"rowing a dory"? Those guys are studs. Good luck to all. Load 'em up.
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I can't make it this weekend either~ :-[. Keep whiskey gulch in mind as a launch.
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The studly rowers are very skeptical about the whole kayak thing. Kind of like I was a skeptic about the whole "rowing for halibut" thing before I saw it done. Frankly, I'm more nervous about driving the Volvo down the beach.
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The studly rowers are very skeptical about the whole kayak thing. Kind of like I was a skeptic about the whole "rowing for halibut" thing before I saw it done. Frankly, I'm more nervous about driving the Volvo down the beach.
Having just recently driven the beach I would be nervous driving the Volvo on it too. That's what would be nice about whiskey is you don't have to drive the beach.
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Care for a kayaking companion? I'm free....well pretty much all summer. And I've got beach worthy wheels.
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PM coming your way, Kenai_Guy. If you're available Friday, we could target Kings (as the rowers seem to have these things called jobs that seem to keep them unavailable for most of the conventional work week...) I'm wary of pursuing halibut solo.
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PM coming your way, Kenai_Guy. If you're available Friday, we could target Kings (as the rowers seem to have these things called jobs that seem to keep them unavailable for most of the conventional work week...) I'm wary of pursuing halibut solo.
Well you should be prepared. The halibut will strike trolled bait. The good news...I guess, is that 9 out 10 halibut you are likely to catch will be under 30 pounds. So your king landing equipment will suffice. It'd be tough to toss one back at 20 bucks a pound for fresh halibut. A 30 pounder at should yield 12lbs or so of fillets. 240 bucks! Lol.
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Strictly speaking, what qualifies as a "sleigh ride" in this new addiction of kayak fishing?
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Oh, the story that is soon to show up......
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Did you get out today? Forecast was looking nasty.
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We didn't go out today, too tired out by yesterday's exploits. Kenai_guy and I had quite the adventure out of Deep Creek, though. When we launched around 4:30, the skies were clear, the seas were gentle with a 2 ft. swell, the wind was less than 10 kts. We pointed the bows toward Illiamna looming from the opposite side of the Inlet and peddled out toward adventure. We found it.
Kenai_guy has some video that he'll try to post, to offer veracity to this tale. Let me say up front -- the fishing wasn't red hot. I only had one bite. But oh, baby, what a bite. I'd been trolling cut plug herring behind a green and silver flasher, with an 8 oz banana weight. Hoping for a King. I hadn't had any action for about 3 hours. I reeled up on last time to check my bait, make sure it was rolling. Everything looked fine, so I sent it back down through four color changes on my line. Didn't have it down five minutes when the familiar pulls of a halibut bite were telegraphed back up the line. I waited, then set the hook hard --- and line started just screaming off my reel.
Here's where I made a critical error -- maybe the first of many I suppose. I'll leave that to the experts to point out. But my mistake was that I set the drag pretty fast to slow that fish. I didn't know how big the fish was, but I wanted to start to get a handle on it. What I failed to realize was that the fish had turned and was swimming fast against the current and directly behind me in the opposite direction than I was pointed. Line was still screaming off the reel, and it was everything I could do to hold onto the rod. I was twisted at the waist pointing the rod in the direction of the fish, occasionally getting the kayak turned perpendicular to the fish. But mostly, it just towed me backwards showing me who was boss.
The first five minutes or so of this was exhilarating. Then I noticed that Kenai_Guy was getting smaller and peddling like mad to keep within range, and I began to understand just how fast I was going. And while that fish was heading in the direction we'd eventually want to go, I figured it was about time for us to part company. So I pretty much pointed my rod tip straight at the fish, and thought he'd break it off. He just picked up more speed. I hung on for the ride.
Against the current. Going backward. Throwing off a considerable wake from the crazy speed of it.
Luckily, after about five more minutes of this my new hero, Kenai_Guy who had been peddling like Lance Armstrong caught up. I asked him to grab onto my boat. I needed to cut the line to end the ride. He grabbed the boat, and the additional drag was just the thing. A few moments later, the monster broke off. I think it was about twenty minutes later when my heart rate returned to normal.
So that counts as my first encounter with a big fish from the kayak. And I thought those rockfish last season were a thrill? Oh my. For the record, all of my knots held -- the line broke and the point of the leading hook on the 40# mono leader I'd bought because it was already rigged up for two hooks to troll herring. All that was missing were the hooks and the herring.
So that's the part of the adventure we could call Close Encounters of the Fish Kind. We still had about 2.5 hours peddling to get back to beach, and then there were the 2.5 hours to get to the truck, and then the 2 hours to get the truck loaded and off the beach, and ... well, you get the idea.
I'll add more in a bit, if only to extoll the virtues Kenai_guy who has a knack for making smart choices and putting his formidable shoulder to the wheel as many times as necessary. I knew you'd want the fish report above all else.
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Sounds like a kick. Wish I could have seen the cluster. Did you get your gps speed?
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I was peddling along about 3.5-4 mph to keep up. It was quite the sight...a kayak getting towed backwards, then sideways, then backwards, and sideways again. Too bad we didn't see the fish.
At least we were only 6.58 miles from the truck after that. Too windy to make any headway, so we had to beach and walk to avoid yaking after dark. Then the hike, then Baja truck racing to get to the yaks, then strategic driving to avoid getting stuck, then getting stuck 20ft from the parking lot, then .....thank God for campers who like to booze it up that pulled us out, then the wonderfully intelligent bar crowd at the only 24 hr restaurant, and finally a shower and home. All in all, a 12 hour adventure that started at 4 pm.
Let's just say FUN, wasn't the only word with FU in it I said a few times. I did, however, have a good time with AKfishergal. Just hope our next excursion is more fishing & less hiking, driving, hauling, and cursing. It is nice to know that there are women out there that actually enjoy "adventure"
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That's sounds fricken awesome and I'm sorry I missed it! Maybe she hooked into that same thing that broke you off last weekend kenai guy!
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Holy cow. I could never cut my line...and of course that is why my life expectancy is likely a decade or two less than the more intelligent folks!
Awesome story. Hope the weather holds for next weekend!!!!
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What a story :) first of all I'm glad you're ok, secondly, it takes some skill to hold on to that rod while being towed backwards. You get a standing ovation from me.
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Wow! What a fishing trip. Any idea how far you guys were off from shore?
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I would say at least 1-1.5 miles
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I was glad I didn't have to cut the line in the end, but also glad I had my knife handy on my PFD just in case. I don't know why, but it just didn't occur to me to pivot 180 degrees in the cockpit to fight the fish. I think I could have gained on him some if I wasn't twisted around like I was. Maybe then we could have gotten a look at him. I sure would have liked some visual confirmation that it was as big as it was strong. Never could have landed it though -- no gaff, no harpoon, no gun.
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Wow.........sounds like one hell of a ride.
Hopefully next time you'll be able to get turned so you will have the advantage over the fish.Going backwards leaves you feeling kinda out of control,as you found out.But still,an exhilerating ride.
Last year,at the Anchor Point Calcutta,when Greta caught her king salmon,she got towed around for quite a while too.Amazing the power a fish can demonstrate.Look for the video on Rudy's blogs.
Thanks for an outstanding reoprt.Next time I hope the advantage will be yours.
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Alright where is the video?!
Also was kenai lake thawed out yet? I want to get on it as soon as the ice goes out. Should be the best time of year right now to get a lake trout.
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Kenai Lake is thawed from the bridge southward, but still covered with ice north of the bridge. The ice is so thin that it looks Kenai tourquoise -- so I think it could be free this week.
I'm waiting on that vid too -- hope Kenai Guy can get it posted without much difficulty.
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Thanks for the update. Last weekend it looked like that too. Rotten green ice an the edges were open. I thought for sure it would be thawed by now. You know everyone says how thin the ice is on that lake in the winter but im not believing it.
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Wow.........sounds like one hell of a ride.
Hopefully next time you'll be able to get turned so you will have the advantage over the fish.Going backwards leaves you feeling kinda out of control,as you found out.But still,an exhilerating ride.
Last year,at the Anchor Point Calcutta,when Greta caught her king salmon,she got towed around for quite a while too.Amazing the power a fish can demonstrate.Look for the video on Rudy's blogs.
Thanks for an outstanding reoprt.Next time I hope the advantage will be yours.
I've learned a lot from this board. Things like dragging your feet( hard with an outback), using rudder to stay 90deg of a fish, raft up to another Yak, etc.
The fish Greta caught was only 20 pounds and it towed her around for a while. Video I think is may 14 last year.
Ultimately you got to be safe. But what an Adventure!!! Two trips and two potential monsters! Too cool!!!
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All I can say is Wow! Great story!
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OK. Up until I read this, my only fears on the salt were the Landlord, getting pooped on by the seabirds (one almost got me last time, it hit the front deck), and getting skunked and returning to the missus without her fresh fish. In fact, I would probably be better off being eaten by a shark then spending the money to go and not come back with some lingcod. Now, I am kind of scared of inadvertently hooking into a big halibut.
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While I have never hooked a serious monster I have caught halibut up to 50 pounds and gotten snagged in heavy current, which is almost as scary! My advice is try not to let the rod get behind you. Hold your rod forward regardless of which direction the fish is going. Use your core to twist the boat and make the fish pull you around. This is the exact opposite of PB fishing where you follow the fish. A stiff enough rod and holding firm will eventually turn your boat.
Good luck on landing the monster next time!
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Another week or two and it should be a real possibility to hook and catch one......I'm ready for some more excitement on the water.
I'll try and post the video this week. I'm still without Internet at the new casa, so I guess I'll have to go to macdonalds and use the wifi.' just been using the phone.
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More excitement is good, Kenai_Guy. I'm right behind you. But there's some additional gear I want to add to my set up before getting too much farther along. I think I'll need to add at least one rod holder. Then, of course, I've got to straighten that bent fin... And I wouldn't mind lifting some weights to improve my upper body strength. I can't believe how much I'm bruised from bracing the rod butt on that single fish.
Lots to think about and do. Sure was fun. The first 6 hours I'm holding onto, the last half is starting to fade from view. You sure are quiet when you swear. Didn't hear a peep. No need to be gentlemanly around me, y'know. Thanks so much for your hospitality!
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While I have never hooked a serious monster I have caught halibut up to 50 pounds and gotten snagged in heavy current, which is almost as scary! My advice is try not to let the rod get behind you. Hold your rod forward regardless of which direction the fish is going. Use your core to twist the boat and make the fish pull you around. This is the exact opposite of PB fishing where you follow the fish. A stiff enough rod and holding firm will eventually turn your boat.
Good luck on landing the monster next time!
+1
Sounds exciting though. Can't wait for the vid.
-Allen
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My advice is try not to let the rod get behind you. Hold your rod forward regardless of which direction the fish is going. Use your core to twist the boat and make the fish pull you around. This is the exact opposite of PB fishing where you follow the fish. A stiff enough rod and holding firm will eventually turn your boat.
I'm learning all the time. This is a lesson I hope I have reason to test soon. (Actually would be happy to take on the next big fish in the conventional direction.) I can see using core to twist the boat. Pilates helps me there. While doing that, would you be bracing your feet against the indents next to the Mirage drive scupper -- or would you keep applying opposite pressure by peddling?
Thanks for any advice -- and particularly after that vid is posted, as I'm sure you'll see me doing all sorts of questionable things.
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Great reports, keep em coming!
I look forward to seeing lots of awesome fish pics from the AK folks
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Bill pointed out a great fundamental of kayak fishing. Specifically for Hobies I suggest pulling the rudder up soon after getting a big fish on. It helps to let the yak swing around when you're pulling the fish towards the bow. I try not to pedal with a fish on since it adds too many things going on at once and really our reaction time is incredibly slow compared to the fish's.
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Well.........Here it is (hopefully). The video is a little shaky, but I was using my new Kodak Playsport (handheld), while peddling like crazy to keep up.
Deep Creek, AK Slegh Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKamlqQBj6w#ws)
Hopefully this works... If not let me know, along with how to fix it.
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HOLY COW! I wanna fish really really bad now. Im still saying awesome job to both you two even though the fish was not boated. That takes some serious brass to want to hang on to a fish that size in the inlet!
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Wow, that was quite an adventure all around. Thanks for sharing, you two, and more tight lines in the near future!
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I could watch this a hundred times and not get tired of it. Let's do it again!
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Wow! A reverse slayride!!!
-Allen
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That was pretty sweet!
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Wow! Maybe they have submarines out there;)....wonder just how big it was.
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What a ride. That had to be one big hali'. Looks like you guy's were having fun.
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Great video! Looks like a wild ride.
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Whoa! I feel an Alaskan Rondi somewhere in the future...
True
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Now that was fun to watch.
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You tha Man, girl! Great story, well told. They make 'em strong in AK. Hope we get to fish with you some time. You coming to ORC?
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ORC would be a ball. I'd love to fish with some more experienced, if not professional, yak fishermen. But it's awfully hard to leave Alaska in the summertime. We wait SO long for the warm days, endless sun and big fish to return.
I think maybe you guys should organize a trip north instead... C'mon IslandHoppa. You're retired, aren't you? No time like the present. ;)
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Awesome slayride!
It looked to me in the video that your front hatch wasn't bungied closed, am I correct?
Had you been flipped that would have been an issue real quick. ::)
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I can't tell from the video, but if the hatch wasn't bungied then it was unfixed the entire time we were out. I didn't get into that hatch at all during the time we were afloat. *Gulp* Very good point, very well taken. Maybe 'til I dampen down the excitement factor, I need to use a pre-launch checklist to keep me focused.