Sunset Bay 9/6

Today I got up early and made the quick drive from Roseburg to Charleston. I couldn't pass up the sun shine and incredibly calm waters. I took the mother of my children out for her first kayak fishing adventure and let me tell you it was quite the experience! We launched around 8 o clock. I made her follow me around the bay trying different spots with no success. I just wanted her to get a little comfortable before we headed down toward Simpson reef! Before we headed out of the bay we were greeted by 4 large sea lions! Hadn't ever been that close and I was a little uneasy at the way they were circling us. She was a little freaked out, but I told her not to worry lol they were just curious!

We paddled out and south for a ways fishing different spots and still no success! I was getting a little frustrated but wouldn't let it spoil my day. It was way to clam and nice out not to have a good time! As we were fishing we were once again greeted and circled by more sea lions! Two this time and it seemed everywhere I looked there were sea lions! Way to close for comfort! As we got further down south and closer to the reef we ran into Steve Hatler! What a nice surprise to see a fimilar face! He was just loading up a nice ling! We chatted for a second and went our separate ways!

Went back to fishing with more sea lions jumping all around and once again getting to close for comfort! At this point I was monitoring channel 69 on my radio. Someone came over the air and said " there is a huge fucking shark circling my boat!" It got my attention and I wasn't sure if it was the power boats just west of Simpson reef or the salmon fishermen closer to the bay! I didn't ask! Mostly out of fear it was closer than I wanted it to be! Lol I went back to fishing. Not five minutes after the radio call I heard a massive splash right behind me!!!!!!!! I got soaked! As this was going on I froze and screamed lol "what the fuck was that!" My heart racing I looked down just to see a mass swim under my yak and what I thought was a fin! Turns out it was a damn sea lion!!! Totally freaked out by this time and the newbie I was dragging along! She was scared but couldn't control herself with laughing and mocking my scream! Haha we would be singing a different story if she almost got eaten by a sea lion!

After that we started to head back! With no fish and I am going to blame it on all the mammals in the water lol! But it didn't stop Steve from catching fish! So I thought I would try some more! I dropped down a 2oz silver lancer jig and landed a nice black rock. 17 inches I hadn't ever caught one thAt big! I was stoked. I reached down pulled it into my lap! I heard a snort and splash 10 yards to my right! I was eye to eye with another sea lion and swimming my way!!! Panicked! I yelled at it like I was yelling at a toddler "no no stop!" It seemed to work! My fishing partner was so freaked out at this time she decided to call it a day. I quickly agreed and we headed back..

On the way back I ran into Steve again who was catching more fish of course! lol must have been his day! He just hooked into a cabbie and asked if I wanted it! I wasn't going to pass up a free legal fish so I said thanks. I don't know if the sea lions were hassling him as much as they were us! After getting the free fish we headed back to sunset and loaded up!

It was something to remember and really makes you feel so little and helpless when you come across something like a grunting sea lion or getting splashed! All in all I was thankful for a beautiful day on the water! Thanks again Steve!

Sounds like an exciting day.  Thanks for sharing the fun!

-Mark-

Is that many mammals the norm?

Last time that I was down at SR the sealions where really getting bold almost to the point of mega dangerous harassment. I think they are figuring out how to get a easy meal. As for the shark she is a resident shark been there for about 7yrs., guess she just had her babies a few weeks ago. We surf sometimes right below the lookout north side, you don't worry about the sharks it's the damn freaking sealions that you worry more about!

Is that many mammals the norm?

I haven't been doing this very long, and every time I go out I see a few seals or sea lions! Usually laying on the rocks or they pop up and then disappear. These ones wouldn't go away.

Ive lived in Charleston for 25 years, and fished Simpson reef regularly for the last few years. The sea lions are always there. Simpson is a big breeding ground (Rookery) for sea lions. They get curious sometimes, but I have never heard of one actually getting aggressive, other than trying to steal fish. I get more scared when I Don't see any Sea lions in the water, or they are acting scared and staying near the rocks. That gets me thinking there is "something else" in the water that they are afraid of.

Apparently it is not illegal to use a wrist rocket type slingshot to deter them. I've only contemplated this. Would like to hear if it's effective.  I'm worried it might make them attack.

I've had many fur bags get too close to me while fishing both ocean and river, and when I give the side of the yak a few good thumps with my bonk stick, they seem to get the idea and leave pretty quick. YMMV

I've had many fur bags get too close to me while fishing both ocean and river, and when I give the side of the yak a few good thumps with my bonk stick, they seem to get the idea and leave pretty quick. YMMV

I do that also sometimes. I also do it for whales when they are getting close, just to make sure they are aware of me.

I will give it a try next time! lol

Apparently it is not illegal to use a wrist rocket type slingshot to deter them. I've only contemplated this. Would like to hear if it's effective.  I'm worried it might make them attack.

I bought one this year but have yet to bust it out. Two years ago on the Siletz I saw a homeowner shooting them with a BB gun. I guess they don't like that either.