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Big Waves, Big Challenge? Surf Fishing a Rough Day for Big Rewards! (Theory & Tips)

Enjoyed fishing so much today! San Luis Obispo. 1:30-5:30pm. With Charlie Cote and Eric Brecheen. Beautiful weather and sunset. No wind. Surf-forecast predicted 500-300 wave energy but when we arrived it was much bigger than that. It was a little too big all day, then finally mellowed out in the evening. Eric had to leave before us so he didn’t make it down the beach with us. I walked further than I intended to. I combed miles of beach in one direction with a perch bait, but only got one tap. The waves were breaking really far out, and it dawned on me that I could not recall a single good day of good perch fishing when big waves were crashin that far out. But I found some beautiful agates, and saw dolphins playing in the waves. I felt I had walked far enough and it was time to turn around and re-fish the same stretch in reverse. Maybe some nice fish will move up the beach closer to high tide. I decided to give up on the perch bait and take my chances at some big game since surf was high. Maybe a striped bass or big perch would come through. Tied on the Battlestar 115, Green Sardine and started combing my way back. The surf was chasing me up and down the beach as I waded to whip my cast out as far as I could. After about 40 minutes BAMB! Suddenly my rod is bent over and jerking hard! Huge head shakes, distinctly a perch, but so much power! Then… my rod relaxed and I felt my Jerkbait wobbling again. My heart sunk into my chest and I started throwing a mini tantrum. I’m guessing it would have been my biggest perch of the year so far, but it came off half way in. Heart breaker! Completely disgruntled to lose such a big fish after 3 hours of no bites, I channeled my energy into the pursuit. It drove me to keep casting, even harder. Maybe 15 minutes later, SHAKE! SHAKE! SHAKE! So very heavy! That distinct fast shake of a perch again. This one feels just as big or bigger. It stops shaking and feels like dead weight, so I figure it might be foul hooks. I can’t even budge it in the current so I run down and up the beach, chasing it in the wash. Finally a big wave washes it up on to the sand. The bait was foul hooked in the back. Charlie exclaims “That is a huge perch! That might be the biggest I’ve seen.” It was a really thick female. I decided to release her with the hope that she will make babies for a few more years. After shooting some video I place her back in the water and feel great about it. We got back to casting. Soon after, I look up and Charlie’s rod is bent. He easily lands a beautiful 22” Striped Bass which will be his first for the smoker. After that I landed a 16” Jack Smelt. I thought it was another huge perch but it charged at me, just as Surf Smelt do, and then I saw it. Charlie said that might be the biggest smelt he’s ever seen. The sun was setting and the surf mellowed out. My back muscles felt totally worked but I just couldn’t stop casting. It was so beautiful and so satisfying, and it was about 45 minutes after high tide so I knew magic could happen any second. Maybe a big striper for my third species of the day? No more fish, but I finally walked off filled with contentment, just with the fishing experience. Sometimes it’s just the beauty of the sea and sky, and all the fresh air and exercise that is needed to feel totally pleased. We each caught a beautiful fish after all. Charlie shared a tip. He said he had
Experimented with standing further up the beach to avoid spooking stripers that may be coming into the shore break for sand crabs, so he was not casting out very far, and was fishing the water just on the other side of the lip, maybe 30 or 40 feet from the sand. It makes sense to me. I’d like to go back and try that. It kinda makes hunting stripers more fun if I think I can catch them by being stealthy. We then enjoyed the long walk across the wonderful wild landscape. Long hard walk. The best beaches always are.

VINCE GOES FISHING
Created by Vincent Alexander

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Reblogged 10 months ago from www.youtube.com

Macaronis Resort || 26 January-02 February 2024 || Surf Clinic Week 3

Week 3 of our Surf Coaching Clinic (Jan 26 – Feb 2, 2024) was nothing short of epic!
We were blessed with a proper Greenbush swell, giving our guests the opportunity to surf both Macaronis and Greenbush – a dream come true for the more advanced surfers!
But it wasn’t just about the waves; our coaching sessions, both in and out of the water, were a huge success, leaving our guests super stoked and enthusiastic. 🤙

Stay tuned for more highlights from our amazing surf coaching clinics!
2025 bookings are open, and we still have a few spots available in the last week of our clinic running from 01-08 March! Don’t miss out on the ultimate surf coaching experience in paradise.
📧 Contact us at [email protected].
🌐 More Info: https://www.macaronisresort.com/intermediate-surf-coaching-clinic/

🎥 Video footage: @tygphoto
📽 Video Edit: @tygphoto

Reblogged 10 months ago from www.youtube.com

Surf: Pumping 8-12 foot Swami's

A strong west swell hit the California coast on Sunday, February 18th, 2024. Swami’s in Encinitas was going off with 8-12 foot faces. It was a beautiful day with some talented surfers in the water—such a treat to watch!

Reblogged 10 months ago from www.youtube.com

WAIMEA BAY BIG WAVE SURF SPOT GOES XXL // 20 Minute Sessions by Sundaze California

an extraordinary swell that pounded the North Shore, specifically Waimea Bay, with waves reaching an impressive 35 to 40 feet! Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping video as nature unleashes its power on this iconic surf spot. Surfers, thrill-seekers, and wave enthusiasts, mark your calendars for an unforgettable ride on some of the most massive waves to hit Waimea Bay. Stay tuned for epic footage capturing the raw energy and beauty of this monumental swell!

All footage shot by Austin Jose

Check out our website www.sundazecalifornia.com

Reblogged 10 months ago from www.youtube.com

Very Fun Winter Surf Hits East Coast | Cold Water Surfing

#surfing #surf #surfers #ocean #sea

Reblogged 10 months ago from www.youtube.com