I heard the bonito were biting and packed up the boat. I would love to catch some big winter bonito, but always make an appearance when I can't get out. There doesn't look to be too many easy boat days this week as the swell is set to be huge, so I packed accordingly. I almost brought the electric gear to hunt for swords, but decided to just old school it instead.
(https://i.imgur.com/Loxf6AD.jpg)
No signs of birds or bait, but the sonar showed a lot of it. Water was dirty from the big King Tides and I went looking for gamefish. As usual, I didn't hook any nor could find the bastards.
I had to resort to plan B if I was going to do any catching, and my numbers on this 360' spot just keep producing!
I have no room in the freezer after this trip...
(https://i.imgur.com/zVfFdtw.jpg)
Assorted cod on every drop...
(https://i.imgur.com/YcNLxvJ.jpg)
The reds were all quality and I only got two nicer ones.
(https://i.imgur.com/FJ8XzRo.jpg)
I caught what i thought was a Boccaccio at first, but not sure. Body seemed wrong and it had colors of a Mexican Rockfish.
(https://i.imgur.com/K6ipvlJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iFVfiz9.jpg)
I haven't seen one of these in a while.
(https://i.imgur.com/VtoDwk8.jpg)
The entire time I'm using the 300 gram bucktail with a 7" strip of tune belly. I get slammed a few times, but never got it to stay on for long, then I hooked it.. WTF!?!?!
The way it was fighting my mind went from a Broomtail Grouper to a shark, then settled with a yellowtail. I was pretty certain at this point since it kept stripping drag the entire time from 360'...
When I saw it, I still didn't register since I was expecting to see a yellowtail and this thing was BIG, FAT, and PINK! Holy sh!t!
A new PB for me!
(https://i.imgur.com/7IMWmf6.jpg)
With quick limits, I decided to continue looking for bonito, but the NW wind kicked up making it pretty wet out there, so I headed back to the barn early.
(https://i.imgur.com/bYI1jXr.jpg)
I get back to the ramp and think I see Kogahead's calling card. I'm really not sure what it was, but I left it alone. I really didn't want to know.
(https://i.imgur.com/aKYkvJu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yEzTeDi.jpg)
Anyway, It was a great last harvest trip of 2023 and I'm good with Rock Cod meat for a while. lol
Good thing I couldn't make it. There wouldn't have been room in your freezer.
Another great bottomfish trip!
I would be willing to agree with you about that being a Mexican.
Really nice sheephead, congrats on the PB. I'd love to see more big goats.
That toy is NASTY jesus hahahahahahahahahahaha
Dang, that goat is a toad. Congrats on your PB, Happy New Year
Yep, happy new year Verne!
Nice 2023 cleanup, that is an awesome Goat for sure. I hope the Fish Gods are good to you in 2024 8)
Surprised you do not recognize your own anal plug