OK, its infanticide, I admit it

[Bill McIntyre]

Today I had the rare treat of going out on someone else's boat. Jim Anderson invited me to come down and go on his Parker, and I jumped at the chance to avoid the hassle of dealing with my own boat. I had tentatively invited Jake Wright to come on my boat, so Jim let me bring him along.

The day was frigging gorgeous, with calm air and seas, and the vis at our first stop turned out to be about perfect for white sea bass, the water temp was 64, so we had high hopes.

I didn't see anything notable for about 45 minutes, and then I was amazed to see a 30 pound yellowtail come by up in the middle of a big kelp bed. I've seen yellowtail come up channels in the kelp before, but I don't recall seeing one so deep in a thick bed. Unfortunately, I took a shot that wasn't so sure, and hit it about an inch from the top. After a few turns in the kelp, it tore off.

I had instant remorse and wished that I had waited. White sea bass never come back after they swim away, but yellowtail often do. I have high hopes that it will recover since the shaft just went though some meat.

After another 10 minutes or so, I got what was probably the number one easiest shot ever on a white sea. It came swimming straight up to me and turned broadside. I put the tip about a foot from its head the strung it on the shooting line. Of course it was a tiny thing, just 22 pounds, but I rationalize that fish that stupid should be removed from the gene pool. Also, while I finally did get one fish last week, it was a late start, so getting one more just to prove to myself that last week wasn't a fluke seemed reasonable.

Since the other guys were seeing a few fish, I went back in to cruise the outside of the bed and see if I could find another yellowtail, but I didn't. However, I did see a black sea bass of about 200 pounds, and a pair of baby black sea bass, maybe 30 to 40 pounds, that came up to examine my Mori tip. I'm just thankful I didn't see an 80 pound white sea bass to test my character.

The fish that the guys saw didn't turn out to have a death wish quite like mine, and Jim had a big tear in the crotch of his suit which was testing his manhood, so we came in early. While I wished that the guys had taken monster fish, it was just a hell of a nice day for me. I didn't have to mess with my boat, the weather and water were just about ideal, and I had a great time with good company.

[blaiz]

One more tick mark to add to the wong hybrid this season!

Nice fish Bill!

[Captn Ron]

Sounds like a great day Bill. Now you're into the old groove. I want to see one of those big yellow tails next.

[abusingelves]

of course it wasn't a fluke!

wouldn't mind a crack at some of those white seabass myself.

they must be awesome fish to see swimming, and i can't even imagine a 200 pound fish!

[Natedogg]

The little one's taste better anyways, right?

[BatRay]

Good on yer, Bill! Glad to see your season has improved

[Pastor]

Originally Posted by Natedogg

The little one's taste better anyways, right?

That's a fact!

[BatRay]

Is there really a taste difference?

[Pastor]

Yeah, I think so. I think the fish has had less time to absorb all the crap that floats in the ocean

[Natedogg]

In texture, for sure! Fish or lobster. Young meat is firmer (no pun intended).

But in my case, I was just giving Bill a hard time.

[Pastor]

Originally Posted by Natedogg

But in my case, I was just giving Bill a hard time.

Someone has to do it

[Bill McIntyre]

Originally Posted by Pastor

Someone has to do it

That's my wife's job. No one else has to chip in.

Nate- see you at the Jack this afternoon.

[Natedogg]

Originally Posted by Bill McIntyre

Nate- see you at the Jack this afternoon.

Did I hear you say...Steinlager?

[Bill McIntyre]

Originally Posted by Natedogg

Did I hear you say...Steinlager?

Don't I wish, but all they had was Budweiser. I had one before I remembered just how bad that stuff is, and then was a good and sober citizen for the rest of the event.

But it was good to see you, even if I was sober.

[Captn Ron]

Nate it was good to finally meet you and your lovely bride.

Bill, Thanks for getting this old guy a brew!