Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

This is a fishing report for Solana Kelp on 10/6/13

The greylight morning was exceptionally cool but nevertheless I launched to the surf at just as the sunrise broke the horizon. As I thought I was clear of the small breakers some bigger sets came in and I found myself peddling full speed to push over the next few waves. I guess that's why the surfers were so much further out. This is when it happened....

A surfer also noticing the nice waves launched and accelerated straight towards me. Within a few feet of collision he aborted and wound-up under the Kayak. I stopped and he surfaced. We gave the mutual "sorry dude" and chatted a bit. Apparently I was straight in the reflection of the rising sun and completely invisible to the surfer. The other surfers in the area all seemed to have a good laugh at this event.

The fishing was mediocre compared to prior times here. The bait of choice (Pacific Greenback Mackerel) were not to be found for many hours. I caught one Jack Mackerel and one Jack Smelt and used this to get things started. Good thing I brought some squid and previously frozen Jack Smelt as well.

The main catch consisted of Calico Bass, Sand Bass including another 17-incher and a red-colored smoothed out Bass-like version of a Sculpin. At least I think it's a Sculpin. Here are two pictures of this Sculpin like fish. If I am wrong on the species then please advise. (He was more red than shows in the photo)

Sculpin #1?
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7342e357.jpg

Sculpin #2?
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psa464ceab.jpg

Throughout the day it was apparent the hoards of commercial lobster boats were cutting a lot of kelp from their traps. The cut strands were drifting everywhere. My kayak being anchored to a kelp strand became an island of cut strands several times over. Wind was very light and the water was almost glassy for most of the day.