[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

Originally Posted by FlyFishinYakr

Been waiting for you to get back and post!
PROPS to MOMO for lending you 2-speed reels to use.
Did you even use a single speed reel to catch a fish and experience the difference between a single vs. a 2-speed reel? What about the Spectra? Your thoughts/observations on both?
Looks like you made some 'Gal Pals' and had quite the haul!
15 @ Clemente!
I'm kind of wondering what the Cortez and Tanner Banks were like since you were close (relative) and any reports of 200#+BF Homeguards out there.
How did you Gals get 'em all home? Looks like a job for a stakebed or larger truck!
Nice to hear/see you gals '' most/some of the guys.
I'm not trying to harsh your mellow but keep in mind this is an unusual El Niño year and it's not a typical El Niño. The 'Major' ones (this seems to be just shy of a Major) can last a couple/few years and 'can' extended a normal season into mid-November or further (very dependant on the length of the Hurricane season). I remember fishing/trolling "the channel" (Catalina) and hooking Albacore (from 25-60# anyone remember this? Graphite spools on Spinning reels and on Conventionals 'exploding' & 20-30# outfits being spooled! ) in December '83.
When the water cools down enough for the squid to return to spawn that will signal the end of the event.
Some I've talked to are telling me they haven't seen an El Niño like this in 20+ years or when I was decking on the boats up here in 30+ (the ones that have been around that long)! I'm waiting to see if the 25-40#+ albies () show up in mid-late October or if/whenever the water cools down to their comfort range 62-68 degrees)!
Looking forward to, patiently waiting for the Big Eye Tuna to show up within overnight range, praying for Albie's to show and more Dorado off kelp up to "the Horseshoe"!
You may have just experienced possibly a once/twice in a lifetime event! Some day in the future you'll be able to say "I was out there in '14 when...", then you pull out the CD or digital picture frame or picture.
Did you take any video?
Hopefully I'll receive the medical surgeries/treatments (or at least epidurals) needed to fix or at least relieve my back pain and spasms and get in on the fun by the end of the year (to fill my freezer)!
Then exercise during the winter to whip myself into good enough shape to get out on a 7-10 day 'skiff/kayak trip on "The Royal Star" or "Excel" next year (a little ambitious with surgery though), one of the Islander Kayak trips and of course at least one/or more trips with "MakoBob" on the spring "Baja or Bust" trips (maybe we'll meet on one of these trips) and still have time and ability for a few of my Fly Fishing excursions at the end of the year (fall).
This El Niño has motivated me into planning on reducing the pile of blanks sitting in a corner I bought but never finished and replacing the guides on all my rods that need replacing with SIC guides as most standard Perfection guides would get trashed like a "HOT Knife Thru Butter" by Power Pro with the exception of the new 'Slick 8' (which is useless in kelp)!
I'm very happy you got a chance to experience this EPIC event!
Speaking from experience I'll always treasure, be thankful for and never forget the '83-'84 season and the minor one in '91!
Congrats on the 2nd place JP and good eats.
FFY

Than you sir. Yes, I did note the difference between one and two speed (I to Momo!). During the first part of the YT bite, I used a yoyo iron with my old Newel. Caught a bunch bit it kicked my @$$! Then I saw the guys were doing just fine with baits and I was tired with that yoyo so I switched. Momo gave me his 40# outfit with a nice Avet two speed to match. Was getting bit all day with that. Momo chime in if you would. I know it was a Seeker Rod and an Avet two speed but I am bad about knowing my models.

Anyway the difference was night and day! It was still tough but I was getting the fish to gaff in half the time as the Newell and a lot less painful! So the Spectra... I don't believe I got the full experience as I put it as backing (to increase line capacity). On top of that I put 75 to 100 yds mono (I like the feel, stretch and casting and I am old school!). Then a very short (less than 3' ) of floro for top shot. The combo for me was perfect.

And yes FFY, I do realize this is a special year. I too was involved in the industry in the 90's and experienced the minor El Niño. It too was off the charts. Even though I know the fishing won't be like that next year, I believe Cpt Mike Lackey will find us some fish!


Good luck on getting ready for a 2015 filled with fishing!
Janine