Winthrop 44.5-43-40-38-36 this is not megabucks...trolling eels

[kayakninja]

This was the best night all year for me. I have paddled many miles this season to have a night like this. The night started with launching out of my backyard around 11:30 with about 5 eels in the soft cooler. I was the only one out there. There was no wind and very little movement from the ocean. Like glass. Moon covered by clouds and the water temps 65. I went over to my favorite fishing spot that was covered in darkness. Little bit of mung but fishable. I put an eel out and let line out while paddling. I trolled over the drop and WHAM! No tow right away just line peeling out. I layed the paddle down and grabbed the rod that was bent over to the max. I layed the set and I was on good. The tow began and I was pulled over to the beach and then back out to see. The fish went under the yak and out and my body wast twisting in ways that is not usual. I was towed for a few minutes and then I began to reel in. The fish made one more dash peeling line out and then came to the surface. Howls and yells were sung in the cove. When I turned my headlamp on I could see the size. To my suprise the fish had two escorts of smaller size and they spooked when I got in close. I hauled it in and laid it on my lap. I took a pic and was ready to let it go. I tried to revive but the fish was too exhausted. I am a catch and release fisherman and this was a dissapointment. I decided to head back and store the fish in the fridge. I landed briefly and took some pics with the self timer. The cam was full of sand and the damage was found later when I went back out. I walked back to the house to store the bass in the fridge. I should say stuffed as my little fridge does not realy have the room for a bass of this size. I came back to the yak and headed out again. Where there is one there is more is what I live by. I went back to the area and scored 4 more bass from 36"-43". The cam had sand in it so I was not able to push the button for a lap shot. Out of eels and time to head back. What a night for trolling eels. That old timer at the bait shack was right. Trolling eels at night works!

[kayakninja]

(#$119) This is the 43". I could not even get a lap pic of it. When I tried to get another pic the cam was disabled.

[mdrew9]

--126-3- Damn you and those monster fish! Congrats!

[Slappy]

Nice job! I take it you don't normally fish bait. This will be a night to remember; it is great to have those days that go down in your personal fishing lore.

As a non-bait fisherman myself, I am starting to rethink the approach. Will I always prefer artificials? Yes. Should I try using bait once in a while? Hmmm.

[detra]

Nice, job. Funny how chaotic things get with a 30 pounder on the line...

[Ray]

Nice Effort!!!

I wonder if a 10 inch black Sluggo will work??? I have a few I rarely find a need for.

Ray

[Slappy]

I wonder if a 10 inch black Sluggo will work??? I have a few I rarely find a need for

I spend a lot of time fishing the 9" sluggo in the same area. I get a lot of medium size fish 25-35", but only the rare fish over 40" and I fish the same general area. Maybe it is just me. They do get quite a few large on the big sluggos in the canal. It just seems that the bait gets the large--and of course being in the right place at the right time. The time stamps on the picture tell the story. Sleep is optional!

[G-Man]

Way to go Jeff!
Beauty of a fish!

This is the first year I started trolling eels on the kayak, as well.
Already caught more fish than all last year.
It's a perfect combo. Notice how you can get in real shallow water without any hangup or weeds.

You certainly put in the time.
Congrats buddy! ;)

[kayakninja]

I will be back out there tonight. I wondered if the 50lber or bigger was lurking. I will try and see tonight.

[notime]

Nice job. Good thing you're a better fisherman than photographer. ;)

[kayakninja]

My pic taking need some work, lol. Its a lot better when others are there to enjoy moments like these and get some great shots. I just filled my bag with about a dozen large eels for tonight. I also had that fish weighed. 35 3/4lbs and measured at 45". Maybe when I dragged it across shore drive and dropped it it gained a 1/2" or when I stuffed it in the fridge. Largest all year for me and the third largest off the kayak.

[notime]

Well...How did you do?

[kayakninja]

Went out last night in the same area and nothing but blues around. 1/2 an eel would come back while trolling. :eek: Thats the way this game is. I hope to score tonight. Maybe a paddle over to the fauns for the outgoing could be in order.

Ali G- allright!

[G-Man]

Dude, you got out fishing 3 nights in a row???

You need a woman in your live.
That'll slow down your habit real quick.

Otherwise stop posting here....
You're making me jealous.
(kidding, of course.) ;)

[kayakninja]

;) Tonight will be five nights in a row. lol. The woman has left with my dog. God I am going to miss him.

[notime]

Throw in a couple of kids too, that will really slow him down. --127-3-