Saturday 24th April, 2010
Another evening fishing trip; I went down to Manresa again to see if things were the same, and of course they weren't. Wave action was rougher, and none of the fish from yesterday were around. Lots of 'push' from the waves, sending them up high on the beach. Walking down the beach at the waterline, I got sideswiped by a real strong one at my feet, lost my balance, and went down, wave sending a gush of sandy water up my left sleeve. Camera got a little wet, and some sand got into the lens, but otherwise seems ok. Got lucky there.
Gear is the RPLX #10, with same intermediate Outbound Short as yesterday. This works good too.. rod is definitely a lot stiffer.
So no fish at Manresa, and I drive back and try Rio del Mar, park in the state park lot. This is easier, but not entirely trivial either. Some good looking spots, and eventually I get a good grab that stays. Its a baby striper!!! First one on the fly, and it took the clouser I had on point. Nice. It is also the first fish caught on this rod, so I'm hoping for good striper juju here... I fish past dark and can't see the line anymore, but this house behind me has put on the floodlights, so that makes it easier. I have one more grab, and see the fish splash in the surf, but it gets off before I get a good look. Some sort of perch, anyway.
Getting back to the car, there is a $98 ticket on it, but the nice ranger comes by and talks to me and takes it back. Guess they really do want to close the gates at sunset here..
