Sorry I didn't meet up with you guys out there. I saw you but we never got very close.
As for my report; that was the hardest beach launch I've ever had! I capsized my kickboat twice(once should have been enough, but I'm hard-headed). After losing more gear than I care to think about (lifetime license, plano 3600 full of iron & plastics, both oars, pliers and work cell phone), and injuring my shoulder, I finally made it out. I'm glad I did as it kind of made up for the bad luck. I caught 2 1.5-2# Calico's right off the bat. They were on 3 stringers of kelp with clear lanes between. Next I kicked out towards the oil boats and picked up 2 rockfish. I decided to work over to the bird stands and on my way there I was passing by a lone strand of kelp atleast 2 long casts from any other kelp and I figured what the heck maybe it'll still hold something. I juiced up my swimbait and threw past it. I thought it had hit some unseen kelp on the way down because it just kind of slowed to a stop. I started to reel down to finnesse it out of the kelp and it went sideways. I swung hard and the 15# line started to sing through the water followed by my drag singing a staccato burst of rants. The fish headed for the base of the lone stringer and I felt the line cross the kelp for a second then stick. I thought for sure that was the end of that, then it tore loose and headed off in a different direction. The stringer had torn loose and was floating away. Suddenly the bass switched directions and headed for the now floating stringer and jumped about a foot from it trying hard to reach it. I had to kick hard to keep her out of it. When I finally got her up she had a huge belly and since I don't know when they spawn I figured I'd better let her go quick. I weighed her at just short of 5.5# and slipped her back into the water. To thank me for giving her her freedom back she gave me a good shower and was gone. After that I worked over to the bird houses for a big 0, then back towards the boats for a total of 10 bass (all Cali's), 4 rockfish, and a couple missed hali bites as I was headed in.
Tight lines,
Wade
PS: I drank enough saltwater to get pretty sick on the drive home and missed work yesterday. Maybe next time we can find an easier launch and I won't be such a tackle ho.