Good MornLING!!

[Holg3107]

Well I didn't have the cash I needed to buy a boat this year but really wanted to get out on the sound and catch some lings so I searched craigslist and picked up a kayak. I was unable to get out last weekend for her maiden voyage and have been chomping at the bit. Woke up at 4:45 this morning to give it a go before work. Got to the water at around 5:15 and started to make the 1/3 mile paddle to an area Ive been studying in hopes of catching a something. I'm not the most experienced kayaker and the weather wasn't great this morning so I was a bit skeptical and nearly didn't even launch.

Getting used to positioning my kayak with pretty large waves while fishing was challenging but I figured it out pretty quick. On my third cast I get a monster hit and my drag just start going!!! FISH ON!!! The fish was actually pulling me around a bit and after about a 5-8 minute fight he showed himself. Nice keeper ling! Got him in the boat and made sure he was in the slot (I just taped the slot on my rod to use to measure him so initially I wasn't sure of exact size) and threw him in the bow. Looked behind me and noticed a large shipping container a few hundred yards behind me so I decided to take cover. With the waves getting larger and the rain picking up I decided to call it a morning. Paddled back to the launch and headed home. Got the fish, kayak, and myself cleaned up and made it to the office before 8:00 am (I was planning on calling in late). Not a bad way to start my Friday!!!

[gaddy]

not bad at all

[h20hunter]

Its alive! Nice fish indeed. From the kayak or boat I would recommend cutting the gills and bleeding them out. I find much less blood in the meat that way.

[mrmoskillz]

Nice!  You got more done by 8am than I will all day lol

[Smokepole]

Great story.  Must be a challenge to play a fish like that from a kayak.  Style points, all the way.   

[Kola16]

Sweet  +2 for being in a yak

[Orion88]

  Nice ling.

[L-ofalab]

Nice, I'd guess 10-12 lb. Like H20hunter said cut the gills for bled out tastier fish.

[Holg3107]

Thanks for the reply's guys! Just wanted to add a few things. I put a tape and scale on him at home. He went 32-1/2" and was just over 13lbs (my scale is cheep and I wouldn't be surprised if it was off). None the less it made my day. Talk about a rush  pulling that guy up in a Yak, gotta say I'm hooked now!!! Can't wait to get out again this weekend.

Also for those that are on a budget and want to catch lings I paid $185 for the kayak and paddle on Craigslist. I added (2) rod holders ($4 each), and had to pick up a life jacket ($18). So I am in just over $200 total for the boat and there is some really good access right here in Seattle for Lings.

[bankwalker]

Right on man! I'm glad you are getting into fish. Its an addictive fishery and that kayak is only going to make it worse 

[MLBowhunting]

congrats very nice ling

[SeaRun1]

That's a nice looking boat.  What brand is that?  Length?

SR1

[ribka]

nice fish!

 Take that kayak out in the sound when the pinks start this year.You'll have a blast.

[cohoho]

Seriously thinking of getting into the Kayak fishing scene..  Too much fun without the stress and worry of a motor boat, gear, etc..  Great job...

[C-Money]

Congrats! Looks like a blast!

[Holg3107]

SeaRun1: The kayak is an Equinox 10.4, its 10'-6" long and extra wide so stability isn't an issue. You can actually pick this kayak up at Costco I believe and they run right around $450 new. I would recommend a sit on top if you can find one, you may get a bit wetter while fishing but there is also less to worry about as they are self bailing.

Ribka: I can't wait for the pink run! it should be a blast in this thing!

Cohoho: If you get one let me know, I would love to go out on the sound  with you for some lings on a yak!

[DoubleJ]

This is reminescent of my improvised crab catching thread from last summer.