[vash]

I got to the boat launch early with my kayak. I looked out on the water and the stiff breeze was hitting me in the face. I'd guess 10mph. I thought about sending out a group text that I was going to bail. but I drove so far!! the waves didnt look that bad. huge tho. and the salty mist was coating my face, and I could taste it on my lips.

that's right! I was going to take my kayak out into the salt for the first time.

I dressed wisely. full dry suit, that I bought and never wore, and my PFD cinched tight. boaters would tell me, "I'm on channel 69, so call if you need me to pluck you out"....

you know what? despite the bronco-bucking ride of the waves, it was okay. my kayak was very sea worthy. I dropped the seat to the lowest setting and only brought some gear to hook a Halibut. I kept the entire package light. my nerves settled simply by bouncing that big weight along the bottom imagining/willing/praying for a BIG halibut to grab it. I even took out a sandwich and ate it. (I should have drank more water, but peeing was a concern)

we fought wind, currents for 7 hours. a harbor-seal damn near gave me a heart attack. they all look like sharks to a desert born dweller.. 7 hours and I got one Halibut to small to legally keep. I didnt get sea sick. I didnt flip..and I figured out how to take a piss while wearing a dry suit in the middle of a stormy salty body of water. hahah. all wins!!

I just got invited to go for Rock Fish. heheheh.. ocean fishing is different. bass fishing is like hunting..takes some skills. ocean..takes kayak skills I suppose, but you dont even need to know how to cast...just let it drop.