On the day before a cold front/rain event was due, the forecast for the South shore was 9 mph south wind with gusts up to 15 mph, and rain falling in the mid afternoon. Thinking we would be back on shore by 2pm, Frank, Guy and I headed out for a return trip to the spot that yielded uku on live moana.

We could feel the onshore south wind as we left the protection of the land mass. It was a little bumpy with a lot of current 2 miles out, but still fishable. The drift was much faster than the last time we were here, so it was hard to stay over the reef fish spots, and I could only manage a small nabeta early on. Frank was feeling the rock and roll of his kayak so he went on water safety patrol for us.

Guy, fishing his first time in choppy conditions, was on fire, landing two good sized nabeta and some brown hagi that a friend from Japan wanted to eat.

Even though the rain clouds were a couple miles further offshore from us, the conditions deteriorated sooner than expected and we decided to head into the shallows to wait for the rain to pass. Frank’s Hobie Revolution 13 with a 28.5″ width and raised seat was really rolling in the “following sea” (disorganized waves pushing us from behind as we headed in). My Ocean Kayak Trident Ultra 4.3, with a 29″ width and lower seat felt more secure but there were times I had to put my feet in the water to stabilize. Guy’s Hobie Compass with 34″ width and raised seat was the most stable but still felt dicey if a wave caught him from the side.

When we got to the safety of shallower water, the rough conditions had passed but we decided to call it a day anyway. It was a valuable experience to be aware when the weather conditions were turning dangerous, and to learn how to brace and correct in following seas. I’ve since read that some Hobie paddlers recommend putting the fins up against the side of the hull, and paddling in very rough following seas because the fins could be hit from the side if deployed, and turn the boat broadside into a wave. Sitting as low as possible and paddling lowers the center of gravity.

It was good to see some hagi removed from the reef. Although it requires more tedious prep, some people like the taste of the triggerfish. Guy was using a secret bait which he offered to us on the water but we declined. We’ll definitely be taking it next time since he said he also had a big strike break off his line, and brought up the head of a moana. In comparison, it was super slow fishing with just soft plastics on the damashi. I’m thinking the incoming storm was giving the fish sinus headaches like it does to me.

These nabeta were deep fried and greatly appreciated by Guy’s family.