Frankenbat and the YFC 7/13

[xjchad]

Conditions weren't right for my usual AO last night so I tried a new spot that Joe recommended.  I've been there a couple times before, but never really gave it a fair shot.  I got set up around 5:30, and once I had a mac soaking I broke out the light rod.  Haven't fished the light rod in some time so it was a nice change of pace.  Started throwing a kastmaster and after 20 minutes or so I got a hit and set the hook on my first yellow fin croaker.



I was just about to release it when I looked at my long rod and thought, "fresh bait", so into the cooler it went.
Joe showed up a bit later and we fished the light rods till dusk.  We each farmed one small fish in that time and decided it was time to go after the big game.
I pinned on the head of the YFC and sat down to relax while Joe went to get his gear.  Joe gets back and start setting up when my rod doubles over and the reel starts screaming!  I flipped off the bait feeder and set the hook and I know it's a bat as it takes off for the islands.  It probably ran 100 yards on that first run before it stopped.  I couldn't turn it, but at least it stopped.  Walked down the beach to gain some line and after working it hard it took off again peeling another 50 yards off.   I know most of you guys don't care for bats anymore, but the power of this thing was amazing!  After some more tug of war it finally came into the surf zone and with the right wave, slid up to where Joe could grab it.  The first thing he says is "look at the massive head on this thing!"  She had a massive Frankenstein head and must have been preggo too because she was fat all the way through.
I grabbed my tape and we measured it at 50.5"!  Stoked to join the 50" club!
Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic. 



She did a number on my hook as well!  That was a J hook to start with, now a custom circle hook LOL.



My arms and back were shot, wasn't sure if I could do that again, but I was hoping to find some grinners too so I put another bait out.
No grinners came to play, but I did get 2 more smaller bats.  Fun night!
I had to leave around 11:00 and left Joe on the beach.  I saw his truck still there this morning on my way to work LOL, hope you got one Joe!

[Latimeria]

Congrats on the 50" club bat ray!  That's awesome!

(BTW I forgot to respond on the other thread that I have a Rainshadow hat for you for that leopard shark)

[xjchad]

Thanks Tom!!

[vdisney]

Welcome to the club my man   

[Pinoyfisher]

Those 50" bats get old real fast, especially from the surf. Every inch past 50" gets tougher and tougher to land. You're so right though about the power they possess, it's crazy!!  They're welcomed with open arms for bat fight though. Lol!

[vdisney]

Those 50" bats get old real fast!!  They're welcomed with open arms for bat fight though. Lol!

That's what I was thinking..........takes me about 10 months to forget how tough they are on my back.  Then come February and I chomping at the bit to chase them again