By Paul Lebowitz

August 10, 2007

16-lb lingcod tops Elk Rockfish Fiesta

ELK – The ocean off the tiny Northern California hamlet of Elk is a fantasy-land of sea stacks, arches, caves, and boulder gardens. It is also wave tossed and windy.  

This magnificent seascape is the playing field for the Elk Rockfish Fiesta, a unique Northern California kayak fishing competition. Organized and sponsored by Ukiah’s Great White Kayak Company for the past three years, this annual benefit tournament draws a salty crowd.

John Mason of Oakland won this year’s contest with a 16.5-lb lingcod.

WINNING CATCH – John Mason of Oakland picked up a 16.5-lb lingcod to win the 2007 annual Elk Rockfish Fiesta. The benefit contest staged by Ukiah’s Great White Kayak Company tests all of a kayak angler’s skills.

The fish fell for a 7-in green and yellow FishTrap. Mason earned a new Cobra Marauder-XF fishing kayak and a year of bragging rights.

“To me, this is like winning the Daytona. This is the toughest derby,” said Mason, citing difficult competition and ocean conditions that test every kayak fishing skill set. Competitors must negotiate a steep half-mile trail to reach the beach before challenging an often difficult surf break. Once safely past the waves, looming swells and confused chop make for a lively paddle.

Don Anglin of El Sobrante was second with a 15.2-lb lingcod; Thomas Teaford’s 13.12-lb lingcod was good enough for third.  

Tournament organizer Sean White said the event’s 63 anglers fished through a tough bite.

“There were no traditional Elk sea monsters, but a 16-lb’er is nothing to sneeze at,” White said. Past events produced multiple 20-lb lingcod.

Many anglers fished selectively, releasing anything less than a contender. The chance to fish in such a spectacular location was reward enough.

“Even if you don’t catch any fish, Elk is one of the most beautiful paddles of your life,” White added.

The tournament raffle raised nearly $3,000 for the Coastside Fishing Club. In this, the age of fishing closures and the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative, raffle coordinator Erik Kunz said it is important to be involved.

“Coastside is our voice in fisheries politics. We support them; they go to bat for recreational anglers,” Kunz said.