(sorry for the cross-post from SCSF and SDFish sites, but I had to share this)
Headed out this evening to Mission Bay for a quick session on the backside of Fiesta island. Caught a super-small spottie about half an hour in while cruising the shoreline. I was fishing with a 5" Kalin lunker grub on a t-rig on a 12-20lb 7' bass rod and Revo S baitcaster. Certainly fine for most of the fishy critters in the area. 30lb braid to 12lb flouro leader.
Then hooked into a very unexpected adventure! As soon as I hooked up after a long cast, line started peeling off the reel. I tightened the drag all the way, to absolutely no effect. Then the damn thing JUMPED OUT OF THE WATER about 60 yards off the beach. I couldn't tell at the time if it was a shark or ray, but it soon became evident it was a large bat ray from the turbulent wakes on the surface as it cruised up and down the beach. I followed it for about 50 yards in one direction, then 100 yards in the other direction towards a floating dock in the Hidden Anchorage part of Fiesta Island, all while about 20 yards from the shoreline. I could almost see it! The video below is of the ray taking line while on a run. My setup was maxed out, but I'm not even sure the ray knew it was hooked! A group of kayakers followed along curious about the fight, but didn't move when I advised them it could take a run in their direction. SMH
Eventually, it lodged itself in the mud and wouldn't move and I couldn't pull with enough drag (even a little thumb on the spool) to make a difference. Eventually about 15 minutes into the fight, the line broke at the hook.
That would have been an epic tale to land a big bat on 12lb bass gear, but would have been pretty unlikely. EPIC! I would not have expected a Bat ray to pounce on a grub
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6hUfk6LqEY
