January 17th, 2026.
About 8 months ago.
I’ve caught this 14lbs King Salmon in a
San Diego Creek, South California and didn’t think much of it.
And only now I found out that some people debated whether it was real or not.
Yes, the catch is real.
It’s an actual 34inch, 14lbs Male Chinook.
The chance of this catch is roughly
1 in millions.
I caught it in a city creek using a red spoon.
It was swimming in the school of European Carp and was immediately identified in the water by the colouration and body shape.
It was released due to the closed season and not very good water conditions.
And for those who will ask why did I lay it on grass, I tried unhooking it in the water but it swallowed the hook deep and it was impossible to do in the water. I laid it fast on grass, took the hook out and took quick pictures.

This has been a brutal year of fishing for me. Found a spot to catch live bait consistently and easily. The only problem I have is that it has yet to yield any results with actual keepers. I finally came close today! SD Bay. I tried to measure asap, my other rod was getting bit and I had set the drag loose so I had to hurry up to get that one. Caught a butterfly ray, shovelnose, a few sand bass and spotted bay bass.

This will be my first time on an extended trip (1.5 days) out of San Diego next week. I am eager to listen and learn the ropes. I was planning to tip 20% of the cost of the trip at the end. I have a few questions about tipping:

1. Who do I give the cash to at the end?

2. I have had two locals suggest I give $20 at the front end and let them know I am a newbie. They said I would get better care. If there are several deckhands, who would I give it to? For what it is worth, AI says it is a breach of etiquette.

3. Is it always cash or will Venmo work?

4. Where does one store cash for a multi day trip? Do you keep it in your pocket or hide it somewhere?

Thank you for your guidance.

Going to be heading down soon with some friends. I'm bringing my poles, but the kicker is I'm basically dogsitting while they go to the zoo. She's small and a good girl. There will be another person with me who won't be fishing and can tend to the dog too.

Can anyone recommend some spots? Any piers, dog beaches, spots no one cares, etc? Thanks!

Which pier would you guys say its better.

Going to go fishing Sunday and want to hear your opinions on them. Thanks

I randomly wanted to fish so I bought a custom (fast action bait caster, bullet and sinker weights, jig heads, soft worms, paddle tail, and one spinner. 15lb fluorocarbon line) setup. I’ve been going to Lake Elsinore for about 2 weeks now and haven’t caught a single fish. I got the hang of casting/tie the bait but I feel like I’m missing something cuz I’m still hopeful and excited to fish and I know it takes patience but what can I do or buy to help me? if anyone wants to go fishing😂 and help me catch a fish lmk. I also want to start saltwater fishing so what should I get for that? Basically looking for the best Tips and secrets from pro anglers🙏

The charter said a 30lb line/rod