The Most GROTESQUE and ENORMOUS EEL I've EVER CAUGHT! + Catch and Cook!!

[@LarsSveen]

This was actually in the CDFW Q/A's. "The law requires that when fishing for rockfish, only one line with no more than two hooks may be used. However, in this case, an angler may also fish for crabs at the same time with a line that attaches to a crab loop trap because these traps will not likely catch rockfish. If approached by a wildlife officer, the angler should be prepared to explain up front that only one line contains two hooks for rockfish and the other line is attached to a crab loop trap. Remember that crab loop traps are restricted to six loops."

[@FishermansLife]

Ah ha.!! That's perrfect. Thanks for that

[@LarsSveen]

@@FishermansLife No prob. I'm jealous of the crabs up there. We don't have many down here in So Cal. But I often go diving for giant scallops though, so maybe we got that on Nor Cal.

[@thegreatmrfu]

you can have as many poles with crab snares as you like, with one pole for rock fish 🦀 🎣 🐟

[@exzotic_edits]

Karennnnnnnnnnnn

[@devinlichte4868]

Can you use a sabiki rig?

[@WolfennFaLL]

Not only laying a lot of eggs more, the spawn will have the genetics that made that eel to sirvive to that size, well done man.

[@hunterflowerson4460]

Good point

[@Eric-zs6rd]

Its not like a bass in a lake though where you will run into the same fish multiple times because it's not a closed ecosystem or one fish will have a big impact on the areas population. Those things are coming from all up and down the coast for thousands of miles, the genetics of one fish amongst literally millions won't have much affect on the gene pool.

[@jeffreyarmstrong7518]

@@Eric-zs6rd He has fathered millions. His genes are everywhere.

[@WolfennFaLL]

One or one hundred probably wont make a difference, but if people learn the value of the big productive fish on time that will help a lot. I live in Spain and everything is so overfished that gene pools are drastically damaged in a lot of species, thats why telling people these facts can make a difference. Not only for the eels, but probably they will think twice in other cases.

[@user-earthandfire]

In Australia, for certain marine and freshwater species the legal size has both a min and a max, strict bag limits apply for larger specimens. this is good for the dynamics of the eco system, and good for future generations of recreational fisherpeople

[@KuyaHandyKap]

Releasing that large eel out of respect for the long life it lived, straight righteous bro! Just shows the class of a fisherman you are.😊

[@kito1san]

Large eel isn't that good. Their meat is not that appetizing. So it just makes sense to let it go and go after the medium size one.

[@wesleybrown4711]

Especially after such a slow day!

[@hjalbino]

Why isn't it allowed to keep crab from a line hook?

[@osamabhatti3072]

@@hjalbino the law makes it so u cant

[@retirednotlazy2298]

These eels eat sea urchins btw so I always release them.

[@carlvincent12]

Wife: “what are you watching?” Me: “ a man and his enormous, grotesque eel”

[@Pelpe]

26 inches. She: 😳🥺

[@imadearyp.p6781]

@@Pelpe she:bigger than yours lmfao

[@imadearyp.p6781]

Hahahhaha

[@kyethebluepotato536]

@@imadearyp.p6781 DAMN

[@roccomichael8577]

i realize it is kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to watch new series online ?

[@logannetherton8865]

I love the way Matt’s isn’t afraid to show humanely killing rockfish and everything else, I love that he has tips and tricks to teach me how to ocean fish

[@sanddabs159]

Totally agree with you except for the “humanely” part, there is no humane way of killing something that wants to live. I don’t mind the killing, just when people call it “humane” when in reality there is no humane killing

[@link665]

@@sanddabs159 leaving a fish on a bed of ice to keep it fresh as it suffocates is a much slower gruesome death than dispatching an animal with a quick blow to the head

[@thalamicantonio6783]

@@sanddabs159 humanely refers to how something is treated, in both living conditions and in manner of killing. asking the question "is it suffering?". your cancer ridden dog spends every day howling in agony, is putting it down less humane than letting it suffer? yeah with a fish not killing to eat is the most humane thing to do, but then how is fishing itself humane when you're constantly stabbing things in the mouth? if it's out of kindness or is considerate to the suffering it's humane, and when it comes to killing humanely those still apply, no malice, no hate, no cruelty. the option that's the least amount of suffering is humane. not killing is more humane than bonk/spike to the head, which is more humane than suffocation.

[@sanddabs159]

@@thalamicantonio6783 my dog howling in agony with cancer doesn’t want to live anymore, I said killing something that wants to live isn’t humane, I know fishing isn’t humane, I just wanted to make a point that killing these fish isn’t humane, which I don’t even have a problem with.

[@sanddabs159]

@@link665 yes I do the same, but I don’t consider it humane still

[@Josh-ye2kw]

The thing that makes this channel one of the best fishing channels on youtube is that there are no teaser intros and then intro splash videos. Matts gets right down to it with a brief introduction into what hes targeting and gets right to it. Love it.

[@TheVoidNoob]

Dude that thing was a monster!! Mad respect for releasing that old eel!!!

[@Maxim.Teleguz]

Why would you give it away. I just started watching.

[@wesleybrown4711]

@@Maxim.Teleguz Reading the comments before watching the video? You made your bed homie

[@bullfrog521]

you don't really want to eat old fish, they can have a lot of bioaccumulation of mercury and other things

[@Maxim.Teleguz]

@Jenny Tran I wonder how that fish will munch down on other food. Will that technically be a death sentence now?

[@KN-xl6lw]

The hook will eventually rust and dissolve away

[@masonhart1580]

Watching you got me back into fishing. Once I moved away from my hometown I havnt been fishing since. But... since I found your channel I’ve been fishing every week since the season opened up here in Canada. Can’t wait for rivers to open too. Thank you for bringing back this amazing hobby to my life.

[@edwinyoon]

“All males too! Let’s go. Into the bag she goes” 😂🔥

[@boogembay3822]

lol i loved whenever he said that. into the bag..

[@Dinocaprice]

LMFAOOOOO

[@c4thenerd171]

It is California my dude

[@superchef_trades4213]

Omg just found this channel again after like 2 years! Love it all over again. One day I want to do what you do bro! Keep on being great

[@rockbande98]

Those eels can live up to 18 years at a maximum of around 30". You found a huge monster! Congratulations on the once in a lifetime!

[@Doomzday57]

I’ve caught a 30” monkey face eel before, didn’t even know I hooked it. I thought I was dragging a big chunk of kelp over a rock, then wham! It started going crazy. It was huge! It’s the biggest one I’ve seen as of yet.

[@andrepounds7134]

You're the coolest human being . I don't even fish and I'm so interested in everything you show/explain/do.

[@amberlynnmahorney4618]

Getting us all excited so we dont forget to watch haha

[@btsfan69420]

Just want to say that every one of your videos makes me so happy. If there's ever a time where I'm feeling down or stressed from uni I'll watch one of your videos and feel instant relief. Thank you so much for doing what you do, you don't understand how much it means to me.

[@OsvaldoFerrer]

The verb "bear" means "to carry the weight of" or "support". So "bear with me" implies to be patient and understanding of the person asking you to. Lol. Yup, I went there.

[@pandarudin]

FYI you can also use other kind of animal that resemble a bear such as koala, a panda or even a racoon. for example "please koala with me". =)

[@mikesmith7249]

Lol, i came here to say this

[@OsvaldoFerrer]

@California Coast Life "My wrong"? I think you meant to say "you're" as in "you are" but my wrong.

[@Gmark25]

@@OsvaldoFerrer English class is in session

[@Rem694u2]

It's BARE with me, not BEAR with me. lol

[@awanggaaradea]

Your tone voice is calming for me. Makes me feel free as well seeing all of your videos of fishing. Thank you.

[@FirstStateFishing]

Sheesh those things like wild

[@eribango7708]

Hello firststate

[@lukep1754]

U better come down here and catch some rockfish first state haha

[@banqq4135]

You miss-spelled you said sheesh those thing like wild instead of sheesh those things look wild

[@danelewis5475]

I hope two of my favorite youtubers can collab

[@joemartinez7433]

First state and fisherman’s life collab 😳🤩🤩 hope to see it

[@Eric-qw4wv]

"bear with me" comes from the word forbearance which means "patient self-control; restraint and tolerance."

[@andrewhernandez3571]

Just saw this, you beat me to the punch

[@alexcarter8807]

Or if you look at terms like load-bearing, it's basically like there's this load on both or all of us, so let's bear it together.

[@kiwisiwi8356]

I couldn’t bear him explaining it just talk keep it going

[@Skeptic2006]

"forbear with me" would sound more correct, no?

[@Eric-qw4wv]

@@Skeptic2006 forebear is a noun and would not be grammatically correct, but hey, it's the land of the free. go for it

[@senorex2088]

“You see this hook here kids gather round grandpa has a story to tell”

[@RA1Drust]

Yes

[@gewishworm4724]

I stared death in the eye as I gasped for water-air, he tortured me and hung me upside down, then my the grace of poseidon he let me free. I will never forget that day

[@Newport8187]

This dudes channel is the best fishing 🎣 channel. It’s so relaxing to listen 🎧 to.

[@Mjansen77]

Pricklebacks have an 18 year lifespan and can get up to 30" long. That was what I looked up. Cool stuff Matt!

[@00alan024]

Great video, just awesome length of video and awesome editing to come home to after a day of work to wind down and watch with a few drinks and good food. Amazing quality and entertainment for sure. I appreciate the time and effort that are put into these videos!

[@devinburda7597]

Respect man, I always appreciate your skills and knowledge for the fishing community. God bless!

[@timsteven4116]

Been a big fan for years and watched all your vids. I enjoy how consistent and peaceful they are✨

[@BriarLeaf00]

I gotta say, for someone I don't know personally I respect what you're doing. Take what you need and eat what you take. I come from a fishing region, and the amount of bycatch that is wasted is literally orders of magnitude higher than what individual fisherman, even en masse, could ever even attempt to do. I'd argue going out and line fishing your catch to bring home to feed yourself, friends and/or family is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of procuring sustenance.

[@Sundeen420]

Got a love how he builds up the suspense when he catches something “ what is it, it feels big” “ oh crap I think I lost it, wait no it’s still there it feels big”. Haha love it!! Keep in up

[@peterconsulter9903]

Great video as always! FYI, since 1991 illegal to harvest only claws: "Rock crabs do not appear in Department of Fish and Game records until 1928, and prior to 1950 there was no separate market category for reporting rock crab landings. Crabs landed to the south of Santa Barbara were recorded as rock crabs, and crabs landed to the north of Santa Barbara were recorded as Dungeness crab, regardless of the actual species landed. In 1950, a separate reporting category for commercial rock crab landings was established. Landings rose from 20,000 lb in 1950 to 1.9 million lb in 1986 (Figure 5.1 and Table 5.1). Between 1950 and 1986, a portion of the recorded landings were actually calculated whole-crab weights based on landings of claws. Since 1986, however, whole crabs and claws have been reported separately (Table 7.2). In 1991, it became illegal to land rock crab claws alone. Rock crab landings were approximately 1.1 million lb in 2000 and 1.2 million lb in 2001, and have averaged 1.2 million lb per year since 1991. "

[@matthewbliven2795]

That's beautiful, and super responsible. You're a true waterman. I feel proud just watching your video!

[@ishpalma2074]

Mannnn had my snacks and food ready to watch

[@Hew_XCII]

Love the fog horn sound, so relaxing.

[@mellquy7995]

For the first time I feel handsome looking at that fish😆

[@justkeepfishingt]

😆

[@triceytrice1387]

😂😂😂

[@justkeepfishingt]

@Ericme 👍

[@sheilaathay2034]

I'm glad you let the eel go. My son made friends with a giant wolf eel on the dock where he lived in the Puget Sound. He'd give the eel scraps from his catch every day. It lived right under the dock. It came up to see him every day. Super smart animal according to him. Pretty cool

[@p.j.walker8196]

Fisherman’s life tryna talk about eels and crabs: Random boat horn in the background 🔈🔊

[@orenjones237]

Good seeing the big eel go back. Love the content man, the way you talk to the camera just makes me feel like I'm a bro out poundin the surf with ya. Very enjoyable

[@gutmorgensurfen]

Walking that jetty is no joke you have to have endurance. I walked that same place caught one rock fish made fish tacos. Delicious and worth it.

[@sir_pattington1894]

Love the foghorn personally, but I grew up listening to it.

[@benb4737]

Dude thats really cool you released it, I don’t even fish or have any interest in fishing other than your channel, really showed your character on that. Awesome! Perfect example of a good fisherman. subscribed!

[@FuryJDM]

Alright Stay awake for another 15hrs. You got this. I’m going to sleep first.

[@IdiotWithEducation]

Lol

[@IdiotWithEducation]

"15 hours ago"

[@jamellwinnii4858]

I stayed up for you bro. No worries

[@FuryJDM]

@@jamellwinnii4858 MVP

[@jonathanstephens7015]

You’re a good man Matts. Releasing that eel was the right thing to do. When I catch lings over 15 lbs they go back in the drink.

[@mvazquez4588]

"Now you are not supposed to ..........so I am going to turn the cam off......" LMAO!!!

[@willj4411]

Matt - What a sincere example of doing the right thing. I'm reminded of my favorite quote: "At the last call, it makes no difference how big a home you lived in, how nice a car you drove or how much money you made. What really matters is how important you were in the lives of others and other living things." Looks like you're doing very well, indeed! WSJ

[@issa299]

Man i thought i'd be going to bed by watching a guy fish up buckets but premieres in 8hours

[@4evarich5]

It’s okay you prob woke up at 3am watching people build dirt n clay houses

[@issa299]

@@4evarich5 i woke up building dirt and clay houses

[@VictorVega-gn4tw]

Eating dinner while watching. Simple things in life that’s make ya boy happy

[@TheOtherFishingChannel]

I feel like I’m waiting in line during Black Friday. HUGE sale on butter to go with a little bit of Eel

[@Ifang9]

I love that the catch and cooks are back

[@dayoffchannel94]

Was I the only one who was so ready to watch this?

[@oldscuba]

For sure, I was too!

[@justkeepfishingt]

👍

[@heyreddin2.0s10]

Nope 😃

[@jackiefitzpatrick2906]

I used to be a volunteer diver at the Monterey Bay Aquarium . I used to feed the fish in the Kelp Forest tank . Everyone's favorite was the Wolf Eel that would swim up to me , along with other fish , and wait to be fed. It would come up to my mask and let you know it wanted to be fed first . These are intelligent animals with personality and it would often playfully nibble on my mask , to get my attention. With those enormous canine teeth I often obliged and it would let me pet it's huge body. It was big. After it ate it's share it gracefully swam back to the rocks and watched me finish feeding the other fish. Sometimes , it's good to release what we catch , take a quick picture , and cut your line , in the case of a Wolf Eel . I'll release fish I catch if they are small , huge , or intelligent species , because it's really not necessary for me to kill it ,for my survival . I take what I need but I find it rewarding to release certain fish that may enhance their environment by being released. Glad you released the eel , but flopping on the rocks I'm sure took off alot of it's protective slime layer. Maybe a catch and release net might benefit alot of fish you release after thrashing on the rocks . Love your videos....

[@dave8864]

I can imagine the crabs looking back at him whilst he is eating their arms.

[@daschawk]

Catch and cooks will forever be my favorite videos (though I really, really liked the camping episodes too!!!)!!! MORE OF IT BABBBYYY!!!! Keep it up.

[@HeIsLiterallyMe]

The “bear” in the phrase “bear with me” is asking the person with whom you are speaking to to bear the burden of whatever situation it is you are in with you.

[@lariracines]

Thanks!

[@wildkev1010]

You should really try and keep some pliers with your tackle. Would make a big difference for the fish you hook, and want to catch and release..

[@sanddabs159]

So true, that hook would have been so easy to take out

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Vital tool for clean healthy releases, glad I wasn’t the only person thinking of making this comment. 🙏🏼

[@dubpsiguy]

And, use hooks that aren’t stainless, so there’s a chance of them rusting out if the plier method fails (which it shouldnt!)

[@gameoverthee]

This is why I am subscribed, because your values, and the fact that you eat a nice medium meal . ALSO THE FACT that freaking sound in the background is prob the reason that eel got so lucky all his life.

[@fongvang7512]

Hey the fog horns aren't a problem at all. Lol I actually fall asleep to sound of the ocean and fog horn.

[@SistahRev]

🤣😂🤣😂 Your explanation of the origins of “Bear with me...”😂🤣😂🤣. Made me wonder how 🤣🤣🤣 it would be if the phrase was actually “BARE with me for a moment, please!” 😂 Thanks for all the great lessons & cooking, as always. Stay safe! 🤗

[@TheCrimsonCali]

You ever think about when the crab gets dropped into the sack, he sees the other crab and is like “Kevin? How did you get in here?”

[@natethegreat441]

😂😂😂 “they got you too man 😭”

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Thank you bro. You are one of the true fisherman out there.

[@johnin5080]

The eel lived a long life, best way to go is feeding a legend. The smaller fish just getting their lives started

[@eliasbrunka5348]

Once again fishermans life coming out with another great video. That crab sandwich looked bomb.

[@dh3940]

Anyone else realize that he’s posting like way more now

[@dontplay249]

what we need as well

[@AirKhan45]

Another day another BANGER from my boy Fisherman's Life!

[@gilbertalvarez95]

Bruh I was so hype to click on this, how you gone do me like that

[@Im_Shad0w.Z]

CONGRATS ON 1 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS

[@allissiachurchgirlwalker6825]

No lie my heart dropped when I thought he lost big red

[@PrinceOfParthia74]

yea man releasing wild game that has been the fittest of its species is sportsmanship.

[@Agent_Cirno]

0:15 *see foot prints in the sand* thats one hell of a setup XD

[@Agent_Cirno]

@Kenneth Melhado ya i know i just wanted to point it out

[@Agent_Cirno]

@Kenneth Melhado its cool man. No harm done.

[@HelenNetoken]

Kudos 🤘🏻..So happy you released him!..he’s gotten that big he deserves to live!!!

[@davekellar9049]

Thanks for releasing the eel.

[@ramonestevez674]

Your dish there reminds me of crab stuffed fish fillets that i sometimes see served here in the northeast. The fillet is rolled with the crab inside and secured with a toothpick or skewer if it's a small fillet (always skinless though). They are baked, however. I always wondered what it tastes like fried, though. I often see it with cod, flounder, haddock, or pollock stuffed with jonah crab but any of those white meat rockfish you catch with rock crabs or dungies will work. They also use a few other ingredients like a bit of bread crumbs and a splash of any liquid ingredient to help bind the crab meat so it doesn't fall apart as easily

[@dunklematerie3990]

Why premiere so early?!?!?!?!?!? I dont want to wait that long!!! :O

[@dunklematerie3990]

@California Coast Life I'm saying the time he posted the premiere not when it comes out...

[@rosie7558]

Really respect you leaving that eel out there. Great way of thinking/looking at things.

[@Terratov]

Sounded like he said “26 in shlong eel” 😂

[@sioframay]

Bear has a definition that means to carry, accept or endure something. Like the term grin and bear it. Means to deal with something stoically, not showing that it's effecting you. So bearing with you is basically enduring it with you.

[@mainmanmooky8820]

My mans forgetting the other definition of bear is unbearable (he won't get it but I hope you all do)

[@gaylemcgee2221]

Fishermen have a lot of patience. I liked how the color on your sweatshirt matched the rust color of the foghorn tower. Great catch, release and eat video.

[@sg-mx4ii]

We used to get eels that size 20 years ago. Glad to see they are still around. We used to call our eeling adventures out there "eeling with squeeling and feeling!"

[@jknomore]

why are his videos so satisfying to watch

[@danelfernandez6571]

16:31 lmao the way he just yeeted that crab🤣🤣

[@Nigel_BC]

The oldest recorded monkey faced eel was 18 years old. However it was not the biggest eel. It’s possible that eels over 24 inches could be much older. 18-20 inches is not an uncommon adult size. Considering that your eel was as big as a lingcod I think it’s fair to say you have caught a very special fish! I think you made the right choice to release it. Tight lines man! Always love your videos!

[@jspub3597]

"Bearing"/patience with something. Love your terrific videos!! Moved to Boise and really miss fishing the ocean when watching your posts. :) Now I'm hungry!!

[@karlranck1]

very cool! the verb to bear means to endure or tolerate something (like "bear a burden"). so when you say bear with me for a minute, it means to tolerate something. Chicago bears fans say "bear down" which is harder to understand. In medicine, that means to increase pressure in your belly (like when you are trying to poop) who knows? :)

[@pinesroadmenace1620]

Good to see you still fishing and in good spirits since your acl tore

[@ilianapaz2797]

That’s why I respect you so much you dont kill for fun you kill to eat most fishing KZbinr kill for there videos 💯

[@ScootLoops616]

Wow have not watched one of your videos for a few years now, glad to see 1 million subs congratulations bro

[@guts3502]

i dont know about anyone else but i love hearing the fog horn. i always know who im watching when i hear it

[@paulneal1290]

You got the 'Save the Kayaker,' good Karma bite, and that looked delicious, keep up the great content bro, thanks.

[@golgoth7600]

that horn is driving me nuts. Also thank you for releasing that magnificent eel.

[@rebel_t3653]

Red colored is Red Rock Crab, the dull brown and Tan is a Pacific Rock Crab. Both delicious and tasty.

[@katienguyen6609]

i missed ur catch and cooks soo much! this gave me seratonin

[@OUTTHEMUDVISUAL]

The talk on 20:20 is nice of you thank you !!

[@Tackle2thePeople]

Gnarly looking eel! I was so ready for you to make some fire unagi, but I think you did the right thing letting him go

[@looksgoodonpaper]

17:05 “Only they know how close they came to death today... well them plus the 1.05 million of us.” Lol another great video man thank you for your chill vibes, positive demeanor, and amazing fishing skills!

[@jdoyle4811]

first time watching your channel, your a good teacher...a natural. I hardly ever subscribe on first video

[@68626862ful]

What an awesome video, your the best company ever thanks man.

[@ViscousSnake]

THUMBS UP for letting the Big Old Eel go. Good job Bro. 👍

[@thenightowl2012]

These videos have inspired me to start fishing

[@olbear9984]

A true sportsman. Just found your vid. Fla. Bait slinger. God bless. Keep safe on the jet ties. 🐻

[@jervisfernando836]

My guyyy, respect on keeping it alive.

[@idahoadventuresss3710]

Went deep sea fishing in Oregon. 8 foot swell and I got very sea sick but hey I caught a lot of Lincod and blue rockfish!

[@lalatina2968]

big respect for the catch and release