I Lost My Favorite Fishing Rod...Then Caught Two MASSIVE SALMON

Its not how you start, its how you finish!!!
More kayak fishing vids:
• Trolling for Salmon wi...
Check out the crew:
The Best Chef on the West Coast: / @outdoorcheflife
The Salmon Sensei Ensei: / ensei_kaneko
Get your Die Hard Merch here:
Drifit Long Sleeve: diehardfish.co...
Buff (Facemask): diehardfish.co...
Stickers: diehardfish.co...
Follow me on Social Media to stay up to date on all the new content coming out on the channel: / die.hard.fishing
/ official.die.hard.fishing
Kayak Accessories:
Hobie Outback: amzn.to/2ZvlLuu
NRS Chinook OS Fishing Lifejacket (PFD): amzn.to/3gzWnMN
YakGear Fish Stik (Bump Board/Measuring Device): amzn.to/3aLKjpr
Scotty Laketroller Downrigger: amzn.to/2VolI39
Visibility Kit by Railblaza: amzn.to/2LqHsb1
VHF Radio: amzn.to/2Zw6jSU
Hand Pump: amzn.to/2MGEGAt
Fish Finder: amzn.to/2Zc8Twt
Scotty Rod Holder: amzn.to/2ZA0RKp
Stringer: amzn.to/2Zrc5kA
Gaff: amzn.to/2Nx31s6
Net: amzn.to/2O6yC48
Kayak Fish Bag: amzn.to/3fvuV2D
Camera Gear:
Gopro Hero 8 Black: amzn.to/3iFrlnT
Gopro Hero 7 Black: amzn.to/2ZLyfhz
Gopro Session: amzn.to/2tCoqqK
Gopro Clamp Mount: amzn.to/2LftAAw
Gopro hat clip: amzn.to/2ssQ6Ou
Gopro chest mount: amzn.to/2sdS8Og
Gopro tripod: amzn.to/2t4F9RN
Gopro light: amzn.to/2oTE5Op
Extended Battery: amzn.to/38DxH3a
DSLR Camera: amzn.to/2oieAp9
DSLR Tripod: amzn.to/2okvW4Y
DSLR Flexible Tripod: amzn.to/2PNLUkz
DSLR Microphone: amzn.to/2MVlRt2
DSLR Backpack: amzn.to/2wvI72n
For business inquiries, please contact me at:
[e-mail]

[@coreyjbeats1357]

Hmm there’s a pattern here... “I got hit by a boat then caught my PB.” “I lost my favorite rod then caught two gigantic salmon.” Before we know it, “I lost my leg but caught a whale.” Be safe out there, Adam! We need your content hahah.

[@DieHardFishing]

I did gaff my hand a couple videos back....

[@Captainsilicon]

Hey Adam R U sure you didn’t want a upgraded rod and reel lol😂 ... On the real let us know what combo you come up with,maybe a low,medium,and high outfit thanks man keep fishing for us!!!

[@ablaze3798]

@@DieHardFishing what video was that

[@stevetautog880]

I have never yet made my first kayak fishing experience,,,, long story,,,,,,,,,but in the planning phase one of the first things I thought would be to have everything on a "lease" bungee rope etc,,,,,,,,,in case of anything, especially the main one , if i capsize,,,,,, how could you not also see the need to have every thing tied?????

[@cashotpb]

Dude you are such a humble and chill fisherman. Most guys would be cussing and yelling at the other boat.

[@drewpetzel749]

Adam, I met you on this day. I was the guy on the blue outback who caught another big chinook, we took a photo together at the launch/landing area. I got my catch recorded and it's the first video on my very small youtube channel. Was nice running into you, hope to see you again.

[@Mybeardog]

Your a good man. Dealt with an angry fisherman with class. I can trust a man like you my brother.

[@fazekhan2042]

My Son Bilal and I are huge fans. We love your videos. Great catch here. Hope to fish with you and the “Bay Area Beasts”,(Mats, Taku, June, & of course you). Big props to your Mom and Dad who raised you right. God bless and stay safe.

[@nicholaschischilly3144]

When fishermen automatically get angry cause you're hooked up an need the bare minimum assistance. No respect. Adam is top tier class and skilled! Love your videos bro. You make me want to get out more and explore different fisheries.

[@tagamial]

My condolences on the rod and reel. Poseidon strikes again ! The guy on the boat was jealous you were catching !

[@willac5]

Nice work dude! You're always so calm and collected. Super awesome to have a crew out there to celebrate with you!

[@Erik-6262]

I think you could save yourself a lot of grief by letting the rod and the Reel do the work for you!! I've fished Salmon for over 50 yrs up north here off the BC coast, and Guided at various northern Salmon Lodges. We have had "barbless" hooks for ages and lose very few fish. Mostly the Coho when they jump. Even with barbed you would lose the fish if they fought long enough and enlarged the hook entry point. I prefer single action reels rather than the type you guys are using, guess it depends on what you get use to. With your 4 to 1 or 5 to 1 reel ratio for winding you shouldn't have any problem keeping tension, especially when they turn toward you. Even on my single action reels I have no problem catching up to the fish when they run towards me. Boat is always put in neutral when fish on and only kept moving if really windy or hard running current or the fish is really big and have to catch up to him. :-)) Try it without paddling and let the fish run with a good amount of drag on the reel and wind like crazy if he runs toward you. Doubt you would lose any more than what you've said you've lost already. Found your channel a few weeks ago and really enjoy it . but I would sure like you to try the fight without the paddling Plus you will be facing the fish all the time instead of it being behind you.! Fun show though :-)) Love watching.

[@hansemcito]

hey erik id like to get your feedback if you dont mind, and maybe it will help others too. im down here in the SF bay area like adam (die hard fishing). ive often thought that using mooching style fishing would be a good match with kayak fishing. i dont see others doing it down here and am wondering why not? when you say "single action reel" is that what some people call a "mooching reel"? i picked up a nice used one in oregon once (daiwa 175s) and have it matched with an 8.5' lamiglas mooching rod. i have yet to try it out, but since people here dont seem to fish like that, down here your comment caught my eye. you see, i dont have a pedal kayak so im not going to be keeping pressure on by dragging the fish around like the pedal kayakers do. it seems to me that it would be a natural fit: salmon fishing with more traditional kayak and a mooching reel with appropriate rod. any ideas? thanks!

[@paul88gaines2]

. P a,

[@tokay999]

What's a single action reel ?

[@hansemcito]

@@tokay999 i think this is also called a mooching reel when for salmon. like the Shimano Moocher Plus 4000GT Single Action Reel

[@FishingNature87]

Exactly once u hook it u can’t pedal like that you have to use the rod to fight it . He’s ripping the hook out it’s mouth by pedaling after he hooks it like duh 🙄

[@OutdoorChefLife]

Die Hard Fishing went beast mode. No more messing around! You forgot to mention it was your birthday!!

[@fazekhan2042]

Happy belated Bday Adam. Taku hit me up brother. We need to hook up and hook on some fish

[@jonathanstephens7015]

They are friends. We’re a pretty tight group here in the Bay Area.

[@julesl6910]

Glad we're all best friends

[@hooper4581]

Splendid trip and vid ! Listen we’ve all lost something here and there over the years bright side who doesn’t love buying new soon to be favorite gear ? Thanks again for taking us along!

[@freddielopez6171]

Thx for the positive attitude dealing with the grumpy fisherman. Every time you end up coming out with the biggest fish.✌🏽

[@andrewhooper355]

So happy for you! Great to hear all your buddies cheering you on too!

[@joetersi3958]

The kayak guy is truly a natural bait fan. Love watching his techniques & tactics

[@theoldsurffisher1943]

Adam Your 2nd buck out did the first. You need to set your drag and let lit work. You can't be feeding out line that's what the drag is supposed to do. Set it looser or tighter and live with (trust) it. You can level wind with only your thumb; you don't need to include/involve your fore finger too. You need the fore finger to grip and apply pressure and control on your rod. 2 monkey fish off your back. I share in your relief of pressure. Tight lines and tight spins on your smelly bait... next trip video; I'll be watching for it.

[@mzshanee]

He does this shit all the time. It is so frustrating. I’ve stopped watching, cause he always complains about how tired he gets but feeds the fish line like crazy. And he always lose fish, cause when he feeds line, there’s slack. But whatever. Lol. I just thought I’d watch this one and see if he has learned, he isn’t feeding as much anymore, but looks like he definitely still does a bit. 🤦‍♀️.

[@kelevra558]

My gpa used to say "hooked her right by the lipstick!" When him or I had a dodgy hookup. Miss that man.

[@dylangard4192]

I can’t believe how calm you are when your getting yelled at

[@thomasbrown9402]

Asian; we're all screaming inside

[@deniseockey6204]

He kind of started it. Could have said things differently maybe ask or something. The boat would be gone way before the kayak or fish would maybe be there.

[@mytownstaallday4042]

Wow 🤩 your channel never disappoints! I didn’t really start watching until the hit by a boat video. Been hooked since!

[@Z-Bart]

"Gonna drag him into the shallows, gonna drag him into the shallows and drown him" - Captain Quint.

[@quinnsouthallmusic]

"The sea givith and the sea taketh away" -Earnest Hemingway

[@My-gm9bo]

That first boat was probably mad they didn’t catch anything and a kayak did. Besides that, great catches.

[@bobv8219]

Nice catch bra!! Sweet audio and film as well as narration. Good stuff man . See ya on 5he sonoma coast.

[@kaitlynbui]

die hard fishing really is die. hard. fishing!! glad you came out with two monsters!

[@a2nvi3tboyz03]

Die Hard strikes again!! Your channel is so awesome! Your such a chill guy. I probably would have popped my top with that first boater. Where did you launch from? Looked so calm for you to have had a yard sale.

[@Play_outdoors]

Happy Belated Bday - it was nice to finally meet you yesterday (sorry I realized after the fact that i was fully masked/sunglasses and hat when I introduced myself) - Nice video, thanks for sharing your experiences as always.

[@williambenner5550]

What a great adventure! My heart was in my throat as you battled those fish! Fantastic job!

[@DieHardFishing]

You and me both!

[@johnnyshepherd3055]

Dang, all the attitudes. Kayakers must be the road cyclists of the boating world 😂 .

[@richdunn9774]

I tell people I know how motorcycle drivers feel. I almost got ran over couple years ago but the guy saw me and peeled away.

[@comontoshi]

The people in boats are just assholes.

[@eiginh]

A lost rod sounds like an excuse to go diving with Outdoor Chef Life!

[@flyfisherneil5201]

A few might slip through the cracks but adipose clipped is a hatchery, not clipped is wild. Also there’s a big difference between farm raised and a hatchery fish, any fish you catch out there are definitely not farm raised! Nice fish though 😁

[@harlanmcleod5499]

I recently lost a rod and reel due to not loosening my drag and hooking up to an 80 lb shark. It was my favorite rod and reel. Seen it sink about a foot upon hitting the water and then she went for a ride. RIP Daiwa x40 and Ugly Stik tiger. At least you can say you've been through it now and you're a much better fisherman.

[@toddgoudberg7687]

Man I love watching you kayak guys pedal around in full sprint mode with a fish on. Save yourself some calories and wind the damn reel. Whether you're towing the fish or the fish is towing you, just keep tension on the fish and the hook's not coming out. Barb or not. Just reel that thing to the boat!!!!!

[@kumaboyy.7443]

You are definitely in better shape than Jun and Taku! Taku said he could not keep up with you on his video and Jun got leg cramps on his video! Nice double catch, Adam,! Sorry to hear you lost some more equipment but that is part of the game!

[@On_My_Trips]

Way to not quit Adam!!! On both losing gear and those epic fights!!

[@brentkelly5037]

Awesome show Adam! Impressed by how humble you are, really enjoy your show.

[@calisurfer33]

Sweet catch way to redeem the day. FYI 25% of salmon raised at the Central Valley hatcheries have their adipose fin clipped. So if you have a fish with a fin clip you know it's from a hatchery, but no telling just by looking a fish with an adipose fin if it's a hatchery or naturally spawning fish

[@bassassassinnn7459]

Take your clicker off after you hook your fish. It really does impede how quickly you can reel in your line efficiently.

[@robertmerriott9501]

This one earned you another subscriber. Nicely done sir

[@unicornbaits1622]

Love your outlook. Great job definitely.

[@ravennelson827]

Never curse the tool that has rewarded you, the sea takes and gives back...

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Congrats on your success. I appreciate your attitude and the knowledge. I’ve been bank fishing for catfish on the Feather in 100+ heat with little success. I enjoy the solitude until the jet skis and beer drinkers arrive.

[@megalowdonny3152]

Oof, sorry to hear about that rod and reel man. I did the same thing at the Kern river once, damn near got swept away trying to retrieve it too. At least those pigs made up for it!

[@richignacio81]

Dude!! Kept me in suspense!! Fun to watch!! Thank you!!

[@dougmarlow9466]

Well done, your patience served u well. Great vid, thanks.

[@aznwarrior20]

Lost your favorite pole then limit out on salmon, looks like you gained a “ lucky 🍀 pole.” I can hear taku cheerleading for you lol 😂 looks like you guys are having fun!

[@StevenDelCastillo]

So happy for you man. Thanks for sharing!

[@wolfieyt6762]

The hatcheries only clip the fish that they put the tracking wires in which is 25% of the fish raised. Love the videos keep up the good work!

[@chrisbrantner7798]

In Oregon that is not the case only something like 10% don't get clipped. I'm pretty sure other west coast states are the same, I could be wrong but I highly doubt they don't clip that many. I would love to see an article or some proof that is the case.

[@wolfieyt6762]

@@chrisbrantner7798 we were wondering last time I went out so when we got back to the dock, we asked the lady that works for them and thats what she told us. She also said only about 10% of the salmon are wild so most of the fish you are catching, even if they aren't clipped, are farm raised.

[@chrisbrantner7798]

@@wolfieyt6762 I have volunteered at 2 different hatcheries in Oregon, one more than once to help clip fins. I'm not saying your lying but I think you misheard. Most hatcheries are raising like 600k to a million smolts of each type and putting tags in 25% of those just wouldn't make sense. Also raising that many fish with the purpose of being caught by fishermen to only clip 25% would create a big fuss with fishermen whos license fees go to paying most of their budget.

[@wolfieyt6762]

@@chrisbrantner7798 Im positive I didn't mishear but if you still don't believe me (which I understand why according to what you say about Oregon) you should look up some of the hatcheries and Im sure they will have some of that info. That day we talked to the lady that works at the hatchery, we caught 13 salmon and only 2 of them were clipped. I don't think they would have hatcheries if there are that many wild salmon.

[@1richrodfishing]

That's the lucky Rod 🎣🐟🔥💯👍 Catch You Next Time!

[@salcalderon2125]

You should keep that hook and have it mounted on your kayak! Awsome vid Adam! Santa Cruz does it again!🤙🎣

[@Paintcan11]

Looks like an old Kunnan graphite/fiberglass weave. If it is, I have a 9’ XH that I use for sturgeon and plunking, plus bobber salmon. Broomstick!

[@nmolinaro62]

Fortitude, determination, grit. You blasted through adversity to success. Congrats.

[@natespics8276]

We went out yesterday. They are just a little south from bodega bay around 10 mile beach 50’ they are pissed off and strong when they get hooked that shallow. Caught 2, lost 2 and had some bites. Where do you launch with a kayak? Looks like glass that day!

[@theyakuza4927]

Great video as usual. I was so tense watching you fight those fish . By the time you netted that 2nd salmon, I was exhausted LOL ! See ya on the beach again someday. 893

[@ahhdat]

Awesome catches. Enjoyed every second of it. And that boat captain was an asset hole.

[@timetocreatefuture917]

Good job on the Marin coast.. I think I flipped on 3 launches and two returns at Bolinas so hat tip once again sir

[@FishingNature87]

Try to keep pressure but not even reeling lol 😂

[@jasonjones6428]

I always tether my poles to my kayak. It’s saved me many times during the launch, while out in open water, and during rough landings.

[@TheElyk17]

Congratulations buddy flipping awesome!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@richg.fuzion3277]

Wats up Adam? Yes you lost a rod and bad start but you are so humble and awesome dude and good Karma rewards you and wat a blessing bro🙏🏽 sick ass video 👍🏼 be safe out there always 🙏🏽

[@CMCya]

Sucks to hear about the rough start man. Glad you aren't editing out the struggle tho. Kick ass man 🤙

[@sifakuahuia8576]

Hell yeah man😲 badass catch. Going fishing to Catalina island Thursday, hopefully catch some yellowtail. Wish we had salmon down here lol

[@mpillejera]

Ever tried breakaway flasher rigs down there in CA to help with minimizing drag for you and the fish? The Simon magnetic break away system has been money with my Hotspot and Shortbus flashers

[@mikeallsup4746]

Awesome vid!!! I got slammed there last year on the landing!!! Didn’t lose anything but had sand EVERYWHERE hahahah could do without YS but dam makes ya feel alive... Suks losing gear!!! Most excellent pinks... Thx for action...

[@jonathanreed138]

You should check the shore all around where u lost it in the surf we used too lose them on the beach slot from tide coming up fast n the night then at daybreak we'd find them wash right up the beach 100 ft or less

[@judgemenot9311]

How could you not give this video a thumbs up. Mans put in work

[@FedsFishing]

Nice Adam. Losing a setup is heart breaking but losing a nice fish would of been more heart breaking. Awesome job 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@FedsFishing]

Oh and happy belated bday.

[@chrisbrantner7798]

Look at the dorsal fin on the salmon with an adipose fin and if it is a little messed up it is most likely a hatchery. Their dorsal gets messed up while young in the fish pens. Natives have perfect fins most of the time so thats a good way to tell.

[@cyperme123]

Started with a “bad” day and came out a winner👏

[@raremomo]

This was painful to watch.

[@JorgeMartinez-df3or]

That was a great catch from the salmon point of view but if anybody looks over to the right hand corner over head of the UFO that is flying above and to the right did a zooming on it and that's no bug.double wammy on the video nice catch.

[@PalmCirclePete]

Great catches man. Must feel so good after so much time/money. What a beautiful chromer too. I’m waiting for them to make their way through the gate and up the river before I get a shot at them this fall.

[@hunter8turkey1]

Thanks for the video man I felt like I was out there with you. I think this year I will get me a Kayak. I am in the LA area. Have to find an area where your from to catch the salmon. Thanks again.

[@NorCalFishermen]

die hard never misses leg day!

[@5tr1d3ras]

Good job Adam catching those big fish!!!

[@owenscott1552]

When people yell at me I usually yell back😂😂 Awsome fish!

[@EvieSoto]

Annnnnnd that's how you do it folks 😁 Die hard is killing it.

[@mitchellmerkel3268]

You are right about the fin it's has to be cut off to be a hachery fish and in Washington State it's a wild fish after to be released

[@colorspacmangalvez5990]

Sorry for the loss hope you find it

[@siklegend]

Another way to tell if its a hatchery fish or wild is if the dorsal fin is raggedy looking and marred up its probably a hatchery fish from rubbing on everything in the holding pins, if they're nice and pointy then its probably a wild.

[@wormdrowner95snag46]

Thank the LORD🙏🏽🙏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 FISH ON!!!!!!! GOOD JOB enjoy bro....and now you get to the 2nd best thing to catching fish shopping for some much needed and deserved fishing gear!😉😂 great job already looking forward to the next video.😁

[@TheFrogfeeder]

Had big plans to outfit my canoe into a fishing machine. I like a kayak but I wanted to be able to take a cooler and my dog... after using a few times, I got myself a small 13’ aluminum w/28hp motor, that I am now converting to center console with remote controls, much easier to deal with and still small enough for my little suv to pull.

[@jimbo4612]

Hook wise on the barb less there are high carbon barb less fish hooks you can heat and bend the hook to one side keeping the same gap with . This bend will hook and hold far better. To do this properly and keep the hooks strength you need to heat and slow cool (annealing process) to make the (bend) then you have to heat and ( quench ) to make hard the steel hard. Its actually pretty basic not complicated. A small camping propane bottle and torch tip from a hardware store such as (ACE) provides the heat As for the yak rolling Nature can be a mother!!! A+ for effort soaked , exhausted, but coming come victorious with 2 very nice salmon. .

[@artkitzmiller957]

Great catches after your sacrifice to the fish gods! Now PLEASE take us with you to buy your new salmon rod and reel (if you are not buying it on line).

[@american_dane]

way to keep your composure amigo. Kings can frustrate the best of us!

[@theseagull7020]

Never fun losing gear, recently flipped my kayak and lost a phenix rod along with a Lexa HD 300. Nice catch! Never hooked a salmon on a kayak, hoping to next summer!

[@AhnkoCheeOutdoors]

Congratulations on your awesome salmon double. You didn't like the drag on the lost reel anyways. Go reward yourself with a new rod & reel. I bet your mom was ecstatic seeing those salmon. Aloha.

[@vaughansummerville3017]

Remember the worst day fish is better then a good day working😁👍

[@danielruprecht8932]

That's sad about the rod , I'm now gonna tether my rods. Thanks for the tip.

[@starik3713]

Good job bud. Sorry to hear about the loss. Where do you launch?

[@Walternator]

I love your videos 🤙🤙 I have a question, where do I find the loop thing for your fish?

[@southpaw_reels]

Nice vid my friend. Well put together and entertaining. Two great fish, too bad about your rod though.

[@PauloGGarcia]

You’re literally just informing them that you’ve got a fish on and to be careful and he snaps at you like that? What a jerk. Congrats on a great day of fishing!

[@adamtyler8695]

I just found your channel, and I can't stop binging!!! I wish I lived by the ocean. Stuck with lake erie haha. P.s. does anything ever try and eat the fish you have hanging in he water?!

[@ponyongm5936]

Great job Adam stay safe no matter good or bad reel you seem to manage

[@robbergstrom943]

Killer episode. Sorry about the rod but- enjoy that hard earned salmon!

[@cindrastover7433]

Fishing is hard work. Deep Breath! Lol Enjoyed it. Thank You.

[@srgtkankles]

In WV we get stocked trout in lakes and creeks and they all have that fin.

[@woodfried]

I've been there brother! Starting out the day with a crash will leave you a little rattled!

[@michael-xe7rz]

Souns like you have a new favorite Fishing Pole !!!!!!

[@gaylemcgee2221]

Awesome catch last year!!!

[@penang34]

Are you using circle hook? helps to keep the fish on.

[@chalo186ga]

What a beautiful catch brotha , you lost the small ones only to catch the big ones.

[@tiffanywelton5116]

For the Adipose fins on Salmon and steelhead, some fish that were clipped have a healed scar or an Adipose that was partially clipped with less than an centimeter remaining. Sometimes though in decades past, the hatcheries would clip what they need to stimulate the return only and released the unclipped ones like you mentioned. Sometimes genetic marker and tag testing provides where the hatchery fish, clipped or not, just become vanguard or volunteering salmon/steelhead and stimulate or rear in totally new watersheds or systems. Whether it's a a few lost fish following a massive school of native fish up the system. In my opinion it's just fish attending and graduating with a different school than what they grew up with.