2019: Trip #2 on the Fortune (2 Day)
DWRRC Trip 2 – 2 Day Trip on the Fortune, Cast off June 6 th , fished June 7 th and 8 th
June 6 th 2019. The 75 th anniversary of the D Day invasion.
Events that happened June 6th many years ago, the sacrifice by all allow us to have the freedom to be at
sea on the Fortune to pursue a passion we all have. Thank you does not seem enough.
Short version:
Day 1. 10 Yellow Tail - Mario Sr. JP Winner - 10 pound Yellow tail.
Steve Lenker new Calico leader 4.8 pounds
Day 2. 3 Yellow Tail – Ryan Burson JP Winner – 15 pound Lingcod.
Beer required version:
I arrived later than planned as I was driving up from San Diego Thursday morning and I still had to change
the line on my reels before heading to San Pedro. Stopped at Hogan’s for last minute supplies, paying
homage and thanks to the folks there. Recommendation they made last year were spot on.
Once prepped and the car loaded, the traffic gods were kind on the trek from South Orange County to
22 nd street landing.
When I arrived around 5-ish, the well-oiled machine known as the DWRRC was already onboard getting
ready for Fridays activities. A familiar sight was Super Mario fishing from the boat. A buzz of activity
rigging line, swapping stories, greetings, stowing gear, rods, BS’ing, last minute phone calls home, etc.
As I was on my final trip schlepping my stuff from the parking lot, Steve Lenker walked up behind me and
asked, “Hey Jeffy, you need some help?” I always need help.
Always a friendly greeting from club members and crew.
Crew of the Fortune.
First Bob, Second George, Axel, Alex and stand-up comedian / galley slave Steve.
The anglers and consumers of fine spirits, wine and beer
Bill Parks, Matt Kindsfather (Ryan’s Guest), Luke Burson, Mike Trunk, Brian Wynne, Ryan Burson,
Steve Lenker, Hayden Claisse, Joseph Gigante (Mike Trunks Guest), Ron Henry, Roy Patterson,
Tom Hill, Gary Thompson, Andy Woodfill, Mario Caporuscio Sr., Super Mario Caporuscio Jr.,
Jeff Hinrichs (scribe doody) and Joe Stassi – Joining as a guest. Looking fit and ready to go.
Andy was the last to arrive with Silver Bullet provisions that hopefully would make it to Saturday
afternoon. Now we had the Trunk and Andy factors to add to the entertainment level that would start
peaking Friday evening as Matt was battling a brute during dinner hour.
As I was assisting Trunk carrying the valued cargo to the boat, I informed him there was a two-beer
corkage fee for assisting him. He informed me that was an issue as there were only 72 beers available.
I left it at that.
The Caporuscio’s appears to be well stocked with Cerveza’s and Jack.
Plans were to be under way around 6 PM and we were.
All aboard and accounted for. Off to the bait receiver for a fill of sardines.
Chef Steve served wieners and bean-less chili with Mac salad whilst the tanks were being plugged.
Delicious. We left the receivers at 7:11.
Under way to some very calm seas. The weather promised to be a cool evening. It was.
We were looking to fish SCI in search of Yellow tail, perhaps the legendary white sea bass and whatever
else we could entice to bite.
1:30 AM At the cove circling for squid. Gary in the galley sipping coffee, Mario Jr. ready to go. Does he
ever sleep?
1:45 AM sounds like crowders going over. Anchor out and engines off.
Learned from Gary later the crew was able to scoop a considerable amount of squirters before the dogs
showed thier ugly mugs and scared the ink out of the squid. That sounds like a sad Western Outdoors’
News song, Squid before Sea Lions.
Of the sea lions, Thompson said, Trunk can Punk em, then Gary would Plunk em, whatever that means.
Off we went to find a no dogs zone with no luck.
The crowd at the rails grew slowly pre-dawn. Thoughts were on White Sea Bass.
Action was almost non-existent, however picked up when the dogs wanted to play. We don’t need no
stinking dogs. Pretty slack current not happening. Gonna be overcast and cool all day.
6:15 AM Awesome biscuits and gravy courtesy of Steve. (The highlight of early morning was breakfast)
Moving around to get away from the dogs and find some current. Finally found some of the right fish to
play. Forktails were showing in small numbers. And the heartbreak of the dogs taking them. However, a
few anglers prevailed over evil.
Then Gary was on something big. Maybe a WSB. Sea Bass, yes, White, no.
This is the same area Gary hooked and released another BSB a few years earlier, on the same rod and
reel. This was a considerable battle that was finally over when the beast surfaced. Some upper
estimates of two hundred pounds were murmured. Well done Gary. Not even the sea lion wanted to
mess with this fish.
The crew took action to ensure the fish was back on its ways to the depths.
We moved between the Cove, LA Basin, and back.
Mario Sr. picked up a nice YT on fly lined squid.
There were a few more YT’s, goats to be had, cuda, white fish, bonitos, blue perch and a few birds.
Sometime during all this movement, Steve served an awesome lunch of Pastrami sandwiches, slaw and
mac salad.
Moved over to Pyramid. Calicos for many on dines and squid. A few Yellow tail. Tough to keep from the
sea lions. Farging Iceholes.
Then I saw Matt bring up what looked like a blue gill of the sea. I was informed this was a Blacksmith
Perch. What do I know?
Steve Lenker was on fire using Hook Up Bait. He is deadly using those.
He landed what appears to be the leader Calico for the year.
Taped at 4.8 pounds. (or was that 4 pounds 8 ounces). 19.75 inches long, 14 inches girth.
Mario also landed a sizable calico. 20 inches long, 12.5 inches girth.
Luke hooked something that looked like it was going to spool him before it came unbuttoned.
Hayden picked up a Yellow tail despite inviting 4 of his closest friends to tangle along.
We were on a good spot of small yellow tail when the Fury radioed to come on over and take these
wretched sardines from us. First steady action all day and we had to pull away.
As can be, we were burning through bait pretty fast, so the offer was welcomed.
We stopped at the Fury to relieve them of several scoops of sardines before they headed back to port.
When we returned to the hot spot, it was over.
Pulled into a calico spot for dinner. There was plenty of action for calico’s and other squid loving fish.
Dinner was served for the first sitting. Still steady action on the calicos. Then it got interesting. Ryan’s
guest Matt hooked into something sizable. Very sizable. Humbling sizable. To the bow and ripping line
with little slow down. A ton of line before it slowed down.
Speculation of what quarry was on the end of the line.
Big sea lion, big mud marlin, black Sea Bass, thresher?
Since it did not surface, this ruled out a Sea Lion. And it did not run like a ray.
Several members instructed Matt of how to gain line on this beast.
Other offered colorful words of encouragement. Very graphic and at times disturbing words of
encouragement were thrown his way.
Matt was torn between toughing it out and handing this over to someone else. This dragged on for 10
minutes, then 20 minutes, then 30. Matt was gaining ground with help from Ryan coaching him. When
it looked like there might be some headway this formidable foe took all the line gained and more. Matt
still hung on. After several more agonizing minutes, Matt relinquished the battle to Ryan.
Ryan put the screws to this, only to have the hook pull after several more minutes of battle.
Speculation was a thresher.
Not to miss reporting on meals, dinner was pork loin, green beans and rice.
A fine selection of wines provided by many.
With a cheesecake chaser. Another fine meal.
All told I believe there were 10 Yellow tail taken Friday.
Mario Sr. took top honors with a 10 pound yellow tail JP.
Off we were back to the cove for more squid then to Tanner for Yellow Tail.
ETA for Saturday morning fishing was 5: 30 AM. A bumpy ride to the bank.
Words of wisdom during the pursuit of tuna
If it smells like fish, it’s a dish.
Day two: Sunny all day.
We were in position at 5:50 AM. We were not the only boat in town. Out went the surface irons, yoyo
irons, fin bait, squid, anything and everything. Long soaks. Some salmon grouper, white fish, goats.
Trunk made the adjustments to get the forktails to bite. He went two for three on yellow tail. Ryan a
hook up on a yoyo iron, that came unbuttoned. I was soaking a fin bait next to Ryan, he got bit and
landed what looked to be a JP contender. When I asked him why he got bit and I didn’t, he told me his
bait was prettier than mine. Enough said.
We moved around to find more willing targets to no avail.
Breakfast Burritos or eggs and taters and pork your way for breakfast somewhere along the way.
Then the decision was made to target some reds before heading back to port.
Somewhere in the middle of this, Steve served a large silver platter of brownies.
Joe Stassi was right in the thick of things. It was very cool to see him wind up a very nice pair of reds.
Several nice sized reds were put onboard.
Made a few long drifts that netted several reds and various other species.
Among those was a pair of Ling Cod. First it was Luke who pulled in what appeared to be a 12 pounder.
Not to be outdone, Ryan landed a 15 pounder.
More reds then it was time to head back to San Pedro.
Burgers and steak fries for lunch.
Day two tally
Three Yellow tail
Two Ling Cod.
Reds
Ryan took top honors with a 15 pounds Ling Cod JP that outweighed his Yellow tail.
Some mental notes I made from boarding through both days.
I noticed how Ryan really took the time to prepare and to mentor Matt on the finer points of fishing and
catching. Everything from the differences of the rod and reel set up, when to use the 25 or 30 set up,
how to hook the bait, how to fish the bait, how to properly set a hook. A class act Ryan
Some other notables:
Gary having the hurt put to him by a sizable BSB and still have enough energy to land a blue perch.
Joe Stassi going at the reds like the youngster he is.
Trunk making the adjustments to get the YT’s to bite.
The amount of beer required to keep Andy and Trunk fishing.
Mario Sr and Mario Jr, not to be out done on the beer and Jack, ouch.
Brian, thank you for checking in on me.
Hayden, it is great to have you fishing with us.
Oh, the stories.
The great crew.
Comedian chef Steve always on the prowl to see if we were paying attention by bumping the butt of the
fishing poles during a soak.
Words of wisdom during the pursuit of tuna (cont.)
If it smells like cologne, leave it alone.
For you bird watchers: Bald Eagle and Albatross.
Lessons learned, again and again and again.
Always have a rod and reel set up ready for the trip home.
We encountered two different stops of sizable crashing tuna.
Ryan and Super Mario were ready. Mario got picked up on one of the stops.
Chef Steve and other crew members also on them.
Very smooth ride home. Rounded the north end of Catalina, on a spectacular day sail boats plentiful.
In port somewhere around 8 PM.
Time to put a fork in it. This trip was done.
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Trip #5: Boat: Thunderbird 2.5 day Departs: Tuesday August 19th Fishing: August 20th, 21th Returns: August 22th am Thunderbird Crew: Jeff Markland- Captain Steve Raby- 2nd Captain Jose, Jared & Nate on deck Goofy in his usual form in the Galley The usual suspects, newer club members and a slew of guests began gathering for the upcoming 2.5-day venture on board the Thunderbird on Tuesday afternoon/evening, a lot of discussion occurred around where will we fish, what is our bait, are we going to fish for tuna, and more importantly, the weather. Forecast was for pretty breezy on the outer banks and tuna grounds with somewhat better at the island. Thursday weather looked much improved everywhere. As it turned out, the weather turned out nice the first day, and even nicer the second day. Also the good news was we would have sardines for bait. When the boat returned from the fuel dock around 7:30, I wandered down to the boat and sat with Jeff and discussed our “options”. There was about 2 scoops of live squid on the boat and the squid at San Clemente Island was available but by jigging. Also, the yellowtail fishing was hit or miss at best early in the cove, and then really nothing to catch the rest of the day unless the bass decided to bite. The tuna grounds were in range to do some night fishing between the days, and daytime fishing was producing smaller fish. The Tanner Bank had the 10-15 lb variety which was spotty, and inside toward SCI were bigger 30-35lb variety with some larger mixed in. Getting bites though would be hard. The Cortez Bank coughed up 100 yellowtail for Jeff a few days before. There was also some white sea bass caught at San Nicholas Island so that was an option. Soooo, one more time, what to do. Jeff decided he will decide when we leave the bait receiver as I said give it your best shot. The final decision, with the weather forecast improving, we would head to the Cortez Bank since there had been some yellowtail there a few days before. And off we went. Travel out was not too bad. Day 1- Arrived at the Cortez Bank around 7:45 am, fished a couple areas for nothing except some of the jumbo bonito, large mackerel and a few bottom dwellers. There was no sign of yellowtail. Where the F**k did they go? Around 10:00am, Jeff pulled the plug and we headed back inside to the tuna grounds, about 30 miles away. Weather was getting much nicer, We ended up picking at the BFT not long after we arrived in the area around 2:00pm and joined “the fleet”. We had one decent plunker drift for 16 BFT, and scratched up 9 more at sundown. As dark fell, we headed into the island to try for the early morning yellowtail fishing at the Lost Point area. Day 1 fish count- 25 BFT, 4 Bonito kept, a few misc bottom dwellers kept JP winner- Bronson Noggle (Cory Steinwand Guest)- 30 plus lb BFT, Patch winner Cory Steinwand- 30 plus lb BFT (it was very close) Day 2- had a few yellowtail bites in the dark and grey light at Lost Point, all nice fish. Headed out after grey light for yesterday’s tuna grounds. Flat calm weather. Worked the area with “the fleet” for a couple of hours and covering a lot of water. Jeff finally pulled the plug and decided to take a gamble and head to the Tanner Bank since there were tuna there a few days before. And the gamble certainly paid off. We were greeted with boiling fish in the chum circle when we arrived, boiling fish on the anchor and steady fishing on the 10-15 lb BFT the rest of the afternoon. We fished a couple deep spots for decent reds and other stuff, one nice ling cod and headed back to the area west of SCI toward San Nicholas Island for some night fishing. We had several stops on spots of fish, and got a few anywhere from 30 plus lbs up to 100lbs. Around midnight, we headed home. We were able to fish that long because by chance, the boat was not scheduled to run a ¾ day trip when we got in, so we got to fish longer. Arrived at the dock around 7:20am, unloaded and that was it. Day 2 fish count- 6 Yellowtail, 40 BFT, 1 Halibut, 2 Barracuda, 100 plus mixed Reds and Rockfish, 1 Ling Cod JP & Patch winner- Cory Steinwand- 102 lb BFT Trip total- 65 BFT, 6 Yellowtail, 1 Halibut, 4 Bonito, 100 plus mixed Reds/Rockfish, 1 Ling Cod The weather for the entire trip was good. Temperature cool both days but very nice. Very little wind to flat calm the entire 2 days. One thing that was troubling was the amount of casualties on these smaller tuna. Seems like most everyone liberated one or two, or more. (We won’t mention my luck!). Small hooks and light line with too much pressure and these little guys were hot! All in all a good time had by all and a very good group of guests on this trip as well. That’s it! Your Scribe- Gary Thompson
Trip #4: Boat: Thunderbird 2 day Departs: Thursday August 7th Fishing: August 8th, 9th Returns: August 9th pm Trip 4 started as usual with people arriving at Newport Landing at all hours of the day with anticipation of fishing. The preliminary reports from Gary Thompson were all too familiar to what we’ve seen this year. Bait was going to be an issue. And last but not least, was the fish seemed to pop up one day and then disappear the next. Nevertheless, everyone was ready to go. Friday morning saw us anchored at the usual cove off SCI. Weather was OK; fishable, but not a lot of fish. But the ones we caught were quality yellowtail and white sea bass. The sea lions provided ample entertainment …err I mean frustration. We hopped around to a few spots picking up the occasional calico but not much. Day 1 jackpot went to Alex Arthur (Justin Becker’s Guest) with the patch going to Nick Burson for some chunky YT’s Day 2 started much as it did Day 1 but the weather was worse than Day 1. We looked here and there with only 3 yellowtail to show for our efforts. Eventually, the Thunderbird turned towards offshore waters to try our luck at some bluefin. Unfortunately, the fish didn’t get the memo and we saw neither sign or had any bites. Mr, “Hey that’s my fish” Tom Hill was the lucky jackpot and patch winner for Day 2 with a 15# YT. So, there you have it, not a, “Hey you missed a great trip” kind ‘a trip but per usual, the members of our club all seemed to enjoy doing what we do. It’s not always about the fish; it’s about the people and the experience. LOL! Who am I kidding…we all want more fish. Until next time, step to the right/left and take up your slack.
Trip #3: Boat: Thunderbird 2 day Departs: Thursday July 24 Fishing: July 25 and 26 Returns: July 26 pm Trip 3 started as usual with people arriving at Newport Landing at all hours of the day and anticipation for fishing high. The preliminary reports from Gary Thompson were not great. Bait was going to be an issue. Anchovies were sick, too hot for squid, and no sardines. Nevertheless, everyone was ready to go. Due to some late cancellations (bummer), there were 21 passengers on the trip. Gary gave the pre-trip update before boarding with the news that we would make the ride down to Dana Wharf, where there were good sardines for bait. That was the good news. The bad news was that it was going to be a bumpy ride out and wind was going to be an issue, and we probably wouldn’t make it to San Clemente Island. Our initial destination would be Catalina. So, at 9pm off we went. Friday morning saw us anchored at China cove at Catalina. I haven’t been with the club long, but my understanding from some of the older members is that the club hasn’t fished Catalina in many years. I was up at 3:30ish and there were a few hearty souls trying to make squid bait. 2-3 at a time on squid jigs, and eventually we had a decent amount of squid to go along with the sardines. Possibly a good sign. Gradually all the fisherman got lines in the water, with most people dropping down by 5am, waiting for the fish to bite. Well, the yellowtail and white seabass were a no show. We did have a pretty incredible black seabass bite. A total of 6 were hooked, 3 broke off, and 3 were landed (all by Jim Bertella) and released. At 7:30 Captain Chris decided to make the move over to San Clemente Island. We looked for kelp patties and bluefin on the way. Again, fish were a no show (there’s a theme happening here). Made it to Clemente about 11:30. We spent the rest of the day fighting winds at Clemente. Most of the fishing was close to the island with catch and release calico fishing, although a few nice ones were kept. A few small yellowtail were caught on bait, and one on a surface iron. On any other trip these probably would have been released, but beggars can’t be choosers. Final count for day 1 was 9 yellowtail. Gary Thompson won jackpot. We anchored at Clemente for Friday night. Overnight the squid came up and we woke to plenty of squid in the bait tanks. We started fishing early Saturday morning by dropping down for yellowtail. Once again, the fish were a no show. It wasn’t for lack of trying. All the passengers dropped lines and were giving it the best effort. Enthusiasm remained high. A small halibut was caught, along with a few barracuda. At 7:30 we pulled anchor and started looking for bluefin. At 8, a small bluefin was caught on the troll by one of our guests. No other fish were willing to bite and we kept looking. No luck. At mid-morning, Chris set us up for some rockfishing drifts. Most of the fish caught were salmon grouper, but people at least had a shot to fill their bags. After the rockfishing, we were back on the troll. We covered a wide area of ground. I believe at one point we may have entered into Mexican waters. We saw no bluefin during the troll. Finally, we had to start heading back to the landing. As we were heading north, we saw one our first and last kelp patty. It would be our last stop for the trip. On the stop, one yellowtail was caught using a colt sniper. Like the yellowtail on day 1, it wasn’t big (generous to call it 8 pounds), but it was a keeper and the jackpot fish (sad but true). Final count for day 2 was 1 yellowtail, 1 bluefin on the troll, 1 halibut, and a couple of barracuda. Brian Drazba won jackpot. Despite the rough weather and challenging fishing conditions. Captain and crew were great as always. Never gave up. And I believe all club members and guests had a good time. We can’t always have great days and it just gets us ready for the next trip. Submitted respectfully, Brian Drazba
Trip #2: Boat: Thunderbird 2 day Departs: Thursday July 10th Fishing: July 11th and 12th Returns: July 12th pm Thunderbird Crew: Jeff Markland- Captain Steve Raby- 2nd Captain “Scuba” Steve, “Melo” Carmelo and Jarred on deck Goofy in his usual form in the Galley As the usual suspects, newer club members and a slew of guests began gathering for the upcoming 2-day venture on board the Thunderbird on Thursday afternoon/evening, a lot of discussion occurred around where will we fish, what is our bait, are we going to fish for tuna? As I was the one as club president that is supposed to have all the answers, I had only one…I have no f**king clue! And as everyone sauntered off to dinner, I sat there thinking based on the way things are fishing and bait wise, we could be in for a long two days. When the boat arrived around 6:45, I sauntered down to the boat and sat with Jeff and discussed our “options”. There was about 75 pieces of live squid on the boat and the squid at San Clemente Island was starting to phase out. Also, the yellowtail fishing was hit or miss at best early in the cove, and then really nothing to catch the rest of the day unless the bass decided to bite on our other bait...the long disappeared but now returned anchovies. There was, and still remains, no sardines in range of the landing bait haulers. The tuna grounds were in range to do some night fishing between the days, but without sardines, daytime fishing would be a waste. And there has not been any gamefish on the outer banks either. Soooo, what to do. Jeff thought it might be a huge gamble but he did suggest a 113 mile trek to Santa Rosa Island for white sea bass and halibut which have been biting. He mentioned that the Oxnard/Ventura boats have been snagging squid during the day up there so we should be able to get more and have plenty to fish with. So with everything as it was, we rolled the dice and that was the plan. And it turned out to be one good call when it was all said and done. We loaded up and departed about 8:30pm, stopping at the bait receiver to top off the anchovies and cleared the harbor around 9:30 pm. Day 1- Arrived at Santa Rosa Island around 7:30 am, fished several areas, picking all day long at WSB and Halibut and a few large barracuda mixed in most everywhere, with a pretty good little hit late in the day. We caught plenty of daylight squid, but when dark fell after dinner, the squid nest we were sitting over decided to float, so we loaded up. That evening, the decision was made to move about 30 miles closer to home for Day 2, so it would be off to San Nicholas Island to see if a WSB could be had, and fish for more halibut. We took off around 10:30pm and headed that way. Day 1 fish count- 14 WSB, 16 Halibut, 10 Barracuda JP winner- Jim Bertella- 26.1 lb Halibut, Patch winner Craig Steinwand- 26.2 lb Halibut (was not in jackpot but Halibut larger than Jim’s) Day 2- Arrived at San Nicholas Island at 3:30am down at the sand spit area to a screaming current. Flylining a dropper loop with 8 oz of weight in 60 feet of water. Basically no WSB to be found trying several areas, but did pick up more halibut. Went south of the island later in the morning and fished the deeps for a good amount of nice reds, other rockfish and one nice ling cod. Left for home around 11:30am since we were 73 miles away. Arrived at the dock at 6:30, and as usual, everyone piled off the boat and went home. Day 2 fish count 6 Halibut, 2 Barracuda, 100 plus mixed Reds/Rockfish, 1 Ling Cod JP & Patch winner- Mike Higa- 30 lb Halibut Trip total- 14 WSB, 22 Halibut, 12 Barracuda, 100 plus mixed Reds/Rockfish, 1 Ling Cod Note- Largest WSB was Chris Lund- 24.8 lbs The weather for the entire trip was good. Temperature cool both days but very nice. Very little wind to flat calm the entire 2 days. All the WSB were decent fish in the 18-24 lb. range, and several halibut were over 20 lbs up to 30 lbs. All in all a good time had by all and a very good group of guests on this trip as well. Goofy was his usual self and apparently there was quite a lot of fun going on in the galley after dinner on Day 1, after I had gone to bed. Lots of beverages consumed as I understand it. And I also learned a squid attacked and bit a certain club member who shall remain nameless in the lip and he bled like a stuck pig! And I have a copy of the video! That’s all folks! Your Scribe- Gary Thompson
Trip #1: Boat: Thunderbird 1.5 day Departs: Thursday June 26 Fishing: June 26 - June 28 Returns: June 28, AM “Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change.” — Jim Rohn. Well, on trip #1 we saw many changes to our normal DWRRC routine. We had zero Burson’s in attendance, Hayden was not the first in line, hell, he was not even on the trip! Our fearless Captain Jeff was subbed in by Captain Chris and lastly….no sardines. Wow, that is a lot of change for us men to handle. How did we survive? Quite well actually. The trip started off as normal, with many getting in line and finding ways to work off the 4-6 hours before we actually boarded the Thinderbird. Oscar had coaching duties which stifled his ability to join us, but Junior took his spot and was well looked after. On the dock, we were told that BFT were not within reach and would not be pursued, we would fish for Yellow Tail, do some bass fishing and do a few passes for bottom fish. We had a plan. We pushed off around 8 PM to San Clement Island. Chris parked us at Pyramid Cove where we woke to night fishing. Some were up around 4 AM, with Said catching a shark and a White Sea Bass, we also landed 3 Yellows early, before sunrise. The big bite happened just before and thru dawn with good sized Yellowtail (#30-#35) being landed. We lost very few as we were fishing heavier gear with dropper loop and squid. Paul landed 2 nice Yellows and Jim, as usual, could not be stopped with 5-7 Yellows already in the hole. At 7:20 AM we pulled up anchor with 35 YT and 1 WSB. It was strange not having Sardines on the boat, as many veered away from the small anchovy. Chris started off to the front of the Island, with a few stops sprinkled in. We picked off some white fish, sheepshead and an occasional barracuda. Around 9 AM, on the East End, Chris pulled us tight into a nice spot for Calico fishing. Some whoppers were caught; Bill bringing in a very nice bass with “cheat code” bait, Said also landed a nice Calico with Anchovy. This was a change, certainly, that we had to work with the smaller baits and match hook, line and strategy to get bit. We continued around the Island heading East with some stops throughout the morning, stops produced an assortment of White Fish, Barracuda a few Bonita, and a sprinkling of YT. At 12:30 we had 30 Yellows and the 1 WSB. At one stop we had good bass and YT fishing but 6 sealions on us, that halted the fun. Chris tried to pawn the sealions off to some private boats and return to the spot, but we never got the groove back. Spent some time, mid-day, looking to bottom fish. Chris made of few attempts at floating past some nice spots, but struggled to hit the pass, so after a few swings through the grounds we aborted the bottom. Reds and other rock fish were caught, but nothing consequential. As Ron noted, we spent much time “rigging and re-rigging” as we moved from dropper loop, yoyo, to weighted line and lightly weighted fly line using squid and anchovy. The afternoon was a science experiment, with many trying different options to land fish. Chris brought us to Eel Point, where the Amigo caught a bunch of WSB in the early Friday morning bite. We assumed the meandering Sea Bass would come back in the evening and we would be ready. Unfortunately, none were landed and we spent most of the time hoping for action. The evening excitement was Paul’s bat ray that stirred the crowd, expecting a WSB bite. We had some dinner (Costco Special) and drank some wine, but pretty tame evening all in all….scribe crashed at 9:15…out! We finished with 42 YT and 1 WSB. All the Yellows were of good quality running between 30-38 pounds….Paul won the Jackpot and the only badge available with a #38 Yellow Tail. Congrats Paul! With all the changes on this trip, we still managed to land some nice Yellows and enjoy some time on the water. A good first trip for a 1.5 day’r!
