2008 Charter Schedule

The 2008 Charter Schedule is know up on the web site. New for 2008 we are letting Club members first chance at sighing on to the charters until Feb. 1, after which the general plublic can join the charters. As a club member you can get a 5% discount on all Charters except the Top Gun 80 trip and exotic travel trips.

Lets Eat

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Topgun 80

Rebecca 124lb. Tuna
Kevin
Wally 127lb. Tuna
Rebecca

Topgun 80 fishing report

After taking on 250 scoops of prime sardines we settled in for a 19 hour ride and headed for Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Our first stop at the Island was at Outer Rock. It was a bit windy and not the best fishing conditions so Captain Bob Taft moved the boat about 8 miles north where we anchored for the night. Here we started with a small flurry of school size yellowfin tuna and for those who went to the bottom, good fishing for yellowtail. Night fishing for bait found us in good squid catching. For those who fished into the night and wee hours of the morning caught a few yellowtails and one 86lb. black sea bass. For the next 2 ½ days it was an early morning and early evening bite for the big tuna. The biggest fish came via kite fishing and squid. Also the balloon and sardine did well. Overall the fishing was fair considering the wind. Bob kept the boat moving from spot to spot giving us the best shot for catching fish. Scottie, Squeak and Shooter kept everyone out of tangles and made sure that every fish hooked got on to the boat and Sara kept everyone happy with the best meals and snacks. Jackpot: 1st Wally -127lb. tuna, 2nd Rebecca - 124lb. tuna, HM: Charlie - 86lb black sea bass, Scottie - 42lb. yellowtail.

Next Trip

Tomorrow Tues. we will be on our latest trip on the Top Gun 80 for 5 days. So look for my fishing report next week.

Top Gun 80 Trip Update

Confirmed: Our 5 day Top Gun 80 trip is a GO. Leaves Tues. 10/09 at 1pm and returns AM Sun. 10/14. With only 8 anglers there is still room for you to be on a ultra lite load trip. To join us contact www.topgun80.com

RESULTS OF THE 5TH ANNUAL YOUNG ANGLERS TOURNAMENT

70 young anglers, ages 6 to 15 competed today in a points tournament on the Shelter Island pier sponsored by the San Diego Sportfishing Council and the International Game Fish Association.

In the Age 6 category, Serena Jones of San Diego took first place with three points. Serena’s grandfather Ken Jones, author of the authoritative book Pier Fishing in California, should be very proud. 7 year old, Andrew Espirito of San Diego took first in his age category with 4 points. Abraham Alvarez of San Diego, age 8, took first place with 5 points. 9 year old Amanda Byra of San Diego took her age category with 8 points. Jessica Hernandez, age 10 won in her age category with 3 points. Jake Kertzman of Spring Valley, age 11 topped his age category with 12 points. Conner Ballantyne of San Diego won the 12 year old category with 2 points. 13 year old Sabrina O’Neal topped her age category with 18 points. 14 year olds, Sierra Spinuzza of Encinitas and Jordan Moore of San Diego tied for first place in their age category with 3 points. 15 year old Justin Lee of San Diego won his age category with 8 points.

The overall winner with 18 points, Sabrina O’Neal is a returning champion. She and her brother tied for first place overall in the 2004 competition. Her name will be engraved in the Young Angler Tournament perpetual trophy, which will be on display at the Shelter Island pier.

Over $1,500 in prizes were distributed among the winners and each was presented with a beautiful IGFA certificate. Prizes and raffle drawing items for the tournament included rods and reels, hats, T-shirts, and fishing gear donated by Zebco, West Marine, Maxima Fishing Line and Boaters World, Booyaa, Okuma, Jamicha De-Fishing Soap, Uni-Goop and the Sharky’s Bait & Tackle – the new concession at Shelter Island pier. Gift Certificates were provided by Wal-Mart, Get One Free Magazine, Bosch Tools and Sports Clips hair salon. Half-day and ¾ day fishing trip prizes were provided by H&M Landing and Point Loma Sportfishing. Lunch was provided by Stumps Village Market of Rancho Sante Fe and Catalina Offshore Products. Loaner Gear, Bait, and tackle was provided by Okuma Fishing Tackle, Squid Co, and Friends of Rollo. Other event sponsors include the Port of San Diego and United Pier and Shore Anglers of California.

Guadalupe Island

Guadalupe Island was temporary closed to fishing but is now open (10-01-07). To day the First String left H&M on a 5 day for the island. Join us on the Top Gun 80 for a 5 day to fish the island. Leaves 10-09 and returns 10-14, $1650.00 http://topgun80.choicesportfishing.com/trips.php

Lobster season opens Saturday 9-29

I know Dan will be out trying to hoop a few legals.
Check out this link for the 2007, 08 lobster season
http://www.sport-fishing.com/fnewsentries.asp?title=Recreational%20Spiny%20Lobster%20Season%20Opens%20Saturday&fe=5

Join us on the Tpo Gun 80

Join us on an ultra limited load (18) 5 day trip on the Top Gun 80. I just talked to Captain Bob Taft of the Top Gun 80. Great fishing at Guadalupe Isl. for yellowfin tuna and yellowtail. He just returned from a 4 day trip fishing the isl. and came back with limits of yellowfin tuna, 50 fish over 50lbs. jackpot a 80 lb. tuna and yellowtail to 45lbs. Looks like Guadalupe has turned around for the better so come join us. We have welcome goodie bags, T’s for everyone a raffle for rods, reels and other sponsor gifts and be on TV. To join us go to www.topgun80.com and book on line. If you have any questions call Larry at 562-221-1278

New Trends for Long Range Gear

It’s September and a lot of us are getting ready for 5 day and longer fishing trips from San Diego to destinations like Guadalupe Isl., Cedros and points further south. So what are the new trends for these trips? Well for some who have a of rods and reels its not hard to bring a setup for each line class 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and even 100lb. But what do you do when your tackle is limited. The new trend is to fill the reel with braided line and use a topshot of mono that could be as long as100 ft. to as short as a leader of 18 inches. This way it would be quick and easy to change the your one rod and reel to different mono test lines. This way one rod and reel can handle at least 2 different line test if not more. One thing to remember be sure that the reel’s drag can handle the pound test of line you use. By this I mean; drags should be set at 25% of the test of the line, 40lb line would set at 10lb. of drag’ 60lb. line at 15lb. of drag. and so on. This way your tackle will be balanced properly and you will be able to land the fish with very little problems.
Another new trend with braided line is to use smaller 2-speed reels for larger fish. Braided line has a smaller diameter then mono and thus you can have the same or more yardage of line on a small reel as you would have on a larger reel. Also using a smaller reel you can make a longer cast then with a large reel. Finally braded line has less drag in the waters so it is easier for your bait to swim away from the boat.
Then there is fluorocarbon line. Invisible in water and with high abrasion resistance fluorocarbon line has uses in certain situations. It works well when fishing in kelp or around rocky structures or when the fish are on a finicky bite but because fluorocarbon is stiffer then mono it can hamper your bait from swimming naturally.
And finally with all this new technology it will come of no use if your rods and reels aren’t properly serviced before your trip.
Checkout the New Penn International Torque and the International VSX reels. All have superor drags to handle braided lines. http://www.pennreels.com/01_products/reels/reels.htm
Also Shakespear's Ugly Barid line. http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/products/mono/ugly_braid.shtml

Icon Fishing Report

On Wed. 9-19-07 we did our Icon 3/4 day trip on the Icon. Not much was happening for the local fishing so after a few sculpins on a wreck we headed to the South East Bank area for some rockfish. The fish were nice size. Salmon grouper, reds and chillis to 5lbs. and a few legal lingcods. Thanks to Captain Morgan and his crew for a great trip.

New Salmon Seeker

Our second day of fishing was on the New Salmon Seeker with Captain Shim. We tried for some halibut just outside the Golden Gate Bridge but to no avail so it was the run to Point Reyes for the lingcod. The water and the fishing was rougher then the day before. But we did manage limits of the lingcod to 28lbs. but it was slower for the rockfish so Captain shim decided to make a run to the Farllon Islands to finish off the rochfish limits. Arriving at the Farllons I was surprised to see only pinnacles of rock jetting out of the water, not what I call islands but very similar to the Alijos Rock and the Roca Partida down in Mexico. Once some chum was thrown out the rockfish were boiling and were fun to catch on light bass type gear. The weekend was fun and we came home with the 150qt. cooler full of fillets. You should join us next year.

San Francisco Report Day 1

On our Sat. trip we fished on the New Huck Finn out of Emeryville with Captain Jay. After getting a tank of live bait in San Francisco we headed out under the Golden Gate Bridge north to Point Reyes in beautiful calm waters for some rockfish and lingcod fishing. Fishing in 90 to 180 feet of water it was limit style fishing . The lingcod were from legal length to over 30lbs. with many over the 20lb. We also caught big blue rockfish, black rockfish red snappers and johnny bass. This was fun fishing with light tackle 2olb to 30lb. test gear and everyone kept their camera's clicking with the scenic landscapes of San Francisco.

Indian Fishing Report

With bad weather offshore it was decided to fish the Coronado Isl. in Mexican waters. We started at North Isl. for a few bonita. Moving around we fishid Middel Isl., SKR and the Rockpile. It was good fishing but every stop would be spoiled by the seals getting the fish and getting the bait. The Coronados seem to have the worst seal problems. Well thanks to Captin Chris and the crew for trying.

Icon

Everyone on the Icon trip Wed. 19th. Remember the boat will leave at 7am, be ther no later then 6:30am. Long Beach Sportfishing 555 Pico Ave; Long Beach, CA 90802 We might go to Catalina Isl. depending on the weather and fishing. You should have some light line, 12lb to 15lb. and up to 30lb. Sinkers from 2oz. o 8oz. for the rockfish and #2 to 3/0 hooks for the anchovies and sarines.

Getting Ready for Fishing

Just getting ready for our upcoming fishing trips on the Indian in San Diego and our 2 trips on the New Huck Finn and New Salmon Queen in San Francisco. San Diego: Still albacore and yellowfin and yellowtail fishing but seems a little slow but we still have 6 days until our trip. What with the giant squid on the Indian, have to talk to Captain Chris about that. San Francisco: Up north we will be fishing for lingcod, rockfish and salmon? The albacore are too far out for our scheduled trip but they are catching some nice big fish 30lb. +

Charter Spots Open

Both San Francisco trips, Indian, Icon, Samurai and Top Gun 80 trips.

2 Day International Star Report

Just returned from our 2 day trip on the International Star. We headed west toward the Cortez Bank and the albacore. The anglers who did their time on the troll and the ones who got their bait in the waters first were rewarded with fish. In the morning the hot troll jig was a Zuker Redhead with Black feathers and later it was the Mexican Flag Zuker. 25lb & 30lb test gear was the right setup. Fish were lost by anglers using less then 25lb. The weather was rough but the ones who stuck it out all got fish and a few got their limit of nice 25lb to 38lb albacore. The second day we were on the coast below Rosarito out of the rough seas and in nice calm waters. The morning was spent catching calicos and a few yellowtails, bonitos and barracudas. The afternoon we went offshore to look for kelp paddies. The trip ended with 1 bluefin tuna, 49 albacore, 10 yellowtail, 70 calico bass and 10 bonitos. Jackpot went to Maria M. the only girl on the boat with a nice 38lb. albacore. Thanks to Captin Mike and the crew for working so hard to make a great trip.

Scott and Dan

Recomended Tackle for 2 Day trip

1 TO 2 DAY TRIP (Offshore Tuna)
RODS & REELS
RIG #1 Line Size 80# Trolling rod (Optional)
RIG #2 Line Size 60#
RIG #3 Line Size 40# and/or 50#
RIG #4 Line Size 25# and/or 30#
RIG #5 Line Size 20# (Optional)
TERMINAL TACKLE
J-HOOKS: Live Bait Style Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp - #L118 and/or Penn International - P-140 or P-141 Size: 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 Quantity 20 each
CIRCLE-HOOKS: Eagle Claw Circle Sea - #L2004 Size: 5/0, 6/0, 7/0 Quantity 10 each
SINKERS: Sliding egg 1/2oz, 3/4oz, 1oz 6 each. Torpedo 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz 2 each. Split 1/8oz, 1/4oz (good for Albacore) 1 bag each
SWIVELS: assorted sizes and styles
LINE: Cajun Line – Advantage
Fluorocarbon Leader Line: Line Size 15#, 20#, 30#, 40#, 60#
CASTING LURES: MM2 - Chrome, Blue/White, Glow, Mackerel 3 3/8 oz to 8 oz
TROLLING FEATHERS: ZUKER - Mexican Flag, Zucchini, Blue/White and a few of your other favorites with S/S Double Hooks
TROLLING LURES: YO-ZURI – Bonitas and Hydro Magnum
PLASTICS: A selection of your favorites

Here's your chance to to get on a tuna and yellowtail limited load 2 day charter and fish with Dan Hernandez. Out trips consist of welcome goodie bags, T's, and during the trip a raffel of tackle from our sponsers and of course good fishing and a good time with friends. We have a few spots left, just follow this link.
http://www.dansshoppingcart.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=dansshoppingcart&Product_Code=FT_Trip_06&Category_Code=FT

Gail Force Fishing Report

Had a great time fishing on the Gail Force with Captin Ryan at Catalina Isl.
Fishing west to east from Emerald Bay It was limits of calico bass fishing on live squid and the anchovies colored MM5 for anyone who wanted it and the bonito were everywhere caught on small jigs and anchovies. Congratulations to Paul Hall who beat out all the guys for the jackpot with his bonito.

Upcoming Gail Force Trip

We should be going to Catalina Isl. for yellowtail, great calico bass and bonito fishing. Light line is the tackle of the day, 12lb. to 20lb. gear but be sure you have a outfit of 25lb. or 30lb. in case the yellows get hot and heavy. Bait is anchovy and sardine so you should have hooks of #2 to #4/0 live bait hooks. Don't forget your favorite irons to throw, MM2 & MM7 and the leadhead rubbers should work on the calicos.

We still have some openings Tues. 08/07, so if you would like to join us go to our Fishing Trips pageor call 562-221-1278

Larry

Freelance Fishing report

A late fishing report on our freelance trip on 07/20/07. Captin Damon decided to go south to San Onofre where the barracuda bite was good. On our third move we found the fish that wanted to bite. It was all the barracuda you could land and if you could get below the barracuda you could get nice sandbass.It was beautiful overcast weather and a great crew made for a great day of fishing.
Larry

Mirage Fishing Report

Had a great trip to Santa Rosa Island. The morning started with a 30lb. plus yellowtail. Then a 35lb.plus halibut a few mud marlins then 2 more yellowtails and a beautiful 45lb. jackpot halibut by Jeff Haas. After the morning bite was done we spent the rest of the day filling our sacks with quality rockfish. Many thanks to Captin Joe Vallereal and his crew for a great trip and thanks to the anglers who joined us.

Freelance Trip for July 20

The Freelance trip out of Davy's Locker is approaching fast. Looks like we will be fishing for barracuda, sand bass and calicos. For the barracudas I like to throw the (iron). The Magic Metal poly jig, MM7 in the blue/silver color has been doing well. If you like to fish the live bait long shank hooks and/or florocarbon line with a 3/0 live bait hook will help from being bit off. For sandbass fishing you should have from 4 to 8oz. torpido sinkers for the fast running currents. Don't forget the lead heads and plastic swim baits and bucktail jigs. With 12lb. to 25lb. rod and reels you should be set for fishing.

My report on the High Sierras

Returned from fishing Intake 2 in Bishop, Bridgeport Reservoir and Crowley Lake on Memorial weekend with my cousin Kevin. Our first stop at Intake 2 produced limits of planters in an hour. However it was tough fishing at Bridgeport with no fish caught.Crowley was just as tough. MeGee Bay was green with algae and surface water temp in the upper 60’s. The only fish we caught were on the troll, 8 colors along the Owens a 16” brown and 2 small rainbows.

Charters

Now that the Fred Hall tackle show is going our charter trips will start filling, so if you want to join us go to our FISHING TRIPS page and singup. All trips include special T’s, goodie bags and a free raffle of tackle from our sponsers. You won’t want to miss out.Larry

Ranger fishing report

3 Halibut 8 Sheephead 19 Whitefish 224 Rockfish 22 Lingcod 15 Cabazon: The weather finally cooperated and we headed towards Santa Cruz Isl. to see if we could get live squid but with no squid to be found we headed for San Nicolas Isl. We first started with some drifts for halibuts. Of the 3 legals the largest was a 38 pounder and turned out to be the jackpot fish. Then it was time for some rockfishing. At the end of a beautiful day of great fishing and great food we headed home. Special thanks to Captain Frank and his crew.

Ranger leaving Saturday night at 10pm

Talked to Captain Frank this morning and the weather is expected to diminish by Sat. night so we have decided to make the trip an overnight trip leaving 10pm. Sat. night 05-05-07. We will go to Santa Cruz Isl. to try to make squid then from there will decide if we go west to fish Santa Rosa or south to San Nicolas Isl. Larry 562-221-1278. Sorry my list of anglers is incomplete. If you are on this trip call Oxnard Sportfishing @ 805-382-1612

Ranger 85 Thursday update

Talked to Captin Frank Ursitti this afternoon and weather has not changed but we have come up with several options. 1. If the weather clears early we will have the scheduled 2 day trip. 2. Change the 2 day to a overnight trip departing Sat. night returning Sun. night. 3. Cancel the whole weekend. I will talk to Frank Fri. morning to make the final decision and will post here. Larry 562-221-1278

Ranger 85 Trip

This weekend Sportfishing will be on a 2 day trip on the Ranger 85 out of Oxnard Sportfishing. Reports as of Wed. evening. Weather: There is some wind and more is expected for this weekend. Today seas 6 to 8ft. and building to 13ft by Sat. Sun. seas should diminish. Fishing: Last week there was a catch of some seabass but none since then. There is always rockfish. Could fish in waters as shallow as 60ft. and as deep as 180ft. Tackle: 20 to 40lb test gear. Torpedo sinkers from 2 to 12oz. 60 or 80lb. braded line will work the best for the rockfish. Squid catching rigs to catch squid. Assorted hooks of 2 to 3/0 and jigs to 8oz. assorted colors. CHECK THE BLOG FOR UPDATES ON THE WEATHER AND THE STATIS OF THE TRIP. Larry 562-221-1278

Electra fishing report

Well the winds made for a tough fishing day. We had a nice ride to San Clemente Isl. and started the morning in Pyramid Cove. We spent the morning picking away at the rockfish. Later that morning we went looking around China Point for the Yellowtails but the wind made for a fast drift over meter marks and made it imposible to get the jigs to the fish so it was decided to go to the front side and try for some calicos. We picker away at some calicos on live squid that we got from the boat Pacific Star. By 3pm the winds had started blowing hard so we headed home. Still everyone had fun being on the water fishing and the raffle of the Shakespeare Tiger Rod, Plueger reel, Plano tackle box and other fishing gear. Larry

Electra charter

The first charter of 07 is upon us. Currently the red flag is blowing in the wind but by Friday night the weather should be fine. San Clemente Isl. was producing yellowtail and a few seabass and rockfish so can’t wait to get our lines wet. Check back for the report and pics. Larry

Charters

Now that the Fred Hall tackle show is going our charter trips will start filling, so if you want to join us go to our FISHING TRIPS page and singup. All trips include special T’s, goodie bags and a free raffle of tackle from our sponsers. You won’t want to miss out.Larry

Fred Hall Show San Francisco

Just returned from the Fred Hall San Francisco Fishing and Boat Show. We had a booth there and it was great to meet all the new fans there that watch us on Comcast Sports. We had a lot of intrest for our 07 charter trips and travel trips especialy for the September Emmeryville trips, so if you would like to join us there don’t wait to long to sign up. See you at the Long Beach Fred Hall Show starting March 6. Larry Yoshida