Passing of Dick Helgren

Sad news to us that our good friend Dick Helgren has passed away. Dick was owner and Captain of Helgren's Sportfishing. Our deepest sympathy to the Helgren Family.

Ranger85 Fishing Report

Here's the fish report from our 11/15 Ranger85 trip. It was great to see familiar faces of our friends from the north county ans a lot of new friends. Captain Frank took us to start at San Miguel Isl. in some beautiful weather. Fishing in 200ft of water we were soon bring in nice reds and other rockfish. We stayed in the same area most of the day working towards our limits. There were a few lings but only a couple were legal. Anyway we had a great time in beautiful weather and great food by cook Paul. The crew did a great job unhooking the fish and getting them into the bags and getting us nice fish filleted to take home. Frank Ursitti runs a great boat and knows where to find the fish so you should join him on his open party trips out on Channel Isl. Sportfishing or when we have future charters on the Ranger85.

Mirage Trip Canceled

Mirage trip is canceled due to lack of interest. We still have room on our Ranger 85 trip on Nov. 15 so join us if you can.

Dolphin 2 Pics

Dolphin 2 Reminder

Just a reminder of the Dolphin 2 trip. Mission Bay Sportfishing, 1551 W. Mission Bay Drive http://missionbaysportfishing.com/Directions.htm The boat will leave Sunday evening 9/7 at 9pm. You should be at the boat before 8pm. Fishing is good. You should have from 20lb. to 40lb. test gear and some hooks from #2 to #3/0. For more tackle checkout http://www.sport-fishing.com/tackle.asp#1 Don't know what waters we will be fishing but just in case bring your Cal. fishing license. If we go to Mexican waters the permits will cost $15.00 and with the high cost of fuel there might be a fuel surcharge ($20 to $30) Please bring cash to cover these extra charges.

New Charter Dates to finish off the year

We are ending the year with a few new charters. The Mirage is on the books and we are working on dates for the Ranger 85 in November and also the Pacific Dawn so keep on checking the "Trip Schedule" and join us for some great times and some fishing.

Dana Pride Report

Had a great time on the Dana Pride. Captain Tom and his crew worked hard trying to get us some fish but with the cold water fishing was tough. We fished to the south on the kelp beds. Lots of small calicos, 1 out of 5 was a legal along with some nice sandbass. Checkout the Dana Pride a beautiful boat with lots of room to fish and a fantastic galley serving the biggest and best breakfast plate you will ever see on a sport boat and mixed drinks to boot.

Dana Pride Trip Update

This is a reminder that you have signed up to fish with Dan on the Dana Pride on Wed. Aug. 20.
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629 http://www.danawharfsportfishing.com/contact.html
The boat is scheduled to leave at 6am so you should be at the landing by no later then 5:15am. As for the fishing the fishing has been up and down so the fishing destination will be determined on the morning of the trip. Bring some gear for near shore fishing 12lb. to 20lb test gear and a rod for offshore fishing 25lb or 30lb test gear. A note about parking: you need to get a parking token for the fishing parking area from the landing office. Also please let me know if you need to rent a rod and reel or need to get a fishing license, the landing needs a heads-up about how many items need to be ready.

Local Dorado and Tuna

Join Dan on the Dana Pride on Aug. 20 for a rare chance at catching an exotic fish. Its that time of year that the kelp paddies come into our local waters and bring the tuna, dorado and yellowtail with them. Don't miss out on this type of offshore fishing that can be done on 3/4 and allday boats from our L.A. and Orange county based boats. Signup early http://www.dansshoppingcart.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=dansshoppingcart&Product_Code=FT_Charter_15&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

Indian Report

With some tough fishing in the previous weeks we headed to an area where the yellowtail fishing had been good on the kelp paddies. Right away we started to catch small yellows and a few dorado. The paddies seemed to have been hit hard from the days before. Working west and north we checked many kelps for a few more fish. Finally on the last two paddies we found yellowtails and dorados to 25lbs. that wanted to bite. We ended the trip with 50 yellows and 9 dorados thanks to the hard work from Captain Chris and his crew.

Fisherman 3 Report

Had a great time on the Fisherman 3 from H&M Landing in San Diego on July 22. We fished in Mexican waters between the beach and the Coronado Isl. fishing for sandbass. We got 5 around when Captain JD decided to head for the island to look for calicos and yellowtails. Fishing the kelp near South Isl. we ran into a flurry of yellowtail one was landed and many were lost to tangles and the seals. JD worked the area but the seals were too hard to shake. Believe it or not even a small bluefin tuna was hooked but a seal got the best part on this tuna. We finished the day fishing for log barracudas. Thanks to the great crew and the cook Kim for a great time and great food.

Icon Fishing Report

Tough fishing for the sandbass. A low pressure front was going through and the fish didn't want to bite. We did get some bass but most were under legal size. The surprise of the trip was the jackpot winning halibut caught by 12 year old Sivary who just celebrated his birthday a few days before. Shawn Morgan did his best to find us fish but still it was a good to be out on the water.

Eldorado Report

Fished Catalina Island on June 10. Fished in the V's for the seabass but none were found however a few nice yellowtails were caught. Continued west and fished for calicos.

Topgun 80 Pics

Late Westerly fish report

Back on June 14 we had our trip on the Westerly with one of our favorite captains Jon Ackley.With a tank full of sardines and anchovies we headed to Catalina Isl. where we loaded the second bait tank with live squids. We started our day on the east end of Catalina at the runway where we immediately got into a hot calico bite. After a couple of hours of landing calicos we headed to the front side to see if we could find some yellowtails and bonitos. Fishing along the kelps we found more calicos and some bonitos but no yellows. Even though we didn't get any yellows everyone had a great time. Armen kept everyone well fed as he was always going around the boat taking orders for food and drinks. The Westerly is a great boat for charters so give Jon a call if you're interested. 714-315-5240.

Tuna Biting

The reports on the albacore and bluefin fishing are getting better every day. More fish being seen then are being caught so its a matter of time when the big bite begins. If you want to be a part of this fishing we have 2 spots on our 3 day Topgun 80 trip leaving on Fri. 6/27 and returning on Mon. 6/30 http://www.dansshoppingcart.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=dansshoppingcart&Product_Code=FT_Charter_11&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

Jackpopt Controversy

Just read a post about the jackpot on our last trip on the Westerly. The complaint was that 20% of the jackpot money was kept by the crew and that the jackpot winner was not informed prior to getting into the pot. First: Now whether this happened or not I don't know but fishing with Jon and his crew for many years and on many boats I have always been told about the 20% for the crew. Second: I'm disappointed that this complaint wasn't brought to us first at a time when we could address the issue. Dan always says and I quote "Tell me any problems you have with the boat, crew, bunks or whatever while on the trip because when the trip is over there is little I can do." Now back to the jackpot issue. All boats have different policy's on the jackpot not only on the money but on the type of fish and the handling of said fish so look for posted rules and ask the deckhands about their rules on the jackpot. Finally tip the crew, if the service is good tip well if bad tip little this is how you show your opinion of their service.

Eldorado

This is a reminder of the upcoming trip on the Eldorado. The boat will leave at 9pm Monday night so be there by 8pm. Long Beach Sportfishing 555 Pico Ave. Long Beach CA. 90802 The fishing has been good at Catalina Isl. for calico bass, yellowtail and white seabass. For tackle check our recommended tackle section http://www.sport-fishing.com/tackle.asp#3 also since some of the seabass have been big I suggest you have 30lb. to 40lb. test gear also have a squid catcher rig just in case we need to snag a few squids.

Due to some last minute cancellations we have 1 openings
http://www.dansshoppingcart.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=dansshoppingcart&Product_Code=FT_Charter_09&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

Report of our Emeryville Trip

Sat. we fished the New Salmon Queen with Captain Shim. The weather was cold and windy but in the bay it was still fish able. Drifting many spots we caught nice halibuts and a few stripers. On Sun. we fished on the New Huck Finn with Captain Jay. We were scheduled to fish the rockfish offshore but with the wind and rough seas we decided to stay in the bay once again and again we had good fishing for the halibuts and stripe bass. We had a great time and enjoyed the bay fishing.

Ranger 85 Trip Canceled

Due to gail force winds and seas to 13ft. it was decided to cancel the trip. Better to fish in good weather with good fishing to make a good show. The trip will be reschedueled for sometime in Nov.

High Sierra

Went to the High Sierras this past Memorial weekend. It was good fishing at Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley Lake and Pleasant Valley Reservoir but the weather was cold with snow in the evenings and some wind and rain during the day.

Pacific Voyager Fish Report

On Wed 05/21 The Sportfishing with Dan Hernandez Charters fished on the Pacific Voyager out of Seaforth Sportfishing. The target fish was yellowtail at the Coronado Isl. The weather was overcast and the water was lumpy. Captain Mark did his best moving from spot to spot looking for the yellows. Along the way we picked at the big calico bass and the big bonitos. Finally at the end of the day we found what we looking for hundreds of breezing yellowtail the only problem was they didn't to bite. Overall we had a good day and lots of fun. The Pacific Voyager is one of the nicest boats I have been on, very clean, a great layout and the best crew and cheif.

Freelance Pics 2

Freelance Pics

Freelance Fishing Report

We had a great day on the water. Captain Norris took us south to look for the bonito bite. Our second stop turned into a wide open freeze with bonito biting the sardines and lures. We had many lost fish. Bonitos have sharp teeth so live bait on light line added up to lost fish. If you want to fish light gear use a light lure like our MM7. Dan was wild catching bonito on 15lb. test and a squid color MM7. I did great with 30lb. test and working my favorite MM2 3-3/8oz. glow red. It was great fishing like we were on a offshore tuna trip. Trolling, doing the tuna shuffle and chancing your fish up and down the boat, good practice. If you have never been tuna fishing and would like to experience that type on fishing go fishing now while the bonito are here. Get on board the Freelance at Davy’s Locker. The great crew lead by Goofy will help you with all you need to learn about catching these bonitos.

Electra Fishing Report

A report on our April 26 trip. Thanks to Joe Helgren when he upgraded our boat from the 70' Electra to their long range boat the Oceanside 95. With beautiful weather Captain Tim headed us to San Clemente Isl. Things looked up as we started landing a few calicos and a way legal halibut. We would see yellowtail boiling under the birds but they stayed out of reach of our baits and iron. The rest of the day was spent moving from spot to spot catching calicos and rockfish and trying to find the conditions for the yellows but that remained elusive. With plenty of space to fish and great food and snacks everyone had a great time.

Electra Trip Reminder

A reminder of the upcoming trip on the Electra. The boat is scheduled to leave Helgren's Sportfishing at 9pm Friday night. Our destination is San Clemente Island. The yellowtail are showing but not in great numbers but this might change if the waters warm. Other then that we will fish for some rockfish up to 300ft. and the calico in the kelp. You should have sinkers to 10oz. For other tackle suggestions look at our Recommended Tackle list. http://www.sport-fishing.com/tackle.asp#3

Fishing pass winners for Del Mar Fred Hall Show

Thanks to everyone who stopped to visit us also everyone who donated to the Foundation.
The winners of the fishing passes will be contacted by Monica so we can get the passes to you.
Wed. John Keith 3/4 day on the Freelance, Davy's Locker. Thur. Lea DiSenso 1/2 day on the Western Pride. Fri. Aaron Branm 3/4 day fishing for two, H&M Landing. Sat. David Hogg 1/2 day fishing for two, H&M Landing. Sun. Steve Frost, 3/4 day fishing for two, H&M Landing.

Sundays winners

Congratulations to: Jim Lambert who wins a pass for 1 person for a 3/4 day fishing trip on the Freelance, Davy's Locker. Josh Trujillo who wins a pass for 1 person on the Native Sun, Long Beach Sportfishing. And Sebastian Rodriquez who wins a pass for 1 person for 1/2 day fishing on the Western Pride, Davy's Locker. Monica will contact you to get you your prizes. Thanks to all. We will have more opportunity's for fishing passes in Del Mar so we will see you there.

Saturdays Winners

Congratulations to: Kenny Gonzalez. You win a pass for 2 people on the Mirage, Port Hueneme Sportfishing. Tami Ajar who wins a pass for 1 person for a 3/4 day fishing trip on the Freelance, Davy's Locker. John Clifford who wins a pass for 1 person on the Liberty, Long Beach Sportfishing. And Jim Oliveri who wins a pass for 1 person for 1/2 day fishing on the Western Pride, Davy;s Locker. Monica will contact you to get you your prizes. For your chance to win fishing passes and also get a 10% discount coupon to use in the our internet store, just visit our booth (135) at the Fred Hall Fishing and Tackle Show in Long Beach March 5th to 9th and drop off your business card or fill the short entry form. Also come see Dan and the crew. We have sales on the Dipping Sauces, Batter, Cookbook, T-Shirts, B 52, MM2 Jigs and more. We are also Fund Raising for Dan's Youth Foundation with sales of Eagle Claw Hooks, Thumb Dingers and Oppertunity Tickets with a grand prize a trip to Buena Vista Beach Resort. See you at the show

Fridays winner for fishing passes

Congratulations to: Loren Zaverta. You win a pass for 2 people on the Liberty, Long Beach Sportfishing and Joe Salzetti who wins a pass for 2 people for a 3/4 day fishing trip on the Freelance, Davy's Locker. Monica will contact you to get you your prizes. For your chance to win fishing passes and also get a 10% discount coupon to use in the our internet store, just visit our booth (135) at the Fred Hall Fishing and Tackle Show in Long Beach March 5th to 9th and drop off your business card or fill the short entry form. Also come see Dan and the crew. We have sales on the Dipping Sauces, Batter, Cookbook, T-Shirts, B 52, MM2 Jigs and more. We are also Fund Raising for Dan's Youth Foundation with sales of Eagle Claw Hooks, Thumb Dingers and Oppertunity Tickets with a grand prize a trip to Buena Vista Beach Resort. See you at the show

Thur. Winners for fishing passes

Congratulations to: Jake. You win a pass for 2 people for a 1/2 day fishing trip on the Western Pride, Davy's Locker and Gabriel Mendez who wins a pass for 2 people for a 3/4 day fishing trip on the Freelance, Davy's Locker. Monica will contact you to get you your prizes. For your chance to win fishing passes and also get a 10% discount coupon to use in the our internet store, just visit our booth (135) at the Fred Hall Fishing and Tackle Show in Long Beach March 5th to 9th and drop off your business card or fill the short entry form. Also come see Dan and the crew. We have sales on the Dipping Sauces, Batter, Cookbook, T-Shirts, B 52, MM2 Jigs and more. We are also Fund Raising for Dan's Youth Foundation with sales of Eagle Claw Hooks, Thumb Dingers and Oppertunity Tickets with a grand prize a trip to Buena Vista Beach Resort. See you at the show

Winner: 1/2 day pass

Congratulations to: G. Flores Adrian. You win a 1/2 day fishing pass for 2 people on the Western Pride out of Davy's Locker, Newport Beach. Monica will contact you to get you youe prize.
For your chance to win fishing passes and also get a 10% discount coupon to use in the our internet store, just visit our booth (135) at the Fred Hall Fishing and Tackle Show in Long Beach March 5th to 9th and drop off your business card or fill the short entry form. Also come see Dan and the crew. We have sales on the Dipping Sauces, Batter, Cookbook, T-Shirts, B 52, MM2 Jigs and more. We are also Fund Raising for Dan's Youth Foundation with sales of Eagle Claw Hooks, Thumb Dingers and Oppertunity Tickets with a grand prize a trip to Buena Vista Beach Resort. See you at the show

Everyone can join our charters

Now's your chance to join Dan on his fishing charters. Previously the charters were only open to our club members but now the charters are open to everyone and with The Fred Hall Tackle show only a month away the charters will fill fast. Everyone that joins us on our charters will recieve a goodie bag with jigs, hooks and other stuff a special T-shirt and also during the trip we have a special raffle with prizes from our sponsers.