/1/9
Ahoy there one and all!!
There had been all kinds of worries about the weather for Friday's opener of Rock fishing below Pigeon point this week.
Fortunately after much deliberation I decided "what the heck" we are going for it.
After all, the regular customers on board really wanted to give it a go. They, as much as myself, really were looking forward to getting out on the ocean and wetting a line (and loosing a jig or 3).
Leaving the dock the weather was flat calm! We were able to run full speed all the way to Pigeon point. There was much bantering joking and sharing of previous stories aboard the RIPTIDE. From Steve's Bachelor party 7 years ago to the talk of the new hatches I made for the boat this off season. Not to mention Javier's insistent asking if we were there yet (he asked before we even cleared the harbor breakwater)!!
Gosh when it was time to stop, the sun was out and the first 2 drifts were in different directions. Well the second drift went 3 different ways and sure made my job of keeping on the spot difficult! So I gave up on that rock and moved on!
We kept hitting little spots and working over the area. We had a slow pick of catching fish but it was pretty consistent as my guys were persistent at working the bottom. Sometimes a little too close and snagging it. Which kept deck hand Zack, busy running around shaking hooks out of the rocks, which he has developed into a fine art form!
We were catching mostly good bottom fish and not to many school fish. There were some great Cabazon's being caught along with some undersize ones which were promptly released with tender loving care. I tell them (the released fish) that I hope to see them again! Ross who was fishing up on the bow was having a good day of loosing tackle (but then so was everyone). He managed a nice Cabazon and also a nice ling cod (the first on the boat for the New Year!!!)Then Watching Louis land a nice big brown rock fish and his partner Mike hooked his first ling! He has been diligently trying and the hard work paid off with a nice keeper!All the while hearing Ted and others keep shouting "Purple" (the color of choice by the fish that day).
The wind was picking up and we were getting occasional rain showers which kept everyone's rain gear handy for quick donning.
When it finally came time to head back to the harbor it was blowing about 12 knots and everyone was tired and ready to head in. Well everyone except for Ross, Javier and Ted who will sleep with their fishing rods!!
So the total for the day was:81 rock fish, 5 sea trout,6 lings,6 Cabazon and a rock sole!!
When we finally got back to the dock it was raining steadily. But no one cared as they all were busy shaking hands slapping each other on the backs and thinking about their full sacks! With the regulars telling me to put there names back down for the 2nd opener in June!
Now it was time for me to take my 4 fillets home and cook them up for a well earned and long time coming meal of some of the best eating you can imagine!!
Of course there was also a toast before diving into those fillets!
Holding up my Scotch and toasting some of the best people I know!
Thank you my "fellow Fishing Friends"!!
Captain Smitty
