Junior Trip # 2, July 21.
We left the harbor at 12:00P.M and picked up a load of bait which turned
out ok, but not as good as our previous trip. The sardines were a little
large for the bass we were trying to catch. The cut squid, also on board,
was perfect. Our ocean was a little choppy on the way out but calmed
down for the afternoon. We enjoyed the companionship of our former
faithful past-FIB’er: Dave Shill and his two brothers. We had some great
Lighthouse fisherman who again brought needy kids from their
neighborhood. Amy also came with her older son. We had an age range
from 8 to Adults. A young boy, Jeremy, lit up the boat with his energy and
wonderful smile. All fishermen left this day of fishing with big smiles and
some even left with fish to take home. We did not land any big fish but
plenty of undersized Calico provided the action and joy for our trip.
Sophia again brought in the first fish, a Calico bass. Some of the older
boys were showing off their casting skills by using Hook-up Baits and
landing plenty of fish. Dads ,Grandpas and Grandmas were enjoying
watching their offspring catch fish and improve their fishing skills. For an
addicted old fisherman it was wonderful seeing how many young
fisherman had improved their skills. We had many repeat Juniors from our
last trip and some from last years trips who appear to have caught the
fishing bug.
Special Thanks to Captain Rollo’s Kids for their financial assistance. A big
Hand to Josh, the galley cook, who kept our crew well fed with
Hamburgers. Thank to the Sum Fun crew who helped us all with gear setup
and take-down. THANK YOU Brian, our Captain, who found us fish to
catch.
We had a dedicated crew from our FIB’ers who helped: Walt with rods,
Charlie with sign-ups, and Paula with love for all.

Junior Trip #1: June 30, 2023
We left the harbor about 12:15p.m and picked up a load of perfect sized
anchovies. The Ocean was flat and calm all day, a delightful day for
fishing and just being on the water. We had a wonderful diverse group of
fisherman. We had dad’s/sons, Lighthouse and Fib’ers taking neighbors,
Grandma/Grandpa taking grandkids, and whole families. Ages ranged
from young boys and girls to seniors. All groups left the trip with big
smiles and those that wanted brought fish home. We caught a LOT of fish,
Bass, mackerel, barracuda and halibut, ranging in size from a 12.75 pound
halibut to mini calico bass.
The first Junior to land a fish was Sophia Rothenberg. Two sisters tied for
the adult first fish; Amy and Maryalice both brought over nearly identical
calico bass. The star of the trip was Jiulian who brought on board a
12.75# halibut caught on the bow using anchovies. Not sure who landed
the giant crab (caught on Hookup bait). The crab was returned home.
Many hungry undersized fish proved great fun for fisherman. A special
appreciation to Calico bass and Barracuda, and we must not forget our
faithful mackerel; all provided excitement to our fisherman.
Special Thanks to Captain Rollo’s Kids for their financial assistance. A big
hand to Josh who cooked many wonderful hamburgers and kept the galley
open. Thanks to Travis and Daniel who setup gear and released many
caught fish. THANK YOU to Brain, our Captain, who found us fish to
catch.
We had a wonderful crew of Fib’ers who helped also: Walt, Bernie, Paula
and Charlie.

Junior trip 6/24/2022
We had 31 Kids and Sponsors on board for our afternoon trip of fun fishing. We had a little wind, but the small Calico bass cooperated. Many burgers were eaten and everyone had fun catching a lot of small fish!
Respectfully submitted by Kenneth Kunkel

July 23 2021 Junior Trip
We left the dock at 12:15 with 30 excited fishermen ready to land that one special fish. We picked up bait, a nice load of anchovies and sardines and headed south. We traveled for about 45 minutes before stopping to fish. Our first stop was slow and after a short wait we
moved further south. Today’s fishing was slower than our last Junior trip but, it produced about 12 keeper calico bass. The largest was a 16 inches caught by Ethan Wayman. On board this trip were several
young fisher-persons who enjoyed catching many non-keeper bass, playing in the bait tank and feeding the sea gulls. We also had several grandpas and grandmas who took great pleasure in watching their grandkids catch fish and enjoy the beautiful smooth ocean. The trip
had a GREAT family feeling to it . Many laughs and giggles and squeals of delight as fish were brought aboard and released, and some were kept.
Again we want to thank the Sum Fun crew and our Friends of Rollo for helping us take young people fishing. Walt, Paula and Rick were very helpful too.

We experienced an AWSOME trip! The weather was great and seas were calm. And plenty of fish were caught. Our Trip on the Sum Fun began early because all our fishermen showed up so Captain Brian left the dock early.
We picked-up a few scoops of anchovies that proved to be super bait. We left Dana Harbor and headed north past the always full-of-seals light buoy. We stopped in full view of the Montage Hotel and a few fish were caught immediately. As the afternoon wore on the fishing slowed down so we made a second move and still very slow fishing. Then the third move was made and a jackpot was experienced.
Everyone caught as many a small calico bass as wanted. Several legal bass were brought aboard. Josh Nye caught the largest calico; an 1.8 pounder. Tim Murphy caught the jackpot fish for the day; an 8.6 pound white sea bass. He also caught a smaller white sea bass that was released. His dad and and a grandpa came up to me and said this was the best fishing they had ever been on with the son and grandsons. Everyone caught caught fish. My favorite fish, the mackerel also were present (God must have a special place in heaven for mackerel,
they provide so much fun for kids fishing.)
Special thanks needs to given to Bernie, Rob and Paula for helping to keep everyone in the water. The crew of the Sum Fun were GREAT Cpt . Brian, deck hands Izey and Dominic and galley-cook Josh. Again a special thanks to the Friends of Rollo for their financial support.

By Bernie Clayton

July 19th was the Fiber’s second Junior Trip of 2019. It was a beautiful day for fishing. The weather was sunny, not too windy, and the water was clear with a small 1’ – 2’ swell. We departed Dana Wharf Sportfishing aboard the Sum Fun around 12:00 pm. There were 25 of us, about as many juniors as adults, ready to fish. After gathering around for a beginning trip prayer, Captain Brian Woolley guided us to some local kelp beds North of Dana Strand.
As we dropped anchor, everyone started baiting their hook with lively 5’ sardines, and started fishing. Fiber member Tim Omara was the first person to catch a fish, an almost legal 13” calico bass, which was quickly released. Everybody, boy and girl juniors, and adults, started catching calico bass. The crew was very busy helping everyone unhook their fish. Many were being measured, as they appeared to be at or over the 14” legal keeper requirement.The fishing was so good that Fiber Rick Chalmers had a “double calico” hook up. Both fish, being under the 14” legal size, were quickly released.
Captain Brian suggested we try a couple more spots before it was time to head back to the dock. The next two spots, both in the Dana Point area, were within ½ to 1 mile from shore, and just as good as the first spot. Everyone caught calicos! The biggest fish of the day turned out to be a 3 lb, 2 oz calico bass caught by junior fisherman Greg Slade, a guest of Fiber Rick Chalmers. Greg also caught the second largest fish, a calico bass slightly over 2 lbs.
The final fish count for the afternoon was 19 legal calico bass, 125 non-legal calico bass (all released), and 3 non-legal sand bass that were caught and released. We arrived at the dock, and one of the crewman kindly took our group picture. Bernie Clayton led the group in a closing prayer. We all then headed home, with a fun day of fishing added to our memory banks!

Junior Trip June 21, 2019

Ken Kunkel, Charter Master
Link to our next Juniors Trip

We had another GREAT trip with Olive Crest. All fisherman arrived early and enjoyed the ambiance of Dana Point. Some of them bought coffee, ice cream and soft drinks before boarding.
We boarded the Sum Fun around 5:15 and were greeted by Capt. Kenny and his gracious crew. We picked up a load of 4-5 inch sardines which were very fresh and headed south for a 45 minute ride down to a very productive kelp bed. Before the anchor was fully set Calicos were being decked. The fish cooperated all evening long. Almost any bait that hit the water was struck by a fish. Not all strikes produced a fish, but excitement was experienced. We caught many undersized bass. To put a number estimate would only be a WAG. We did take home 25 “keeper” bass. By using our sardines we did not experience a “Mak-attack”. If they wanted to catch mackerel they needed to use squid, but that was discouraged. The weather for fishing in the evening was perfect. We had calm seas with a little bit of rolling, a light breeze to keep the evening very pleasant, and a quarter moon to light the evening sky. Our fishermen brought their own snacks and a lot of energy that was enjoyed by all. Our crew from FIB’ers and the Sum Fun were able to teach many young anglers how to fish. The evening began with many young people not even willing to bait their own hook or throw it in the water.
Hooking and handing-off was necessary to get the party started. We ended our trip with most fishermen baiting the hooks and hooking the fish on their own. Smiles and self-pride exuded from the young fishermen as the boat headed back to the dock at 9:30. Many thanks to the crew of the sum Fun and our FIB’ers volunteers: Paula, Dave W., Floyd, Bernie, and Ken. A special “Thank You” to Capt. Rollo’s Kids for their financial assistance.
Submitted by Ken Kunkel

We had a great trip with Olive Crest. We tried a new time this year of fishing in the evening which proved to be an excellent change from our prior morning fishing times. All the young fishermen and chaperones arrived early, which allowed us to leave early. The teen boys were very helpful in carrying the gear down to the gangway.
We loaded up with sardines and on board was an ample supply of frozen squid. We left the harbor in high spirits. Luck was with us: we spotted a blue whale and a pod of dolphin which delighted the kids as they rode the bow wake.
After the initial excitement of observing our wonderful sea mammal population, we began our fishing adventure. And God’s gift to kids fishing, mackerel, showed up immediately! And just a short time later calico bass began to bite. One young fisherman caught a 4.5 pound calico.
Many other young anglers, thanks to the help of the wonderful Reel Fun crew, were able to pull out legal calico bass to take home. The mackerel were also taken home for smoking at one of the houses.
The weather was a warm beautiful California evening with a slight breeze and a very calm ocean. When arriving back at the dock our fishermen left with smiles, laughter, and fish to take home. We did note a slight fatigue among the counselors.
The FIB’ers Fishing Club would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Capt. Rollo’s Kids for providing financial support for this fishing trip. Also special commendations need to be given to the crew of the Reel Fun for their help in rigging up over 30 rods for fishing and their wonderful help in assisting our novice fishermen.