Report by Dave Shill

Our August 13th 11/2 day trip aboard the Amigo out of Newport Landing left on Thursday night with all of us anxious about the conditions that have been typical this summer for offshore fishing, but hoping maybe we could get into some sort of bite. Well, in spite of the hard work of our skipper Tom, the bite throughout the trip was marginal at best. The water temps that day had just started to plunge into what has been the coldest spell in about 25 years. Temps at San Clemente Island went from 65-67 two days before to 58-62. Even the rockfish where a bit unwilling to bite. On top of that, the wind whipped down both sides of the island 15-20 knots the whole time we were there. Only Pyramid Cove offered up any shelter, and we did manage a few rockfish and calicos there. The two highlights of the trip were a 8.7# calico bass, caught by Floyd Spangler. Despite our best efforts to CPR (Catch, Photograph, Release)the beautiful fish, upon release, it was devoured by one of the hundreds of seals that never left us. Here’s some shots of Floyd’s fish: (more…)

The morning turned out to be cool and overcast as 7 FIB’er volunteers, 26 kids from Olive Crest School, and 8 counselors gathered at Newport Landing to board the Nautilus for a ½ day fishing trip on 8/18.

The kids were excited as we headed out loaded with squid to do some fishing at the “150 spot”. This was the only reported spot that had fish on it, but was 1½ hours away. The coolness of the day lasted as we observed dolphin and birds on our journey. Suddenly, we observed what looked like two 40 foot long logs floating in the ocean. Of course, they turned out to be Blue Whales. That wonderful view turned out to be even more wondrous as we sighted 4 more Blue Whales. Their spouting was magnificent and 2 came very close to our boat. Everyone was thrilled!

Arriving at our fishing location, and with only slightly more than 1½ hours to fish, the kids hit the fishing hard. They were pulling up fish on all sides of the boat (the fish loved the squid). In 150’ of water, it took them some time to reel the fish in because of the current and heavy sinkers. They all worked very diligently at it and were very eager to learn. All of them caught at least one fish. The final fish count, on board, was 53 Sculpin, 1 White fish, 2 Rock fish, and 1 Sand dab. We probably tossed and equal amount of “shorties” back in the ocean. The kid’s worked really hard and a lot of them slept on the way back. However, the hard fishing was worth it to them because many of them took a lot of fish home to eat.

The sun finally came out as we headed back and we praised God for, yet, another beautiful fishing day on his creation. He is so good to us and to Him we give all the glory for the success and enjoyment of the trip.

Thanks again go to the FIB’ers volunteers who so selflessly give of their time and are blessed in doing so; Jerry Bent, David Weeks, Don White, Mike Kaneen, Maynard Poynter, and Rick Chalmers.

Reported by: Del Brunning