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!