The Fib’ers Christian Fishing Club’s (Fib’ers) first Adult Charter Trip of 2021 took place aboard the Fury, docked at Dana Wharf Sportfishing. This trip was an overnight trip that departed Dana Wharf Sportfishing at 9:00PM, Thursday, July 1st. There were 22 of us, plus crewmembers. The weather around the dock was nice, and not too windy. Because of the California Coronavirus sanitation regulations, all passengers were required to bring their own bedding.
After departing the dock, the group gathered in the galley. Charter Master Bernie Clayton led the group in prayer, asking The Lord to guide us safely as we traveled, that He would provide wisdom to Captain Rick, and his crew members, as to where we should fish, and that we would have an enjoyable trip. Fury Crewman Gerard discussed the boat rules and safety equipment, and mentioned that we would be heading to San Clemente Island. Gerard mentioned we could begin fishing before dawn around 4AM, recommending dropper loops. Since we had medium size sardines, and frozen squid strips for bait, Gerard suggested using size 1, 1/0, or 2/0 hooks. We started fishing near the backside of San Clemente Island a little after 4AM. Around 4:45AM Ken Kunkel caught the first fish, a sand dab weighing about 1 lb. Shortly after that, Walt Galen caught the first legal size calico bass, about a 2 pounder. A number of bottom fish began being caught. Paula Kunkel brought up the first double hook up, two whitefish. We headed a short distance to the backside of San Clemente Island. Around 7AM, Shirley Bruhl, after a long fight, decked the trip’s first yellow tail. The Captain said it weighed about 15-16 lbs. Shortly thereafter, Dee Ward brought up a large yellowtail, weighing 20 ½ lbs,
A couple more yellow tail were caught, and then we headed further up the backside of San Clemente Island, as the seals had invaded our space. Further up the Island, the Captain metered yellowtail and other fish, so we stopped, and again began catching a variety of fish. Andrew Gomez caught a large yellowtail, that rivaled the size of Dee Ward’s 20 ½ pounder. Around 10AM, Nick Rocco decked the trip’s only legal size halibut, weighing in at 8 ½ lbs. Junior Fib’er Kevin Waits brought in a large sheepshead, estimated weight was 6 lbs. A number of people were catching bonito, all average size, about 2 -3 pounds. Walt Galen was kind enough to assist a few Fib’ers with their knot connections, as they were re-tying their fluorocarbon top shots, and hooks. As noon approached, the seals found us again, so the Captain said we would head over and fish the leeward, front side of the Island, before heading back to the dock.
The weather had been overcast and breezy throughout the morning, with a slight 2-3 swell. As we arrived at the front side of the Island, the sun broke through, the wind died down, and the water was much calmer, and clear. We started fishing, and were successful with a number of legal and undersized calico bass, as well as a few more yellowtail and bonito.
Around 2:30PM the Captain advised us it was time to head back to the dock. As we headed back to the dock, the crewmen brought our fish out of the fish holder, and we gathered for a group photo, with most people in the group holding their favorite catch of the day. After the photo, we weighed the fish to determine the jackpot winner. Dee Ward’s 20 ½ lb yellowtail barely beat out Andrew Gomez’s 20 lb yellow tail for the Trip Jackpot fish.
We had a really fun time fishing together, and fellowshipping with one another. The Trip was very successful. Our final Trip fish count was: 17 Yellowtail, 29 Bonito, 15 Calico Bass, 23 Sheepshead, 88 Whitefish, 3 Rockfish, 2 Spanish Jack, 1 Halibut, and 1 Barracuda.
We arrived back at the dock at 7:30PM. We all headed home with various fish filets that we would enjoy eating.
