10-23-2003, 02:05 AM
Hi there guys,
I went out on the 3/4 day open-party boat Victory today and fishing Horseshoe Kelp just off the coastline of Palo Verde. Long Beach Sportfishing (Berth 55) has recently redone their parking lot and it really sharp and safe. Dave runs a really smooth office operation in morning and Ron is always waiting in the galley to whip up a great breakfast.
Leaving at 6am, the skipper (mike) took us to get bait and then headed out for the northern section of the 'shoe'. The bait was fabulous as we had live and fresh dead squid as well as beautiful 5 and 6 inch sardines.
The fishing was fantastic but the catching was not as good as one could hope. The angler load numbered around 20. Lots of rockfish, a few calicos and barracuda made up the final tally and everyone got fish that wanted them.
The water was a warm 66 and fairly clean but we had an uphill current and an opposing wind that got stronger as the day progressed.
With conditions worsening, Mike decided to call it a day early and everyone received a 1/2 pass on thier next trip. That was very generous considering everyone knows the fishing is often pretty tough during the Winter season.
After we received our 1/2 passes the calico bite in close to the kelp near Point Vincente went wide open for a time.
Great landing, boat, crew, and fellow anglers!
JapanRon
[signature]