troutdog
12-23-2009, 12:30 AM
Got to the lake Friday night and met up with some of my fellow fish slayers....2QuickMotorwerks, NoHoArt, Bebop, Hitts0n, Sue and a couple of her friends John and Fred. Had a great time talking shop and planning the plan of attack for the day around the fire. Crazy thing was Friday night the Santa Anas were blowing and we were all wearing t-shirts or light jackets at 11pm!
Got up bright and early(thanks to whoever knocked on my window! :LOL:) and went up to the cafe blurry eyed to go get registered and pick up some fresh crawlers(they are not all bad, just got to be sure to check them before leaving the shop) and fill the thermos with some coffee. Day one started with Sue and I jumping on the SS NoHo with Art to try some trolling in hopes of catching a big one! With the exception of a single fish on the firetiger rapala, the troll was just not happening for us at that point so we decided to bait n wait in the Flats where Hitts0n and Bebop were well on their way to limits!
My buddy NoHoArt and I mapping out the next plan of attack! :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009002.jpg
After an unsuccessful attempt at anchoring off shore in the wind, we decided to beach it and join the shore crew for a break and maybe get in on the bite....pb, crawlers and "Hitts Magic Bait" all did their share of damage before our arrival. Got the chance to meet FNN member "Klymons" for the first time, nice to meet you Ken!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009004.jpg
I got no love from this spot, but NoHo punked the skunk as did Sue! Nice job mate!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009008.jpg
The "Dutchess of FNN" Sue with Old Saint Hitts0n! :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009014.jpg
What a great way to spend the day.....at the Vine
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009012.jpg
After a couple hours I started to get antsy and figured it was all or nothing time and asked Capt NoHo if he was willing to give the troll another shot....he gave a sly smile and said "good call bro!" With that said Art and I jumped back on the boat and headed towards the dam and were quickly rewarded! :Big Grin:
Armed and ready to battle :Twisted:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009017.jpg
The troll bite went wide at 1:30 and hammering them on every color we had dragging behind the boat....pink miras, blue Shad Frenzys and firetiger rapalas all had their moments. We passed on the raffle and opted for more trolling action, we finished one fish shy of double limits.
Now I can't tell you everything, otherwise it wouldn't be fair to the fish....but if you are out trolling these are the ideal conditions/numbers to look for! :Wink:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009048.jpg
This guy is just TOO cool!!!! :Cool: :Cool: :Cool:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009019.jpg
BLOOD SHOT for da FNN homies :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009015.jpg
Called it a day a little after 3 and headed in to meet up with the troops back at the picnic tables. Got there and lo and behold Mr Salty himself Ghetto Dad has a stringer of Irvine bows with his daughter Britney! Dude I am so glad you came out with your family, you are one lucky Dad.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009020.jpg
Hitts got schooled by GD's daughter to nobody's surprise! :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009021.jpg
Got a chance to grab a bite to eat and hang out with some great people...PoxyBoggards, Daryl, BigDaddy, Rooster, Yamafish, Ladyfish (thanks for the hotlinks!) all made it till the end of the day to share some laughs. We were later joined by Grampafish, Granny, Fred, Frenchy and Sue....Omar got busy and heated the oil for his now famous turkey.
2Quick calling the Butterball hotline as the process took a bit longer than anticipated and he hit the panic button :ROFL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009022.jpg
Oh yeah and Jimmy showed up while on a break in his new holiday outfit....I didn't ask so don't bother asking! :Shocked:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009029.jpg
2Quick with the final product...."NOW its ready!"
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009030.jpg
Grampafish, Hitts n Sue after our holiday dinner complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean cassarole and two kinds of pies. Add to that some of Shelly's (GD's better half) 7 layer dip, as well as pasta salad and homemade almond roca BigDaddy brought ( I shared the leftover candy with Mondo and some lucky Team57 members at the weigh in Sunday, so it did not go to waste BD!) Thanks for everyones contribution to make that all happen...special thanks to Omar and the KILLER turkey bro!
Great shot...safe to say GhettoDad is loved by his kids? :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009031.jpg
Wrapped up day one around the fire (much needed as the temperature was far cooler than Friday night) where the laughs and mayhem continued...I seriously think I pulled a rib muscle laughing.
DAY 2
Woke a bit after 5am, got dressed and headed to the cafe to get entered in the tourney. Slammed 2 cups of coffee, grabbed some toast/eggs and jumped into the truck with the heater blasting. Decided to switch it up and bait fish most of the day while staying in touch with NoHo to see if I was missing anything on the troll.
Darkness began fading to light and the stage was set for another beautful day at my favorite Orange County lake.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009033.jpg
Set up shop in the area adjacent to where Bebop Bob fished the previous day and there proved to be plenty of magic left! I had my first fish on after 20 minutes on my favorite early morning white powerworm/pink egg combo...guys if you have not tried it yet, white worm during the first hour of the day has been killer at Irvine. I like to add some Bang spray, but knock yourself out with the stink of your choice.
I was soon joined by Modo21 and none other than the "Rod War" Monger himself KOSHAW!!!!! It didn't take too long for Chuck to punk the skunk as he always seems to do!
Mondo21 on net!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009034.jpg
I got a couple more for a total of three fish rounded out by the crawler/egg combo when Granny and Grampafish showed me how it was REALLY done!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009038.jpg
Our bite slowed to crawl and it kinda sounded like overall conditions were tougher than the previous day, although the weather was great and there was absolutely NO wind! With the bite down to a pick at best NoHo and I tried one last assualt on the troll for a larger model, but to no avail. We did have one fish on, but well you know how the rest of the story goes!
This guy looked like he was enjoying his day on the water Sunday....
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009043.jpg
We wrapped it up just in time to make it to the weigh in, but we didn't have a contender fish...the one I did weigh was 1.14 and will have to say the quality of fish is starting to show signs of promise. Come on Jimmy keep the good fish coming, I want to see the Vine turn the clock back 2 years ago...back to those AMAZING 3-4lb fish that made up the bulk of my stringer buddy!
Saw alot of FNN peeps including Doctorhook, Timster, WPCBandit and Craig at the raffle. I think everyone enjoyed the festivities in anticipation of a brand new TV that went to some lucky angler who was not in attendence as it turned out. Aside from that there were plenty of goodies given away, including a rod n reel combo Doctorhook won and immediately gave to the adorable lil girl who drew the ticket for the tv! WTG Art :Thumbs Up:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009051.jpg
Nice job with the raffle Daniela and Jimmy, hats off to the security guy(someone help me with his name plz) standing next to Jimmy...very friendly employee, keeps an eye on the shore anglers and seems like he "just wants everyone to have a good time".
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009050.jpg
Thank you to the Vine and my friends for making this a memorable X-mas weekend tourney...lets get qualified for the Masters next time out there!
Have a great holiday season and a happy new year!
See you at the lake,
TD
Got up bright and early(thanks to whoever knocked on my window! :LOL:) and went up to the cafe blurry eyed to go get registered and pick up some fresh crawlers(they are not all bad, just got to be sure to check them before leaving the shop) and fill the thermos with some coffee. Day one started with Sue and I jumping on the SS NoHo with Art to try some trolling in hopes of catching a big one! With the exception of a single fish on the firetiger rapala, the troll was just not happening for us at that point so we decided to bait n wait in the Flats where Hitts0n and Bebop were well on their way to limits!
My buddy NoHoArt and I mapping out the next plan of attack! :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009002.jpg
After an unsuccessful attempt at anchoring off shore in the wind, we decided to beach it and join the shore crew for a break and maybe get in on the bite....pb, crawlers and "Hitts Magic Bait" all did their share of damage before our arrival. Got the chance to meet FNN member "Klymons" for the first time, nice to meet you Ken!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009004.jpg
I got no love from this spot, but NoHo punked the skunk as did Sue! Nice job mate!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009008.jpg
The "Dutchess of FNN" Sue with Old Saint Hitts0n! :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009014.jpg
What a great way to spend the day.....at the Vine
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009012.jpg
After a couple hours I started to get antsy and figured it was all or nothing time and asked Capt NoHo if he was willing to give the troll another shot....he gave a sly smile and said "good call bro!" With that said Art and I jumped back on the boat and headed towards the dam and were quickly rewarded! :Big Grin:
Armed and ready to battle :Twisted:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009017.jpg
The troll bite went wide at 1:30 and hammering them on every color we had dragging behind the boat....pink miras, blue Shad Frenzys and firetiger rapalas all had their moments. We passed on the raffle and opted for more trolling action, we finished one fish shy of double limits.
Now I can't tell you everything, otherwise it wouldn't be fair to the fish....but if you are out trolling these are the ideal conditions/numbers to look for! :Wink:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009048.jpg
This guy is just TOO cool!!!! :Cool: :Cool: :Cool:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009019.jpg
BLOOD SHOT for da FNN homies :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009015.jpg
Called it a day a little after 3 and headed in to meet up with the troops back at the picnic tables. Got there and lo and behold Mr Salty himself Ghetto Dad has a stringer of Irvine bows with his daughter Britney! Dude I am so glad you came out with your family, you are one lucky Dad.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009020.jpg
Hitts got schooled by GD's daughter to nobody's surprise! :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009021.jpg
Got a chance to grab a bite to eat and hang out with some great people...PoxyBoggards, Daryl, BigDaddy, Rooster, Yamafish, Ladyfish (thanks for the hotlinks!) all made it till the end of the day to share some laughs. We were later joined by Grampafish, Granny, Fred, Frenchy and Sue....Omar got busy and heated the oil for his now famous turkey.
2Quick calling the Butterball hotline as the process took a bit longer than anticipated and he hit the panic button :ROFL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009022.jpg
Oh yeah and Jimmy showed up while on a break in his new holiday outfit....I didn't ask so don't bother asking! :Shocked:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009029.jpg
2Quick with the final product...."NOW its ready!"
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009030.jpg
Grampafish, Hitts n Sue after our holiday dinner complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean cassarole and two kinds of pies. Add to that some of Shelly's (GD's better half) 7 layer dip, as well as pasta salad and homemade almond roca BigDaddy brought ( I shared the leftover candy with Mondo and some lucky Team57 members at the weigh in Sunday, so it did not go to waste BD!) Thanks for everyones contribution to make that all happen...special thanks to Omar and the KILLER turkey bro!
Great shot...safe to say GhettoDad is loved by his kids? :LOL:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009031.jpg
Wrapped up day one around the fire (much needed as the temperature was far cooler than Friday night) where the laughs and mayhem continued...I seriously think I pulled a rib muscle laughing.
DAY 2
Woke a bit after 5am, got dressed and headed to the cafe to get entered in the tourney. Slammed 2 cups of coffee, grabbed some toast/eggs and jumped into the truck with the heater blasting. Decided to switch it up and bait fish most of the day while staying in touch with NoHo to see if I was missing anything on the troll.
Darkness began fading to light and the stage was set for another beautful day at my favorite Orange County lake.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009033.jpg
Set up shop in the area adjacent to where Bebop Bob fished the previous day and there proved to be plenty of magic left! I had my first fish on after 20 minutes on my favorite early morning white powerworm/pink egg combo...guys if you have not tried it yet, white worm during the first hour of the day has been killer at Irvine. I like to add some Bang spray, but knock yourself out with the stink of your choice.
I was soon joined by Modo21 and none other than the "Rod War" Monger himself KOSHAW!!!!! It didn't take too long for Chuck to punk the skunk as he always seems to do!
Mondo21 on net!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009034.jpg
I got a couple more for a total of three fish rounded out by the crawler/egg combo when Granny and Grampafish showed me how it was REALLY done!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009038.jpg
Our bite slowed to crawl and it kinda sounded like overall conditions were tougher than the previous day, although the weather was great and there was absolutely NO wind! With the bite down to a pick at best NoHo and I tried one last assualt on the troll for a larger model, but to no avail. We did have one fish on, but well you know how the rest of the story goes!
This guy looked like he was enjoying his day on the water Sunday....
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009043.jpg
We wrapped it up just in time to make it to the weigh in, but we didn't have a contender fish...the one I did weigh was 1.14 and will have to say the quality of fish is starting to show signs of promise. Come on Jimmy keep the good fish coming, I want to see the Vine turn the clock back 2 years ago...back to those AMAZING 3-4lb fish that made up the bulk of my stringer buddy!
Saw alot of FNN peeps including Doctorhook, Timster, WPCBandit and Craig at the raffle. I think everyone enjoyed the festivities in anticipation of a brand new TV that went to some lucky angler who was not in attendence as it turned out. Aside from that there were plenty of goodies given away, including a rod n reel combo Doctorhook won and immediately gave to the adorable lil girl who drew the ticket for the tv! WTG Art :Thumbs Up:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009051.jpg
Nice job with the raffle Daniela and Jimmy, hats off to the security guy(someone help me with his name plz) standing next to Jimmy...very friendly employee, keeps an eye on the shore anglers and seems like he "just wants everyone to have a good time".
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/troutdog_photobucket/X-MasTourney2009050.jpg
Thank you to the Vine and my friends for making this a memorable X-mas weekend tourney...lets get qualified for the Masters next time out there!
Have a great holiday season and a happy new year!
See you at the lake,
TD