12/23 - VICTORY. CISCO disappoints...

[k3vin_kim]

For a week I was antsy about fishing an overnighter to Santa Rosa or San Miguel on the Ranger 85. I actually called up LA Smoker (bob) and Ymin72 (mike) and we were planning a little NB reUnion to finish off the year killing cods before the season closes.

So the plan was depart Thursday at 10pm, fish Friday and return home in time for dinner. Thursday morning to about 3pm i must've called CISCO (channel islands sportfishing center oxnard) at least 5 times to confirm that the boat was going out (15 needed to depart). Everything was looking good - especially the weather.

5pm - met up with mike and we had dinner and we were talking about what gear we were bringing and tackle...
7pm - we rolled to pick up bob at his new place.

8pm - After loading up all of our gear my phone goes off...

CISCO: "hi kevin? this is the landing... yeah we were wondering if it would be okay to "change boats" to the Pacific Islander... it seems as though the Ranger 85 wont go out with anything less than 15 people..."
ME: "Well, how many people are on the list?"
CISCO: "14"
ME: "okay whatever that's fine by me..."

10 minutes later... another phone call...

CISCO: "hi kevin, we apologize but 4 people canceled their rsvp (obviously because they felt they got bait and switched) so we don't have enough people to go out tonight.
ME: "but we're already half way to Oxnard and i'm coming from Irvine.."

and i kid you not - this is what the guy said to me next...

CISCO: Well you better turn around because it's not going out...


Bob, Mike and myself were so bummed. None of us have ever come across a canceled trip an hour before it was to depart. What kind of operation IS THAT anyway?? Well, at least we know what landing you guys are NOT gonna hear from me ever. Damn, should have checked with PAPA HOOKS. What a shame too - my friend AmbassadorHog (mike) refuses to fish anything but the ranger 85 because he says the captain is good. I guess 14 people wanting to go fishing isn't good enough for him - the magic # is 15.

but hey... sais la vie~!

So the 3 of us stayed at bobs house and played Call of Duty until our thumbs were numb.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/IMAG0146.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/IMAG0145.jpg

Anyways, so i got home around 2am and slept until 5am. I had a half fare ticket to fish the victory so i jumped on it.

Mike in the wheel house - Cliff on deck AND in the galley. There was about 14 anglers on the boat (CISCO - did you hear that? Fourteen).

Immediately, i noticed from the harbor the color of the water was muddy and completely turned over due to the recent rain pummeling we got.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/IMAG0161.jpg

But as we left the mouth of the harbor, it got better. It was a little chilly in the morning - took us about an hour to get to our first spot. I stayed in the galley and warmed up with a delicious polish sausage breakfast plate.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/IMAG0148.jpg

We fished the anchor all day anywhere from 175 to 110 ft. KEEP IN MIND: the gear that i brought with me was NOT meant to fish local shallow rockfish. I brought 2 setups both with 5 feet of 40# mono and my seeker and calstar are both 6 footers meant for DEEP water and BIG rockfish. My hooks were 3/0 and bigger. WAAAY TOO overkill for 2 pound reds and 3 pound sheepheads we were catching.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02275.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02285.jpg
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http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02274.jpg

After the first few spots, it was lunch time. I met a guy named "smiley" that i often see in JapanRon's posts and i introduced myself. Nice fellow -
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02281.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02276.jpg

Then after eating lunch the weather started to warm up. The water calmed down and it felt like summer again.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02278.jpg

A few more stops yielded us a few more 1-2 pound reds..
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02282.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02280.jpg

I caught the biggest sculpin i had ever caught in my life using a squid head - pinned about 18 inches above the sinker. A lot of goats came up during the day too. People brought shrimp but the majority were caught on squid strips. A fellow at the bow brought in this beauty which he also took the Jackpot with.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/DSC02272.jpg

There was a species that i was really fascinated to see. A guy on the stern pulled up a double. The top hook had a small starry and the bottom hook was this weird looking guy.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/IMAG0089.jpg

Weird but BEAUTIFUL - it's called a "monkey-faced prickle-back" - I am not making that up. It looked like a cross between a lizard fish and an eel but a fantastic purple/blue color. It would look sweet in an aquarium.

The day was winding down and coming to a close. I gave all my fish (2 reds, 1 chuckle, 1 sculpin and a whitefish) to a mexican guy that wasn't as fortunate - it made me feel good when he said "gracias amigo - this will be christmas dinner for me and my family"

And wouldn't you know it - not 10 minutes later Captain Mike gets on the Mic and says...

"On behalf of the crew and George (the owner of the boat) - Merry Christmas!! Everyone on the boat today will get a FREE RIDE ticket.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/k3vin_kim/IMAG0168.jpg

OMG - now THAT is what i call customer service - i hope you guys at CISCO are taking notes.

Peace.

[Thisfool]

thanks for the report. to bad about that one boat but looks like it worked out even better getting the free ticket

[k3vin_kim]

Yeah the Victory has always been my "go-to" boat. It's nostalgic to me cuz it was the first boat that i've ever fished on.

Oh and by the by - another reason i was pissed was cuz i wasted a scopalamine patch 30 minutes prior to that phone call. That's like getting all dressed up for the prom and the date doesn't show up.

AT LEAST they can send me a new patch - B@$T@12D$

[Thisfool]

lol o man thats to bad about the patch

[JapanRon]

Hi k3vin kim,

Nice job. Glad you got the free pass ..... might see you on a Wednesday.

Jan 1st and they gotta go for something else other than Rockfish.

JapanRon

[k3vin_kim]

kichi - you're friend smiley said "hi".

wednesday??? i can't - i gotta make teeth.

[DockRat]

Good job pulling off that trip. Remember you can always try surf fishing.
I'm packing a trout rod 24/7 in my lil Honda bucket.
Even though 2010 sucked for offshore I had a good year
with 100+ fishing trips after work and even casting at lunch.
You need to jump on the sand and jetties part time since you live only 20 minutes from the Halibut zones.
Try catching KH Boneheads on 4 lb test and you'll be hooked.


i can't - i gotta make teeth.
Is that what you do ? Caps ect ? http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e337/huhwasntme3/whengoodteethgobad.jpg
DR

[k3vin_kim]

DR - i was actually thinking about getting into surf fishing for a while but i was always reluctant because i've never been before. I never seen anybody surf fish either. A halibut from the beach sounds pretty exciting though - do you have any resources or links i can read up more on surf fishing? Thanks.

Yeah i work at a huge Dental lab - let me know if you need a crown or bridge or implant or denture - I'll talk to your dentist.

[murrieta angler]

Morning Kevin!
Sorry to hear about the boat's not going out. It's happened to me, outta 22nd Street, and I was pissed, except I went to Oxnard and did the full day the very next day....you just gotta roll with it sometimes cause "HE" has a reason for everything....:Big Grin:
Thanks for the report and pictures. If you ever want to head out with me and play in the surf just give me the word!
Take Care & Enjoy the Holidays,
Robert
<><

[k3vin_kim]

thanks rob - I'll PM you when i'm ready...

Until then bro - I thought we were gonna hit up the Indian sometime in January no? My next trip is already SET man -

Fri 1/21 - Sun 1/23 Seaforth "Legend" $195. 1.5 day to Colonet. u ready?

[FishinElectrician]

Damn, K3vin, sorry to hear about the horrid service outta Channel Islands... In my experiences, Ive had nothing but good times out of there... Who knows why they did what they did, but it wasnt right.

You shoulda tried the Islander, though, K3v... Its not as glamourous as the Ranger, but shes a comfy vessel with an outstanding crew.

[FishinElectrician]

My bad, K3vin... I just re read your post and they cancelled the trip on the Pac Islander too...

My bad...

[fishboy12]

My son and I went on Victory last year and the staff was really cool to us. We got to meet Smiley that day and he was fun to fish with and he was real good to my son. That a great boat.

[k3vin_kim]

Lip Rip - i was studying the schedules for about 2 weeks and the ranger was the ONLY overnight trip on the 23rd. Don't get me wrong i mean, i LOVE fishing the channel islands. I've just never fished out of CISCO before. It was always my friend Thomas' little boston whaler or PAC DAWN - now THERE's an AWESOME boat to fish on. Either way - it's not a big deal anymore - whatever - i'm ready to head down south to Colonet soon.

Fishboy - yeah, everyone on the victory is way laid back. I caught a WSB on that boat at the flats a few years ago... with a $30 spinning reel setup i got at big5.

[Wingnut]

Nice job Kev... cool hoodie. :Wink:
If you really want to learn how to surf fish, I may be able to provide some help... if you don't mind fishing with a bunch of rookies. :LOL:
Have a Happy New Year bro. :Cool:

[k3vin_kim]

I LOVE MY HOODIE - I'm gonna make this sweater FAMOUS - (just watch).

I know you're an avid surf fisherman Arthur - i don't know if i'm ready for catching a flattie off the beach yet.

Let me get back into the swing of the boats first =)

[ghetto dad]

no wonder you get so many replies k3vin..there IS a multiquote feature home boy!! lol

nice report brother...sucks about gettin cancelled on like that, but u still went fishing and slayed some fish bro

tell B.O.B. and ymin I said whats up...miss you foos!!

see u on FB homie! LOL

[k3vin_kim]

200 mph club

[ghetto dad]

200 mph club

:Wink:
:LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL:

[LA Smoker]

i'm ready to head down south to Colonet soon.


Lets go... sick of this local stuff.

[k3vin_kim]

I'm already commited to the Legend bro. 1/21-1/23 1.5 day bobbo

[Ambassadorhawg]

Hey K3vin,

Sorry, that's not a Monkey Face Prickle back. I am not really sure what it is though...gonna do some research..it's gotta have a name, LOL!

UPDATE: It MAY be a "Blackbelly Eelpout" but I am still researching, LOL!

[k3vin_kim]

MIKE! wow - what's up brotha!!!

let's call a spade a spade - it's a weird looking fish. I was told it was a monkey face prickle back by 2 captains - so i'm going with it.

Yo - mike, Legend bro - 1/21 1.5 day... whaddaya say? for old times sake. You can use your famous rock fish jigs all day long.

[exfactor]

Nice report. Sorry to hear that they cancelled your go to boat, but its still better then driving all the way to Oxnard, and being told it's cancelled, so no big. monkey face eel comes to mind on that fish. With todays economy, can't blame a sport boat for wanting to make a buck first before boldly going.

[Ambassadorhawg]

MIKE! wow - what's up brotha!!!

let's call a spade a spade - it's a weird looking fish. I was told it was a monkey face prickle back by 2 captains - so i'm going with it.

Yo - mike, Legend bro - 1/21 1.5 day... whaddaya say? for old times sake. You can use your famous rock fish jigs all day long.

I wish but I'll be broke from paying taxes, LOL! We'll see, will try..

Here's a picture of a real Monkeyfaced Prickleback:

[k3vin_kim]

ex factor - i suppose your right... about the driving part that is. Although - i'm 110% sure that once all of us got there, we would have all pitched in an extra $10 to cover the last $140 needed. But like i said... it's water under the bridge - no sense in crying about it now. The RF season is done.

A-Hawg - you pay taxes?

[christainmetalhead909]

Lucky i wasnt there id kill you at call of duty!!!!!

[k3vin_kim]

Lucky i wasnt there id kill you at call of duty!!!!!

I just learned how to play that night but bob will kill you with a knife and a handgun.

[E.A.R.G.]

thats pretty freaking awesome of the Victory!
Way to go!

[christainmetalhead909]

hows everything been man? i have not talked to you in forever! send me a text, you still got my number right? tell bob to bring it!!!!!!!!!

I just learned how to play that night but bob will kill you with a knife and a handgun.

[BigBassHogExpert]

Sorry to hear your trip on the Ranger 85 was cancelled, that's a top-notch boat and Captain Frank Ursitti fishes really, really hard.

[k3vin_kim]

BigBass - I'm not knocking the boat in anyway. In fact, the reason i chose that boat was because my buddy said the exact same thing you just did. I'm just pissing and moaning because i wanted to go fishing and didn't get to go. Understandibly.

[BigBassHogExpert]

Kevin: Totally understand your disappointment. Actually, I've been on several 2 day trips on the Ranger 85 in the last few years and they have always been amazing, plugging the boat with big rockfish, lings, etc. However, I was really looking forward to going on a 2 day last fall (November) and, unfortunately, I got a call that it was being cancelled the day before. Anyhow, the Ranger 85 usually does a handful of 2 day trips in April and May before they head down to San Diego for their summer 1 1/2 day tuna trips. If you get a chance to jump on one you won't regret it and I might see you onboard - you'll also fill your freezer.

[Wingnut]

Kevin and Joe,

If you guys have issues with each other, please address them through PM's and off the board. :Cool:

[Funjunkie74]

My "issue" isn't with Kevin. I've been done with him 8-months ago when I never got a "how are you" text or call. I feel sorry for his beautiful innocent children that their dad is a jacka-s.

As a long time member of FNN, I thought you should know that one of its members is suffering. I thought you should also know that some of your members swept me under the rug when they found out I was sick.
I was doing you and fellow FNN members a favor.

Oh and by the way Arthur, thank you for the well wishes.
You'll probably be tempted to or will terminate my account.
So I'll get my last words in now.

Thank you all for all the years of fish porn and fish tales.
I'm glad that you enjoyed reading my reports when I was actively posting them.
It was always nice to see fellow FNNers on trips, people recognizing "Funjunkie" and the NBU.
I couldn't do much fishing in 2010 and 2011 isn't looking much bright yet.
But if I'm really lucky, I look forward to seeing on your next trip.

Tight lines and cast one out for me.

- Joe "Funjunkie"

[Wingnut]

My "issue" isn't with Kevin. I've been done with him 8-months ago when I never got a "how are you" text or call. I feel sorry for his beautiful innocent children that their dad is a jacka-s.

As a long time member of FNN, I thought you should know that one of its members is suffering. I thought you should also know that some of your members swept me under the rug when they found out I was sick.
I was doing you and fellow FNN members a favor.

Oh and by the way Arthur, thank you for the well wishes.
You'll probably be tempted to or will terminate my account.
So I'll get my last words in now.

Thank you all for all the years of fish porn and fish tales.
I'm glad that you enjoyed reading my reports when I was actively posting them.
It was always nice to see fellow FNNers on trips, people recognizing "Funjunkie" and the NBU.
I couldn't do much fishing in 2010 and 2011 isn't looking much bright yet.
But if I'm really lucky, I look forward to seeing on your next trip.

Tight lines and cast one out for me.

- Joe "Funjunkie"

Joe, I sympathize with your situation and I can't even imagine the hardship that you've been going through. It's understandable why you are lashing out. But I don't think it serves a purpose or believe that it makes you feel better to chastise people who you say swept you under the rug. Don't waste your time on them because they're not important. Focus your energy on those who have stuck with you and stood by your side throughout your ordeal. Your family and true friends, they deserve the remainder of your attention and nobody else. We are all guilty of hoping that situations like yours happen to somebody else, to some other family, but sometimes they do hit home. I was reminded of how fragile life can be with the passing of 57.

You will be in my prayers tonight and thank you for the years of entertaining reports. I will remember them, and you...

When the time come, that you go to sleep with Angels... You shall live in the hearts of those who loved you and will thus never really die or be forgotten.

Arthur